The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.

Fourth without fuss

There's nothing like a pandemic to drive home the point that our nation's birthday transcends the parades, fests and fireworks that usually accompany the day. Perhaps you can take a few moments during today's calmer celebration to learn and reflect on the holiday and its history.

Secrecy and police

As many police departments across the nation talk about increasing transparency, two suburban departments are taking exactly the opposite approach - at least when it comes to providing information about homicides in their towns.

Secrecy and police, Roselle

In Roselle, one person was shot and killed and several apparently were wounded a week ago. But days after the shooting, police still refused to provide even the most basic details - including how many people were shot - citing an "active investigation."

Secrecy and police, Lombard

In Lombard, police still remain mum about details of a fatal shooting in town that took place June 24. Same excuse "Active investigation."

Secrecy and police, postscript

Nobody wants to adversely affect a police investigation into a fatal shooting. But when it takes more than two days for anyone in law enforcement to even release the name of the victim - as was the case in Roselle - police are taking things to an extreme. It's time for that to change.

In Wheeling, meanwhile

Our compliments to Chief Jamie Dunne and the Wheeling Police Department, which is using social media in a proactive effort to explain how the department works and the rationales for its policies. Good policing involves a partnership with the public, and Wheeling's initiative recognizes that.

This week's clippable quote

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same" Ronald Reagan.

The joy of driving

There's no shortage of road construction throughout the suburbs. Randall Road in the Fox Valley, Algonquin Road near Route 31 in Algonquin, Route 14 at Hart Road in Barrington are among the projects that see lengthy backups. Hint plan ahead, check for construction, find alternate routes. Your blood pressure will thank you.

Still festive but safer

It takes just a moment for a sparkler to ignite a T-shirt, as a fireworks safety demonstration in Hoffman Estates showed us this week. Burning at temperatures in excess of 1,800 degrees, sparklers simply aren't safe for children. Experts recommend giving kids glow sticks instead, and they come in patriotic red, white and blue.

Remembering Paul Seils

Paul Seils, who died last week at 72 at his Arlington Heights home, was more than "just the in-law," as he described his role at Busse Flowers & Gifts. The owner with his wife Linda Busse of one of the Northwest suburbs' longest-standing businesses, he was an active volunteer in Mount Prospect at his church, the Chamber of Commerce and more. He will be missed.

Have a happy Fourth

It's the country's 244th birthday. We wish you a loving and safe celebration.