Chicago Tribune Opinion Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | | |
| | | | | Good morning, Chicago. Only 24% of Americans are “satisfied” with the state of the country, a Gallup survey taken in December found. This leaves our columnist Laura Washington wondering: Why are politicians perceived so poorly by voters? Read her thoughts below. Another obvious truth about the state of the nation is that everything is more expensive. The high cost of living concerns both Democrats and Republicans, and the editorial board says that the solutions proposed by President Donald Trump and Illinois Democrats won’t help. One thing that may boost the economy in Illinois is the pending Bears stadium and surrounding development in Arlington Heights. Today, we have an advocate from the northwest suburbs who explains why giving the NFL team tax certainty is appropriate. Also today, the board celebrates the University of Michigan’s two new hires who are over the age of 60. “Whatever criticisms you may level at this great university, which has gone through a rough patch of late, ageism clearly cannot be one of them,” the board writes. I hope you have a nice Wednesday! — Grace Miserocchi, opinion editor Submit an op-ed | Submit a letter to the editor | Meet the Tribune Editorial Board | Subscribe to this newsletter | | | | From President Donald Trump to Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch, Republicans and Democrats alike are brimming with dubious ideas to make stuff cheaper. | | | | | The nature of the American political system propagates poseurs who blather on endlessly, promising everything and delivering little. | | | | | Tax certainty is not unusual. It is a practical requirement when private investors are prepared to commit billions of dollars in Illinois. | | | | | The University of Michigan decides age is no barrier when stability is job one. | | | | | What a great time my dad, my mom and I had. Especially those last minutes of the game. It felt a bit like ’85. | | | | | Scott Stantis | |
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