Good morning.

Love him or hate him as president, Donald Trump has the proven ability to monopolize the public discourse like no other president in my lifetime. And so our readers go to prove, with an abundance of letters both pro and con on the military action in Iran, whether Trump acted legally and, if so, whether it was the smart thing to do. Sometimes our readers cover the gamut of opinionating as well as or better than we writers and editors.

Engaged readers are our lifeblood. We salute you.

Elsewhere, the editorial board chimes in on a recent Chicago political deal in which ride-share companies Uber and Lyft have promised not to stand in the way of drivers' unionizing efforts. Those wanting to help drivers make a buck are well intentioned, but they may unwittingly be hastening the demise of this highly flexible occupation.

Separately, the editorial board wonders where the urgency in Illinois went to regulating intoxicating hemp products, like delta-8 gummies, after a bill to effectively ban them was torpedoed at the dawn of 2025.

Federal financial support for the arts isn't a high priority in GOP-dominated Washington, but two writers make an interesting case for how more investment in American culture — and its export — makes for effective use of American "soft power."

And don't miss a nuanced argument on the hot-button issue of trans rights. Should trans soldiers be allowed to serve? This op-ed writer says yes, but other trans controversies aren't so cut and dried.

Have a great summer Thursday, and we'll be back here tomorrow.

— Steve Daniels, editorial board member

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