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

Friday, December 19, 2025

Happy Friday, Chicago.

Today, the editorial board laments the return of Border Patrol Cmdr. Greg Bovino, whose ranks have staked out Home Depot and snatched at least one tamale vendor off the streets.

The board also weighs in on the Bears’ surprising announcement that they’ve expanded their stadium horizons not just to the Chicago suburbs but also to northwest Indiana. The news comes ahead of one of the most anticipated Bears-Packers matchups in a decade — and a loss would only amplify fan frustration with Kevin Warren’s buzzkill message.

On the opinion page, Pastor Paco Amador and Daniel Yang, recalling a firsthand encounter with Bovino during an arrest in Little Village, articulate an evangelical Christian perspective on the president’s approach to immigration reform and underscore the importance of offering biblical hospitality for immigrant families.

Columnist David Greising returns to the Chicago budget battle, writing that while the City Council and City Hall debate various revenue ideas, we can’t lose sight of the serious debt risks that could push the city toward a credit downgrade and long-term fiscal harm.

Don’t forget to check out our reader letters.

— Hilary Gowins, editorial board member

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Editorial: Bovino should heed the advice of Susie Wiles if he won’t listen to Chicagoans

Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino is making a performative nuisance of himself in the run-up to Chicago’s holidays. The act is wearing thin.

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Editorial: Leverage-obsessed Chicago Bears do their best to squelch the good seasonal vibes

Take a break with all that stadium stuff, Kevin Warren. Come back after the Bears win the Super Bowl.

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Paco Amador and Daniel Yang: Bovino is trying to steal Chicago’s Christmas with raids

Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino’s self-proclaimed mission in Chicago appeared devoid of the mercy and love central to the Gospel.

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David Greising: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s billion-dollar borrowing plan is risky business

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s borrowing plans, which will have both immediate and yearslong ramifications, have not gotten enough focus.

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Richard Ray: Doomed owl expedition reminds me of Chicago’s year-round natural splendor

I’d been making plans since I first heard the snowy owls landed on Lake Michigan’s shore, but many things postponed our search.

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Letters: The state and city must step in to support and safeguard mental health care

State and local leadership must collaborate and support a network of health care that includes mental health services.

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