Good morning. 

I can attest personally that things in the neighborhoods most affected by the Obama Presidential Center are returning to normal after a week of closed roads and crowds. But the impact of the center's opening at last still is being felt.

We have two pieces today on the Obama center. The first, by a former campaign and administration staffer for President Obama, considers whether "hope and change" still are resonant in today's political climate. He argues that, well, yes they are.

The other looks at the center's gentrifying effect in Woodlawn and even in Hyde Park and argues that more needs to be done to help the folks who already live in those neighborhoods stay in those neighborhoods.

The editorial board takes a big swing at a proposal from city faith leaders, now embraced by Mayor Brandon Johnson, to establish a new city Department of Gun Violence Reduction. Sounds good in general. But the board tackles some of the particulars. Let us know what you think.

Finally, the City Council has approved the purchase of the old Greyhound bus station property and plans for Chicago to operate an intercity bus station. Read an enthusiastic take on why that was a great decision.

Of course, we have letters from our readers as well, as always. Enjoy your Thursday, and we'll return tomorrow.

— Steve Daniels, editorial board member

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