Economic gloominess in spite of upbeat data also affects immigration debate

When we think about the economy, it’s not just numbers that matter.

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 It’s also how we feel about the numbers. Public discontent about the economy, even as the economy is growing and unemployment is low, has been President Joe Biden’s persistent headache.

I thought about this contrast between hard numbers and soft feelings as I spotted the recent Tribune headline, “No migrants camped out at O’Hare International Airport for first time since summer, questions loom over dwindling city funds.”

Indeed, the $150 million that Mayor Brandon Johnson budgeted to handle the migrant crisis is expected to be spent by April. Over the longer haul, how many more will arrive is uncertain. We’re subject to whether or when Texas Gov. Greg Abbott or some other grandstanding southern Republican governor sends another busload of asylum-seekers to the Windy City at our windiest time of year.

But, for now, I’ll take some good news wherever I can read it. The relief at O’Hare is welcome.