The hidden cost to the Abbott verdict

Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team
 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌
 
 
Header Logo

Chicago Tribune Opinion

Friday, April 17, 2026

 
 

Happy Friday, Chicago.

Breast milk or formula? It’s a question many new mothers weigh, but in neonatal intensive care units, where the smallest infants depend on limited nutritional options to survive, even small disruptions can have serious consequences. Neonatologist Dr. Alexander Crider treats infants weighing just over 1 pound and writes with concern about the ripple effects of a jury ordering Abbott Laboratories to pay $70 million in damages in cases tied to preterm infant formula.

Columnist Elizabeth Shackelford offers perspective on the Hungarian ouster of longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, writing that the result offers lessons for democracies under strain — especially the power of anti-corruption politics and broad coalitions to overcome even a tilted system. Finally, community advocates Juan Sebastian Arias and Dixon Gálvez-Searle argue that a new Amazon warehouse along the Orange Line represents a missed opportunity for Chicago neighborhoods.

The editorial board breaks down how Illinois’ clean-energy law is driving a major power shift in Will County, with turbines from the Elwood Energy facility being shipped to Texas, a move that could tighten supply and push electricity prices higher in the Chicago area. Our second editorial applauds a bill working its way through the statehouse that would set basic safety guidelines and regulations on e-bikes and e-scooters for the state. 

Don’t forget to check out reader letters.

— Hilary Gowins, editorial board member

Submit an op-ed | Submit a letter to the editorMeet the Tribune Editorial Board | Subscribe to this newsletter

Dr. Alexander Crider: There is a hidden cost to the Abbott verdict for premature babies

Responses to the Abbott Laboratories lawsuit that reduce access to formula will worsen outcomes for newborns.

Read more →

Elizabeth Shackelford: Hungary’s lessons for democracy under fire

In conditions short of absolute authoritarianism, as long as elections are still happening, ousting a wannabe dictator is possible.

Read more →

Community advocates: As Amazon warehouse moves in along the Orange Line, Chicago squanders another opportunity

Community advocates: As Amazon warehouse moves in along the Orange Line, Chicago squanders another opportunity

Read more →

Editorial: Owner of massive Elwood Energy plant isn’t waiting for Illinois closure deadlines. They’re literally moving the plant to Texas.

Thanks to Illinois’ clean-energy law, needed turbines are leaving on trucks.

Read more →

Editorial: Illinois takes a smart step on e-bike safety

Illinois has been playing catch-up as technology outpaces the law.

Read more →

Michael Peregrine: The enduring civic power of Maywood’s Bataan Day commitment

The tragic fate of Maywood’s “Weekend Warriors” in Bataan, the Philippines, during World War II must not be forgotten.

Read more →

Letters: Gov. JB Pritzker should welcome federal tax dollars that would benefit our students

The Board of Education and Mayor Brandon Johnson would rather slam the door shut on these opportunities than allow families real options.

Read more →
 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

La Grange restaurant expansion turns into reality series

Evening Briefing: A humanitarian crisis grows in Gaza

The Morning: The long shadow of Covid school closures