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

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Good morning.

There's a rumor the sun will make an appearance sometime today.

Until it does, the opinion pages have plenty to keep you occupied. The Tribune Editorial Board offers some thoughts on the recently departed George Wendt, who meant so much more to this town than simply his status as the Chicago native who created the indelible character of Norm on the TV series "Cheers." Check out Scott Stantis' cartoon paying tribute (see below). It's a classic.

The editorial board also says the news that the Chicago Bears are likely at long last to decamp from Chicago for Arlington Heights isn't the end of the world for the city.

Willie Wilson, a regular contributor, leads with the Trump administration's agreement to accept a Qatari jet, which will serve as the next Air Force One, in a piece railing on corruption seemingly present at every level of government and in both parties.

Elsewhere, we have a piece from the former head of Philadelphia's transit agency using that city's experience as a cautionary tale for Chicago-area transit agencies facing an impending large-scale funding shortfall. And a former arts editor for The Washington Post, who now lives in Illinois, has penned a piece on the many senior citizens who've donned their sensible shoes to protest the current administration.

Readers clearly have Mayor Brandon Johnson on their minds, and we've published a bunch of letters expressing those varying views.

Have a great Thursday, and we'll be back tomorrow.

— Steve Daniels, editorial board member

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Editorial: Norm on ‘Cheers’? George Wendt meant far more to Chicagoans.

In Chicago, Norm from ‘Cheers’ is only part of the George Wendt legacy.

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Editorial: Chicago will survive the Chicago Bears of Arlington Heights

The Chicago Bears of Arlington Heights? Chicago will survive the betrayal.

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Willie Wilson: Democratic and Republican leaders pay lip service to preventing public corruption

President Donald Trump pledged to “drain the swamp.” Now, he is willing to accept a luxury jet from the Qatari government.

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Leslie S. Richards: Philadelphia’s transit faces deep cuts. Chicago can still avoid this fate.

Philadelphia’s transit agency is now forced to plan for devastating service cuts. Chicago has time to act before damage is done.

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Christine Ledbetter: The rising revolution is gray-haired and determined

Many of the participants in recent Chicagoland protests against the Trump administration’s policies are senior citizens.

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Letters: In defense of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s push toward equity

You don’t have to agree with every move Mayor Brandon Johnson makes, but equity in city contracting or hiring isn’t radical. It’s overdue.

Read more →

Scott Stantis