Weekly Wrap-Up: Politics, Sports, and More

The first week of April was packed with events. Let's dive right in. The stock market had a rough week. President Trump announced new tariffs. This included a 10% tax on imports from all countries. China did not take this lightly. They retaliated by imposing a 34% tariff on all U. S. products. This back-and-forth shows how trade wars can quickly escalate. The legal battles against the Trump administration's policies continued. A federal judge in San Francisco stepped in. They paused plans to end temporary legal protections for Venezuelans. This move would have cut billions in federal support for public health initiatives. Illinois joined 18 other states in suing to stop an executive order. This order aimed to change how U. S. elections are run. These legal challenges highlight the ongoing debates over immigration and election policies. Elections were a big deal this week. Many suburbanites voted in races across the Chicago area. These included mayor, city council, and village board positions. Incumbents generally performed well. However, state Republicans took a major hit. They lost races in several municipalities. This outcome reflects the shifting political landscape in suburban areas. After nearly a year of tough negotiations, the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools finally reached a contract deal. This is a big deal. It's the first time in a decade that a deal was reached without a strike vote or strike. This agreement shows that both sides were willing to compromise. Sports fans had plenty to cheer about. The Chicago Cubs had their home opener at Wrigley Field. They won 3-1 against the San Diego Padres. The Bears also had a busy week. They signed veteran quarterback Case Keenum. The team also provided updates on their new stadium prospects. Chairman George McCaskey made it clear. He has no plans to sell the team. These moves show the Bears' commitment to their future. The 41st Chicago Latino Film Festival is opening this weekend. Screenings will run through April 13 at Landmark Century Centre Cinema. This event celebrates Latino culture and filmmaking. It's a great opportunity for film lovers to enjoy diverse stories.