The Chicago Teachers Union is back on the picket line this morning in their first strike since 1987. The strike, of course, had an immediate local impact as parents must decide where to send their children. Early reports indicate that attendance is light at 144 schools and 59 churches CPS opened up to students. Some community groups sympathetic to CTU have set up their own sites for students.

The strike also had an impact in the presidential race. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney criticized CTU yesterday and expressed sympathy for parents. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama has so offered little analysis of the dispute much less taken sides with either the district or union.

Check back with PI throughout the day for more.