The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Passionate voters
There are some heated races in the upcoming local election. Conversations about these races have also become heated and ugly on social media. Conversation is good, but let's keep it kind. Don't attack others, stick to the issues and encourage everyone to vote on April 6.
Friday Night Lights returns
The high school basketball season officially ends today. Although no state playoffs are being held, most schools were able to play enough games to make the season meaningful, especially for seniors. Now, we turn the page to a six-week "spring" season. We hope everyone continues to stay safe and competes with vigor.
The straight line on vaccines
First, the United Center vaccine site is open to people living anywhere in Illinois, then it's only for Chicagoans. Then, a mass vaccination site in Carpentersville is announced, followed a day later by news that there won't be a vaccination site in Carpentersville. People are confused enough about getting vaccinations without P.R. blunders like these.
A song in her heart
Best of luck to Dundee-Crown High School alumna Althea Grace, who will make her debut Sunday night on "American Idol." Grace will perform a song she wrote for her daughter, Lennon, who underwent a liver transplant at a year old. Her excited family will watch the show from Crystal Lake.
Cheers!
What a difference a year makes! It was a year ago that pretty much everything shut down to stem the spread of COVID-19. And now with bars and restaurants open at limited capacity, quite a few suburban venues are celebrating a modified St. Patrick's Day starting this weekend with Irish music, dancers, food and drinks in-person or corned beef to-go.
Meanwhile, this summer ...
Many towns are still cautious and canceling fairs and festivals, but Elk Grove Village's President Craig Johnson says the popular summer concert series and other events will go on, with precautions. Let's hope such decisions are made with care and safety first. Johnson promises to be "firm but flexible." "Flexible but firm" might be even better.
Tournament time
Sunday's announcement of the NCAA basketball tournament invitees, marks the start of the best time of year for college basketball fans. March Madness is here. We know Loyola is in and Illinois will be. We'll be watching to see what other Illinois and Midwest teams get invited. Then, it's time to fill out those brackets. As Dick Vitale would say "This is awesome, baby!"
This week's Clippable Quote
"If every day is an awakening, you will never grow old." - author Gail Sheehy.
The future of Arlington Park
Arlington Heights Village President Tom Hayes told the Rotary Club this week that the redevelopment of the racetrack property "will be a very unique and exciting development, whatever it is." Reassuring words. These opportunities are rare. Go big, Mayor. Years from now, whatever happens there will be your legacy, not just the village's.