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

So much for promises

Gov. J.B. Pritzker had promised to veto any unfair, partisan-drawn political boundaries in Illinois. On Friday, he put his name on new legislative, congressional and even Supreme Court maps drawn by Democrats in secret and designed above all to secure the party's power for years to come. Perhaps we should have expected it, but we had so hoped he would keep his word.

This week's Clippable Quote

"A champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall." - Serena Williams

Conserve water, inside and out

As we hope for rain, it's important that we all follow our communities' restrictions for watering lawns and gardens. But we can conserve water indoors too: Run washers and dishwashers only with full loads; and keep a pitcher of water in the fridge instead of running the tap until the water is cold whenever you want a drink. Every little bit will help.

Congrats parents, students, teachers

What a school year it's been. As it wraps up for many suburban districts, parents, teachers and students deserve a round of applause. Think back to August - it all seemed insurmountable. Virtual school, teaching over Zoom, working from home. But you did it, learned so much and are stronger because of it.

Proud to say we knew him when

Wow. Remember when Jon Scheyer was starring for Glenbrook North's basketball team? And now he's going to land the biggest coaching gig in college basketball - replacing the legendary Mike Krzyzewski at Duke. Yes, wow is all we can say.

A reopening downside

Months of social distancing, and therefore less exposure to colds and flu, helped many of us dodge the common winter illnesses, only to suffer now from the sniffling, sneezing and coughing brought on by a proliferation of tree pollen. Pass the allergy meds, please.

COD, Frida and no small dreams

What an amazing accomplishment for the College of DuPage to land the major exhibit, Frida Kahlo Timeless, which opens today. It just goes to show that big successes start with big dreams.

Dilemma solved

Lake County officials were spared a difficult choice this week when the Illinois legislature stepped in with $1.1 million for repairs to the historic Adlai E. Stevenson home known as the Farm. It's a welcome reprieve likely saving the historic landmark in Mettawa from the wrecking ball.

Revolutions in lending

The Arlington Heights Public Library recently unveiled its Makerplace development for artisans and crafters. Then follows the village of Mundelein with the opening of a tool-lending library managed by volunteers and stocked with all manner of donated tools. These are the kinds of innovations that build community spirit.

Good luck, Bonnie

Sending out well wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery to longtime Lake County leader and public servant Bonnie Thomson Carter in her quest for a lifesaving kidney transplant. Bonnie survived a bout with a rare blood cancer that damaged her kidneys. She now needs a living donor and is encouraging donations for others. The gift of life.

Remembering Jim Wolter

The death last week of Glenbrook South teacher and hall of fame soccer coach Jim Wolter affected family, friends, the District 225 community and the entire Illinois soccer scene. "He was a great friend, easy to talk to (and) had a great sense of humor ... ," said retired New Trier soccer coach Craig Fairbairn. "And as a coach to compete against? He was tough." We join in mourning his loss.