Chicago Tribune Opinion newsletter
Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team
 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌

Chicago Tribune Opinion

Friday, June 6, 2025

Happy (smoggy) Friday, Chicago.

As Canadian wildfires continue to burn, Chicagoans are once again contending with smoke-filled skies and unhealthy air. The editorial board cautions against becoming desensitized to the haze, reminding readers that poor air quality poses real health risks — especially for vulnerable groups. Thankfully, the smoke is expected to clear soon.

Our lead editorial highlights growing frustration within City Council over Mayor Brandon Johnson’s handling of the city’s worsening financial condition and reliance on new revenue instead of cost-cutting. As aldermen press city budget officials for real solutions to a $1.1 billion deficit, the editorial board urges the administration to make tough spending choices — not just keep passing the bill to taxpayers. Otherwise, the city risks further downgrades, higher borrowing costs and declining public trust.

Peter H. Schwartz revisits the cultural symbolism of Leave It to Beaver, exploring how 1950s nostalgia fuels conservative visions of family, virtue, and moral order. Through personal anecdotes and sharp critique, he examines the show’s lingering influence — and its limitations — as a model for American life.

Longtime journalist and watchdog Andy Shaw argues that Chicago and Illinois leaders are blaming Washington for post-COVID budget shortfalls instead of addressing decades of local mismanagement, inefficiency and bloat. Shaw calls out state lawmakers, CTA, CPS and City Hall for demanding more bailouts while failing to make necessary cuts or structural reforms.

Columnist David Greising contrasts Chicago Fire owner Joe Mansueto’s self-funded stadium plan with the public subsidy demands of other sports team owners. Mansueto’s $650 million investment in The 78 offers a refreshing model of private-sector leadership, while the Bears and White Sox continue to angle for taxpayer dollars despite soaring franchise valuations.

Don’t forget to check out reader letters.

— Hilary Gowins, editorial board member

Submit an op-ed | Submit a letter to the editor | Meet the Tribune Editorial Board | Subscribe to this newsletter

Editorial: That hazy sky out there isn’t harmless

The smoke is expected to clear soon. But as wildfires become more common, it’s important to remember: Just because something starts to feel normal doesn’t mean it’s safe.

Read more →

Editorial: Aldermanic tempers boil as Chicago’s borrowing costs climb

A nearly $700 million Chicago bond offering completed this week made clear the city’s financial weakness.

Read more →

Peter H. Schwartz: Why nostalgia for the 1950s of ‘Leave it to Beaver’ persists in America’s religious right

Nostalgia for the 1950s idealizes communities such as Mayfield where the values of faith, family, friends and flag all flourished.

Read more →

David Greising: The conversation about new sports stadiums in Chicago just got simpler

The Chicago Fire owner’s move to build a stadium stirred the spirits of a city that’s tired of team owners asking taxpayers to lay out billions.

Read more →

Andy Shaw: Public officials must cut the fat before begging for taxpayer bailouts

There’s no sign that anyone in Springfield or Chicago City Hall is willing to make the hard choices real leaders are supposed to make.

Read more →

Letters: Ukraine is using the weapons of the future

Russia was caught cold on their invasion of Kyiv by drones, which have advanced faster than their defenses have been able to counter.

Read more →