Chicago Tribune Opinion Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | | |
| | | | | We hope you had a good, long weekend, Chicago. Today, the editorial board takes note of new Gallup polling showing a growing share of Americans identifying as political independents, a sign, in our view, of a desire to move back toward the middle and away from the extremes. The board also weighs in on an idea to boost downtown tourism — a proposed 1.5% surcharge on hotel stays that would push the total effective hotel tax in Chicago to nearly 20%. Paul Vallas argues that after a string of high-profile violent crimes on the CTA, restoring safety and ridership requires a fully staffed, permanent police transit unit, not temporary programs,
private security or symbolic fixes. Edgewater resident and architect Todd Baisch writes that upzoning Broadway doesn't represent the comprehensive planning his neighborhood needs. Rounding out our commentary, columnist Daniel DePetris ponders whether peace will materialize in Gaza. Don’t forget to check out our reader letters. — Hilary Gowins, editorial board member Submit an op-ed | Submit a letter to the editor | Meet the Tribune Editorial Board | Subscribe to this newsletter | | | | As we approach the 2026 midterm elections, the signals should be clear: More voters appear to be searching for a return to the middle and to common sense, the Tribune Editorial Board writes. | | | | | Chicago hotels want a new tax. Here’s their case and the drawbacks, the Tribune Editorial Board writes. | | | | | Chicago should establish a fully resourced public transit safety unit, Paul Vallas writes. | | | | | At this pivotal moment, the city of Chicago is failing to do what cities must do when change is inevitable: Plan for it, an Edgewater resident and architect writes. | | | | | As the White House would like to proclaim its policy on Gaza as a clear accomplishment, Trump’s peace plan still rests on a weak foundation, foreign affairs columnist Daniel DePetris writes. | | | | | In this national health care crisis, it is now up to the states to take action, a South Side organization leader writes. | | | | | Scott Stantis | |
