The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Winning nurses
Congratulations to former Barrington resident Nicole Guido and Julie Walczak of Chicago for winning the Daily Herald and College of DuPage Nominate a Nurse contest. Guido, of Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, was nominated by readers. Walczak, set to graduate from Benedictine University, was nominated by past COD professors. We're proud of both.
At last, a bypass deal
The Illinois Tollway and two railroads - Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific - have been negotiating since 2012 over land that has held up the O'Hare western bypass. Thursday, tollway directors approved separate contracts totaling $250 million and including a land swap that finally will enable construction of the I-490 ring road. Welcome news.
The curve is flatter, but not gone
Gov. J.B. Pritzker's announcement that some activities may resume on Friday means youth sports teams will be able to gather in groups of fewer than 10 to begin some form of practice. We hope adults in charge remember to be disciplined in social distancing. The virus has slowed down but it hasn't disappeared.
A show of solidarity
It hurts to think communities still have to make official declarations against racism in 2020 America, but recent incidents in Naperville have shown ugliness can show itself even now and even in the most unlikely places. So, the City Council adopted a resolution this week to demonstrate solidarity against bias and support for diversity. We applaud the move.
For the love of everyone, wear a mask
A mask is not a political statement. It is a statement of love and responsibility.
For a reopened economy, wear a mask
As businesses reopen, the COVID-19 statistics will be a key to keeping them open. If the epidemic heats up again, those businesses will close again. So if you care about that, exercise viral hygiene and practice social distancing. And wear a mask.
That's right, wear a mask
When in public, wear one. When you do, you're offering protection to everyone you encounter. You're also offering protection to everyone they encounter.
Grads make the best of it
The pandemic has spoiled so much for the Class of 2020. First it was spring sports, then proms and now traditional commencement ceremonies. Still, we've seen the pride and the joy on their faces during the car parades and photo shoots that school districts have set up as consolation. Hats off to these resilient young adults.
Remembering Jerry Sloan
NBA star, legendary coach and all-around nice guy Jerry Sloan was beloved in southern Illinois, where he grew up in rural Hamilton County. Those folks know that Jerry did not grow up in McLeansboro as eulogies may claim, but in a little farming community nearby called Gobbler's Knob. A former Chicago Bull, he was loved in the big city, too.
Honor their sacrifice
While in-person Memorial Day parades and ceremonies in the suburbs have been canceled, many communities are still honoring fallen soldiers with virtual observances Monday. And the American Legion is asking everyone to pay tribute by lighting candles of honor and placing them on their front porches at dusk Monday. Never forget.