Happy Fourth of July eve.

A long weekend awaits, which is always welcome news. Before you prepare for your barbecues and other festivities, we've got lots to chew on (so to speak).

It's an eclectic bunch of opinion pieces, led by a private equity investor's lament about how his own industry too often has destroyed companies owned by multiple generations of families in search of short-term profit.

Readying for some grilled delectables, the editorial board first pauses to worry about how grocery bills remain too high, especially for the less fortunate in our country. A second editorial frets about another unfortunate trend, an aging population in the state of Illinois.

I think we're going to hear a lot more in the near future about deteriorating credit scores for lots of American consumers. We have an op-ed that addresses how the sudden requirement that holders of federal student loans restart making monthly payments has been managed chaotically and is leading to needlessly damaged credit.

Lastly, Willie Wilson, a regular contributor, chastises city officials for failing to replace water lines at a minimally required pace, prolonging the exposure to lead-tainted water in many Chicago neighborhoods.

Also, don’t miss the op-ed coming Friday from Illinois Rep. Bob Morgan, who represents Highland Park. He has a poignant piece for remembering the horrific mass shooting in that suburb three years ago and calls upon us all to condemn the rise in political violence.

As always, there are letters from our readers as well. Have a great holiday weekend, and we’ll see you next week.

— Steve Daniels, editorial board member

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