Chicago Tribune Opinion Friday, June 12, 2026 | | |
| | | | | Happy Friday, Chicago. Today brings a reprieve from this week’s storms, and we’re ready for the sun. Illinois' new social media tax is built on a surprisingly basic omission: No definition of a "user,” as the editorial board points out. Our lead editorial tackles another Springfield issue that received far less attention than the Bears stadium debate — the explosive growth of data centers, and why lawmakers need statewide rules before local governments make decisions that could reshape Illinois' power grid. Writer Michael Peregrine revisits the 1966 Division Street Riots, contrasting today
's trendy stretch around Damen Avenue and Division Street with the neighborhood's turbulent history and the lasting impact on Chicago's Puerto Rican community. Columnist Elizabeth Shackelford heralds that Ukraine’s “grit, determination and imagination” are helping it defy expectations in its ongoing war with Russia. Rounding out our opinion page, writer Alex Poppe tells the story of her father, a World War II refugee from Germany who built a life in Chicago, and reflects on what his experience says about America's immigration debates today. Don’t forget to check out 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 | | | | A tax expected to generate $200 million annually should come with clear definitions and clear rules. This one doesn’t. | | | | | Even solidly Republican areas are rebelling against power-sucking data centers. | | | | | Ukrainian professionals who once worked in finance, IT and construction have turned their civilian capabilities to military means. | | | | | With the benefit of 60 years of hindsight, it’s fair to ask — has lasting progress been made since those three hot and violent summer nights? | | | | | My father was a refugee who escaped Germany and settled in the United States. I don’t think he would recognize what we’ve become. | | | | | I’m shocked at how few people understand the symbiotic relationship Chicago has with northwest Indiana and Hammond, where I’m from. | | | |
