Commentary

The opinions in and around Chicago that inform, analyze, hold power accountable and entertain.

Enbridge’s Line 5 oil and gas pipeline trespasses through sovereign tribal lands, is an environmental disaster waiting to happen, Ben Jealous writes.
Maybe Fields will develop with the Steelers, become a franchise star. It’s more likely he’ll be an updated Mitch Trubisky.
Closing the facilities for an extended period would all too likely disrupt and potentially destabilize the prison system, the executive director of Council 31 writes.
In Meta’s latest flex, it’s threatening to cut news from Facebook because a bill in the Illinois Senate wants megaplatforms to give news outlets their fair cut of ad revenue. Our head of audience engagement has some words to share.
Third-party software can help parents and guardians intervene if their children are victims of cyberbullying or other online harm. But not all social media companies have agreed to cooperate to provide access.
Only nine teams in the last 41 years of Division I women’s basketball have capped perfect seasons with a title. Six of those belong to UConn. This year, South Carolina (32-0) will attempt to become the 10th.
Turning around questions about age dogging Biden, he quipped, ‘Of course, the big news this week is two candidates clinched their parties’ nomination for president. One candidate is too old and mentally unfit to be president. The other is me.’
I’m going with Zach Edey and the Boilermakers to win the Big Ten’s first men’s basketball title since 2000. Here’s my entire bracket.
The offense is humming. Terrence Shannon Jr. is going bonkers. But can the Illini finally get past the first weekend of the Big Dance, which they haven’t done since 2005?
In 451 BC, Pericles disenfranchised a quarter of Athenian citizens. Raising the case now is not a coincidence.
The sixth-round pick the Bears received in the Fields trade was the final verdict on his ability.
Creating more permanent supportive housing is a question of resources and political will.
Poles finally deals Fields, but paltry return reflects stunning disappearance of trade market
The Illini will face fifth-seeded Wisconsin — which they’ve beaten seven straight times — at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Super-conferences, player marketing deals and lawsuits are forcing the NCAA to loosen its grip on college sports and amateurism rules.
The city shut down park district facilities to house migrants even as the Catholic Archdiocese was offering its buildings.
The Illinois primary is Tuesday, March 19. Casting your ballot is an essential part of the democratic process.
The days of trekking to the office in bad weather are over for people who have worked remotely since the pandemic started.
Niemerg’s Republican primary opponent, Jim Acklin, also faces nasty claims in the 102nd District race.
What does former mayoral candidate Paul Vallas, who battled a serious childhood stutter, have to say about Donald Trump’s “B-B-B-Biden” ridicule at a political rally last weekend? “Call my mother,” Vallas advised.
Open bills you receive in the mail, read them and report any discrepancies to Medicare and other health partners, Mary Mitchell writes.