Happy Friday, Chicago.

If you've never written a letter to the editor, consider this: They can change the course of history. 

Ryan Chao writes today about Chicago naturalist and writer May Theilgaard Watts, whose 1963 letter published in the Tribune inspired what would become the Illinois Prairie Path. Got thoughts of your own? Send them to letters@chicagotribune.com. 

We met with Chicago mayoral candidate Joe Holberg earlier this week, who floated a fascinating idea: Chicago should buy back its parking meters. Be sure to check out the details of his idea in our commentary section today. Whether you agree or disagree, it's the sort of outside-the-box proposal that deserves a hearing. 

World Cup matches kick off in less than two weeks, but Iran, one of the 48 qualifying teams, isn't here yet. This marks the first time a World Cup host nation is at war with another participant. The board’s view: If Iran's players clear security screening, let them play.

Our lead editorial takes on an unfair, ill-conceived crackdown on landlords from the mayor’s office that would function as backdoor rent control.

And after Springfield’s recent Bears fumble, columnist David Greising asks: What’s wrong with using the old Illinois Sports Facilities Authority to help keep the Bears? 

Don’t forget to check out reader letters.

— Hilary Gowins, editorial board member

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