Happy Friday, Chicago.

On the opinion page, John Holden, president of the Edgewater Historical Society, argues that a new housing plan from Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration threatens the character of his neighborhood. “What has been a slow drip could possibly turn into a fire hose of new bloated, bland, boxlike structures in Edgewater and to a lesser extent Uptown,” he writes. “The plan could cannibalize the very urban vibrancy that has made Edgewater so appealing in the first place.”

Columnist David Greising explores the flaws in Chicago’s throw-everything-at-it approach to crime.

Regular contributor Willie Wilson warns that our health care system is in crisis, writing: “Our country is sick — it is facing an epidemic of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, increased maternal mortality and other preventable chronic diseases.” He fears President Donald Trump’s proposed funding cuts will worsen access for everyday Americans.

Despite being vilified by Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union, Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez will assume a top post in Massachusetts — a testament to his leadership under pressure. The editorial board applauds his resilience and sees his appointment as a rebuke of Johnson’s CTU-aligned policy approach.

Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti sentenced Robert Crimo III to life in prison without parole, describing him as “irretrievably depraved, permanently incorrigible, irreparably corrupt and beyond any rehabilitation." The editorial board sincerely hopes never to have to type his name again and wishes only the best for the Highland Park community as it continues to heal from Crimo’s senseless crimes.

Have a great weekend.

— Hilary Gowins, editorial board member

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