Chicago Tribune Opinion Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | | |
| | | | | Good morning, Chicago. Before we ring in the new year with Chance the Rapper on “Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve,” let’s take a moment to review 2025. I’d say it was mid. (Ask a young person about that descriptor.) Over the past few days, the Tribune Editorial Board, my fellow opinion editor and I have been looking back at all the chaos and change that came at us this year: Donald Trump’s second term began, Chicago City Hall and the council battled over budgets and affordable housing, Operation Midway Blitz roiled Chicagoland and more. If you’d rather laugh, take a peek at the best cartoons from Scott Stantis this year. See below for my personal favorite. And don’t miss a look back at some of our most heartfelt and personal op-eds. After recapping, you can test your knowledge with our 2025 news quiz. Thanks for reading. We will be back in your inbox next year! — Grace Miserocchi , opinion editor Submit an op-ed | Submit a letter to the editor | Meet the Tribune Editorial Board | Subscribe to this newsletter | | | | 2025 ushered in a great deal of change. Join the Tribune Editorial Board and opinion team as we reflect on the events that shaped the year. | | | | | Looking back on the little joys and big irritations of life in Chicagoland in 2025. | | | | | Our op-eds this year examined what a new age of executive power means and how it is affecting Americans and people around the world. | | | | | ICE and the Border Patrol loomed large in Chicago in 2025 | | | | | A conflict-driven year for Mayor Brandon Johnson. | | | | | Our op-ed contributors wrote thoughtfully this year on how Chicago can develop the amount of housing it needs. | | | | | The Tribune Editorial Board recounts Chicago’s efforts to combat violent crime over the course of 2025. | | | |
