Commentary and Analysis

Karen DeYoung, Steven Erlanger, and Prashant Rao join Ivo Daalder to discuss the week's top news stories.

"As the new year rolls in, mutual distrust continues to obstruct mutual understanding," Paul Heer writes.

Hailed as a way to reduce traffic and pollution and to improve city transit systems, cordon pricing exists in several cities around the world. Could it work in Chicago?

"The elections of 2024 could mark an inflection point for democracy globally and, by consequence, international relations," Paul Poast writes.

"In 20 years, I’m betting that Texas will feel sorry that they shipped these workers away," says Jaime Di Paulo, president of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Susan Glasser, Stefan Kornelius, and Peter Spiegel join Ivo Daalder to discuss the week's top news stories.

Thanks to all who were part of our community in 2023! Enjoy this highlight reel of the past year of connections and convenings.

The decline of Chicago's central business corridor has made the future of downtown foot traffic and storefronts uncertain. Following models from international peers, Chicago may find that reinvesting in pedestrian malls is an effective path for urban revitalization.

Developments abroad in the first weeks of the new year may pose a significant challenge to the US president’s electoral prospects.

"With the focus on war this past year, it is all too easy to overlook that starvation and food insecurity are on the rise," Paul Poast writes.