| Happy Friday, Chicago. Today, the editorial board points out the hypocrisy in Mayor Brandon Johnson taking a victory lap over news of Chicago’s population growth. The board argues that he owes the public a more honest account of how Chicago grew — namely, through the arrival of busloads of migrants sent by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, an inhumane move Johnson once denounced as “evil.” Our lead editorial takes a critical look at Republicans’ $3.7 trillion tax bill, which is riddled with illogical and unfair provisions, including tax breaks on tips and overtime that are ripe for abuse. While the board understands the logic behind lifting the SALT deduction cap, it warns that many of the bill’s benefits are temporary and politically timed to expire with the end of Donald Trump’s presidency. Most troubling is the projected increase to the national deficit. Columnist Elizabeth Shackelford warns that Trump’s acceptance of lavish gifts and foreign business deals — including a $400 million jet from Qatar — violates long-standing ethics rules and the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause. She argues Trump is openly using the presidency to enrich himself and his family, risking U.S. national security in the process. Our next opinion piece champions the Safe at Home bill aimed at curbing youth gun violence by requiring parents and guardians to store firearms securely. Authors Yolanda Androzzo and Dr. Paul Nestadt argue that this is an urgent need, as gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children in Illinois and the U.S. — a problem that can be improved if we protect kids from their worst impulses by keeping guns out of reach. Ann Muno writes about the murder of her 16-year-old sister Kim by a male classmate, a crime that happened 50 years ago that still matters today. She critiques Netflix’s new true crime series “Adolescence” for focusing solely on the male perpetrator while sidelining the female victim’s story, and argues that understanding why boys kill is only half the story. The other half is helping girls live. Be sure to check out our reader letters — and enjoy your weekend. — Hilary Gowins, editorial board member Submit an op-ed | Submit a letter to the editor | Meet the Tribune Editorial Board | Subscribe to this newsletter | 
