Laura Washington

Laura Washington is a contributing columnist for the Chicago Tribune and political analyst at ABC-7. Before moving to the Tribune, she served as a longtime contributing columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. Washington brings more than two award-winning decades of experience as a non-profit professional and multi-media journalist. She specializes in African American affairs, local and national politics, race and racism, and social justice.

Illinois 7th Congressional District candidates attend a forum, Nov. 3, 2025, at Malcolm X College. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Laura Washington: Black politicians are eager to preserve Rep. Danny Davis’ seat as demographics shifts

February 4, 2026 at 4:52 p.m.

With redistricting shifts, Illinois' 7th Congressional district has evolved from a predominantly Black domain to a sprawling territory.

A visitor views a photograph of President Donald Trump at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery's "American Presidents" exhibit Jan. 11, 2026, in Washington. (Rod Lamkey Jr./AP)

Laura Washington: Politicians should respond to voter dissatisfaction with authenticity

January 14, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The nature of the American political system propagates poseurs who blather on endlessly, promising everything and delivering little.

Activists protest federal agents Sept. 30, 2025, in Chicago on North Michigan Avenue. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Laura Washington: Political goings-on in 2025 reflect anything but comity

December 31, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Donald Trump and Mayor Brandon Johnson ensured this departing year has been like no other.

A CTA Brown Line train leaves the Addison station, Dec. 14, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Laura Washington: Chance the Rapper’s CTA campaign is fun but won’t soothe our fears

December 17, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

I am delighted that Chance the Rapper is assisting the CTA, but the transit system needs more to help stop rising violent crime.

Laura Washington: I love to host Thanksgiving but can’t cook

November 26, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

I have been blessed with family and friends who can cook. So, every Thanksgiving, my husband and I open our doors, and the goodies flow in.

Mick Jagger arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 2, 2025, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Laura Washington: Brooches are for bros too

November 12, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

I once thought pinned adornments were the domain of the ladies, but lately, brooches have been breaking out all over, on men.

Former President Barack Obama waves to the crowd as he leaves the stage Aug. 20, 2024, during the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Laura Washington: If Donald Trump can run for a third term, so can Barack Obama

October 29, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

If Donald Trump seeks a third term, former President Barack Obama could mount a comeback to save our democracy.

Jesse Jackson Jr. at the Daley Center in April 2017. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Laura Washington: Former US Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. explains how he hopes to win voters back

October 16, 2025 at 9:36 a.m.

Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. wants to regain his 2nd Congressional District seat. He’s got a brutally long way to go.

Megan Herrmanns, left, and Carolyn Gergits sit and chat while Herrmanns’ dog Indigo sits nearby on the dog-friendly patio at Paradise Park in Wicker Park on Sept. 22, 2025. “Pet lovers feel guilty leaving their dogs at home,” Josh Iachelli, who co-owns several Chicago restaurants including Paradise Park, told the Tribune. “If you have a pet, you want to be able to have those guys with you more hours of the day.” (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Laura Washington: Dogs belong outside, not under my feet at a restaurant.

October 1, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Dogs already have the reign of our streets and parks, and now some people want them allowed inside restaurants.

President Donald Trump responds to a question by NBC reporter Yamiche Alcindor on the South Lawn of the White House before boarding Marine One on Sept. 7, 2025 in Washington. (Roberto Schmidt/Getty)

Laura Washington: Donald Trump and MAGA are targeting Black women

September 17, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

President Donald Trump and his supporters have degraded a wide range of accomplished African American women.

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