Good morning, Chicago. 

Many Democratic presidential hopefuls gathered at the Rev. Al Sharpton’s annual convention in New York City, and most of them were men, except Kamala Harris.

Laura Washington explores in her column today why the former vice president, despite being more than qualified for the office, won't get much backing for a 2028 run because of what happened to the party and progress in 2024. 

“Harris remains popular, particularly among Black female voters. Yet, as we saw in 2024, that was not enough to carry her over the finish line. It’s a grim reality. Trump’s MAGA movement is dragging racial progress back by decades, and it’s not done yet,” Washington writes. 

Today is Earth Day, and we have two pieces of commentary with tangible ways Illinoisans and you as an individual can honor the earth. Howard Learner from the Environmental Law & Policy Center highlights four opportunities for Illinois and the Upper Midwest to be good stewards of the environment. And Melissa Hart shares how planting trees helped give her a sense of purpose. 

The Tribune Editorial Board weighs in on Chicago’s recent increase in cab fares, which is fine as long as drivers run their meters. Plus, the board bemoans a lost chance for more housing near Chicago’s new casino. What is being built instead? A haunted house. 

Spooky. Thanks for reading. 

— Grace Miserocchi, opinion editor

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