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

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Good morning, Chicago. I’m tempted to make the joke, “Hot enough for ya?” But I’m too tired and sweaty too. In all seriousness, the extreme heat persists today, and we have neighbors who are vulnerable to the oppressively high heat and humidity. For lifesaving information, visit the city of Chicago and Cook County government websites for information on cooling centers.

Today in our section, the Tribune Editorial Board is alarmed by the speculation that a New York banking giant is looking to buy out Northern Trust, a mainstay of the Chicago business community and employer of thousands of people in the city. “A relentless series of sales of locally based banks to out-of-town buyers over the past two decades has dramatically weakened the city’s once-powerful banking sector,” the board writes. Northern Trust insists it will stay independent, and the board hopes that’s the case.

In its other editorial, the board offers this encouragement to former Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Gov. JB Pritzker, who appear likely to pursue a run for president: “Bring it on, gentlemen.”

In commentary, our foreign affairs columnist Daniel DePetris offers a strong analysis of the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, an escalation of the war between Israel and Iran. A Chicago Teachers Union leader and an associate professor argue for fully funded public transit and public education in Chicagoland. And a Northwestern professor believes Michael Schill is not the person to lead the charge in shepherding the university during the Donald Trump years.

Plus, our letter writers offer their take on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s rejection of the snap curfew ordinance.

Thank you for reading. We’ll be back tomorrow.

— Colleen Kujawa, opinion editor

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Editorial: A sale of Northern Trust would be a major blow to Chicago

A report that a New York rival has made a merger overture to Chicago’s largest locally headquartered bank should raise alarm bells.

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Editorial: Rahm versus JB in a presidential primary? Bring it on.

A high-stakes presidential primary battle between former Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker would help Chicago.

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Daniel DePetris: Is there a diplomatic off-ramp available for the US and Iran?

President Donald Trump should continue diplomacy with Iran if only because the other option — military strikes — holds more risks.

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Jackson Potter and Kate Lowe: Public education and transit benefit Chicagoans but aren’t being fully funded

Fully funded public schools and public transit are fully possible in Illinois.

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Luis A. Nunes Amaral: Northwestern needs better leadership to fight back against Donald Trump

Northwestern University’s leadership chooses not to afford the members of its community respect.

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Letters: With his snap curfew veto, what is the mayor’s alternative to stopping teen takeovers?

Many kids are dealing with trauma and poverty. They need guidance, protection and boundaries, not chaos. A veto doesn’t deliver that.

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