Chicago teachers union contract talks intensify tensions

Spring has arrived in Chicago, but the weather has been unpredictable. This week, the city experienced thunderstorms, tornado warnings, and even snow. On Thursday, President Trump signed an executive order to cut the Education Department's budget. However, shutting down the agency will likely need Congress's approval. Meanwhile, in Chicago, negotiations between Chicago Public Schools and the teachers union have turned tense. The mayor met with CPS CEO Pedro Martinez and union president Stacy Davis Gates to ease the situation. The Chicago Board of Education then postponed a vote on a controversial budget amendment due to these ongoing talks. Political tensions are high beyond local issues. At a town hall meeting led by Illinois U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, protests over the Israel-Hamas war forced a quick end, and police had to step in. In Deerfield, a middle school faced scrutiny after a civil rights complaint was filed regarding a transgender student using the girls' locker room. In Springfield, lawmakers are moving ahead with a bill to regulate homeschooling, despite strong opposition from thousands of protesters. The Regional Transportation Authority also warned of possible service cuts to transit in the Chicago area unless a $770 million budget gap is addressed. Additionally, a bill that could mostly ban no-knock warrants by police progressed after testimony from Anjanette Young. In entertainment news, Lollapalooza announced its summer 2025 lineup, featuring major artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Tyler, The Creator. March Madness has also started, with the University of Illinois competing in both the men's and women's NCAA tournaments.