The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
How much is the virus surging?
Since the pandemic began in Illinois 43 weeks ago, there have been 2,650 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Arlington Heights. In the last week,s there have been 475. That's 18% of the cases. In one week. Let's be careful out there.
Hope and realism
It's a tremendous relief that two U.S. pharmaceutical companies are close to coming out with an effective COVID-19 vaccine, but most of us won't be able to get it for a while. Front-line workers should take priority, as should the most vulnerable. Meanwhile, the rest of us need to continue safe practices.
Mask up, please
As the pandemic worsens across the country, it's disheartening to still see some people flouting the rules in Illinois by either refusing to wear a mask or wearing it under their nose or chin. The adage "No shirt, no shoes, no service" should be amended to "No shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service." Wearing a mask is a selfless act that just could save a life.
Assuring safe practices
The village of Mount Prospect is helping make sure restaurants abide by state safety guidelines at the same time it's helping them survive. The village is set to provide $10,000 grants to local eateries suffering because of the pandemic. The catch? Recipients must comply with state COVID-19 restrictions. It's only reasonable.
Working together
Villages are finding other ways to help restaurants, too. Palatine is working with Gianni's Café to modify rules and walkways to allow for the installation of "igloo" pods for winter dining. Safety meets creativity, and everyone benefits.
Grown-ups argue; kids insult
You can criticize Gov. J.B. Pritzker's policies or not, but what Mom said is true: Insults say more about the person speaking than about the person spoken about. Let's keep the debates on the issues.
So long, Theo
Theo Epstein's announcement he's leaving the Cubs ends an unprecedented stretch of success that cemented his place in team history. In nine years, he took a 100-loss team and built it into a multiyear playoff team and the 2016 World Series winner.
Don't forget; don't delay
Know someone who could especially use $100 this holiday season? Don't forget our Believe Project, getting set for its seventh consecutive year. Send us a note in 150 words or fewer and we may tell their stories and help you help others. Don't delay. The deadline is next Friday.
This week's Clippable Quote
"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." - 20th century writer William Arthur Ward
Remembering Mike Dawson
For much of his life, Dr. Mike Dawson lived and practiced in Michigan, but we're proud he got his start here. The 1963 Prospect High School graduate was an all-state football player in 1962. He went on to distinguish himself in athletics and academics before settling in Michigan.
Remembering Jennifer Lenzini
Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge High School grad Jennifer Lenzini died this week in a motorcycle accident in North Port, Florida. The 26-year-old TV news reporter was building a promising career in broadcast news and "covered stories that matter most to our community," her station wrote in a memorial post. Our sympathies to her family and friends.