Columns

Former Indiana U,S. Rep. Lee Hamilton, who was co-chair of the Iraq Study Group, in his office at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington on Nov. 24, 2006. (Pete Souza/baiduhai)

John T. Shaw: We need Congress to ponder the long term with a new future-focused group

By John T. Shaw

October 14, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Half a century ago, many lawmakers viewed their responsibilities differently and created a forum to...

This image from CCTV video released by Saudi Arabia's Media Ministry shows passengers taking cover as flames and smoke fill part of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during what authorities described as a strike at the airport on Oct. 10, 2026. (Saudi Media Ministry via AP)

Daniel DePetris: Resumption of war between Houthis and Saudis is bad timing for Donald Trump

By Daniel DePetris

October 12, 2026 at 1:27 p.m.

The attacks in Saudi Arabia come when Donald Trump is in a standoff over the...

Attorneys for Christa Pike hold a news conference after a judge ruled the Tennessee Department of Corrections must preserve all evidence related to the failed execution of Pike, on Oct. 7, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. (George Walker IV/AP)

Clarence Page: A botched execution shakes our death penalty presumptions

By Clarence Page

October 12, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The botched execution of Christa Pike offers a gross illustration of the cruelty that capital...

Column: You can take them with you: The long-term fate of childhood love objects

By Eric Zorn

June 11, 2021 at 5:42 p.m.

For decades, the expressionless, well-worn faces of Elephant and Teddy have peered out from inside...

Kevin Suchinski, superintendent of Hillside School District 93, circulates among people receiving their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine June 7, 2021, at the Sheet Metal Workers' Local 73 union hall in Hillside.

Column: Above and beyond: How one school superintendent has helped protect his whole community from COVID

By Mary Schmich

June 11, 2021 at 3:49 p.m.

It's a Monday morning, and in the big union hall of Sheet Metal Workers' Local...

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a joint news conference June 7, 2021, with Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei in Guatemala City.

Column: Vice President Kamala Harris’ charm offensive turned mostly offensive

By Clarence Page

March 11, 2024 at 1:36 p.m.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez actually was being kind when she described Vice President Kamala Harris' "Do...

Boston Mayor Kevin White points to a chart showing inflation costs on Sept. 28, 1978.

Column: Why I’m not (very) worried about inflation

By Steve Chapman

June 11, 2021 at 1:17 p.m.

For a long time, inflation has been the phantom of the American economy: often expected...

People chant "Allow teachers to teach the truth" June 10, 2021, during public comments of a Florida Department of Education meeting in Jacksonville on the state's plans to ban the teaching of critical race theory.

Column: GOPs ‘critical race theory’ alarmism is nothing more than ‘favorable ignorance conjecture’

By Rex W. Huppke

June 11, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

Florida's board of education, following the lead of other Republican-run states, has outlawed the teaching...

Religious Jews march in Jerusalem's Muslim quarter during a prayer walk around the Temple Mount on June 9, 2021, in Jerusalem.

Column: I don’t know the route to peace in the Holy Land — I only hope there is one.

By Ron Grossman

June 11, 2021 at 5:00 a.m.

The Holy Land's deadly conflicts are like the twisting and turning streets of Jerusalem's Old...

The Chicago Board of Trade Building is seen in the background as people cross LaSalle St. in downtown Chicago on June 10, 2021.

Chicago will occasionally close three of downtown’s busiest streets this summer, clearing the Mag Mile, LaSalle and State for dining, entertainment

By Ryan Ori

June 10, 2021 at 6:41 p.m.

Some of downtown's busiest streets will become concert halls, restaurants and shops this summer as...

White Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito throws in the first inning against the Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field on June 5, 2021.

Column: Break up the ‘Southside’ and other verdicts on words

By Eric Zorn

June 10, 2021 at 3:02 p.m.

All rise in anticipation. Language Court is now in session. Self-appointed Judge Zorn presiding. Southside...

Erika Lobatos carries a box of food to be delivered to a family out of the New Life Center food distribution center in Little Village on April 9, 2020. It's one of the beautiful ways people came together and helped each other during the pandemic.

Column: With Illinois reopening, I worry we’ve forgotten how to treat each other. But I’m finding hope … on Twitter, of all places.

By Heidi Stevens

June 10, 2021 at 12:48 p.m.

Are you guys a little nervous about Friday? I'm a little nervous about Friday. The...

Work continues on the $6.5 million redesign of the large plaza outside the Aon Center on June 9, 2021, in downtown Chicago.

Aon Center’s $185 million observation deck and thrill ride is delayed again: ‘We have not pulled the plug’

By Ryan Ori

June 10, 2021 at 2:52 p.m.

There's a second delay in the project to add a $185 million observation deck and...

Columnists