Week In Review: Big Changes And Big Questions

Venezuela and U.S. Tensions

This week, the world witnessed significant changes in Venezuela and U.S.-Denmark relations.

Venezuela: The U.S. removed President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from office. They now face serious drug trafficking charges in the U.S. The White House is pushing for American energy companies to enter Venezuela to control the country's oil worldwide.
Denmark: Tensions flared as President Donald Trump renewed his interest in Greenland, the Arctic island under Danish control.

The nation is grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident in Minneapolis.

Shooting: Renee Good, a 37-year-old woman, was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. The shooting has sparked nationwide debates and protests, with many questioning the officer's actions. Videos from bystanders and the officer's body camera footage have fueled the controversy.
ICE Accountability Project: Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot launched this initiative to track alleged misconduct by immigration agents. The project comes amid a wave of shootings involving federal agents since the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration began.

Health and Human Services: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services froze $10 billion in funding for child care programs in five Democrat-led states. The affected states filed a lawsuit, and by Friday, a judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing the government from freezing the funds.
Legislative Front: Several House Republicans joined Democrats to pass a bill extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, which expired at the end of last year.

Illinois: Governor JB Pritzker signed a major energy bill aimed at lowering electricity prices amid rising utility costs. However, Nicor Gas filed a $221 million rate increase request for its suburban Chicago customers. If approved, the average resident's delivery charges could rise by about $6 per month starting next year.
Chicago: City officials made several notable decisions:
Aldermen advanced an ordinance allowing the police superintendent to enforce a teen curfew anytime, anywhere.
Mayor Brandon Johnson hinted at possible layoffs for city workers.
The city's chief financial officer announced her departure from the mayor's administration.

Chicago Bears: The team is gearing up for their first playoff game in five years. They will face their division rivals, the Green Bay Packers, on Saturday night at Soldier Field. Fans are eager to see if Caleb Williams and first-year coach Ben Johnson can secure another win against their longtime rivals.