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Chicago Tribune Opinion

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Good morning, Chicago.

President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown is still causing chaos and confusion in Chicago. Today, we have a touching story of the immigration system working well for one Chicagoan, Stan Chu Ilo, who had his naturalization ceremony one day after Trump took office. Ilo writes about his love for America and what citizenship means to him.

Also today in our section, we have two pieces on large corporations making some questionable decisions. The Tribune Editorial Board calls out insurance companies such as Allstate and State Farm for raising rates on Illinois homeowners likely due to natural disasters in other states. “What do the increasing frequency of natural disasters in Florida, California, Texas and even North Carolina have to do with what homeowners in Illinois pay for risk protection?” the board asks. State Sen. Michael E. Hastings is also worried about Illinois residents’ insurance premiums and writes in our section today about two bills he has proposed in Springfield to keep rates in check.

Columnist Laura Washington calls out Walgreens, which recently announced it was closing five stores in Chicago, all located on the South and West sides. These closures will impact Black and brown people, especially seniors, who depend on brick-and-mortar pharmacies to get their medications.

Let’s end on a good note. The editorial board’s second piece today celebrates the arrival of Yuengling in Illinois. Cheers to that!

— Grace Miserocchi, opinion editor

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Stan Chu Ilo: I became an American citizen a day after Trump’s inauguration

I became an American citizen because I believe in the enduring ideals of freedom, human rights and equality of the United States of America.

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Editorial: Are Illinoisans paying more for insurance due to California and Florida disasters?

The California wildfires will cost insurers more than $30 billion; Allstate is hiking homeowners rates in Illinois by 14.3%. Related? Probably not, but let’s be sure.

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Sen. Michael E. Hastings: We must protect families from unfair insurance premium hikes

Insurance companies regularly raise their rates, often with no prior insurance claim or other unforeseen event to warrant the hikes.

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Laura Washington: Walgreens is creating pharmacy deserts on the South and West sides

The five local Walgreens stores to be closed are all on the city’s South and West sides, serving African American and Latino neighborhoods.

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Editorial: Hurrah for a cold Yuengling in Illinois

Finally, Illinois fans of Yuengling have beaten back the beer distribution system.

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Letters: Risks of not addressing leak-prone gas infrastructure are too high

Instead of sneering at hardworking union members, I wish the editorial board had acknowledged the facts.

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Scott Stantis