The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
This editorial represents the consensus opinion of The Daily Herald Editorial Board.
This week's Clippable Quote
"There is only one real sin and that is to persuade oneself that second best is anything but second best."
- novelist Doris Lessing
Are dorm kids doomed to get COVID?
College kids in dorms live cheek to jowl with roommates and in communal bathrooms. The governor's executive order ending the vaccination requirement for colleges is OK in some areas of campus, but not here. Kids who want to avoid COVID-19 can't all afford to rent apartments - and there isn't enough off-campus housing to take them all.
Thinking of others
We know, everyone is sick and tired of masks and the debate about when and where you should be wearing them. But, given the rising COVID-19 numbers, especially with the highly contagious BA. 5 variant running rampant, consider that wearing a mask is bigger than just yourself. It just might save someone else from getting sick.
What, me worry?
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's $2.2 million plan for a dome at Soldier Field, a last-ditch effort to keep the Bears from moving to Arlington Heights, was greeted with a shrug at village hall. Asked about the plan, Mayor Tom Hayes noted the team's previous statement that its focus is on Arlington Park alone. Does Hayes know something Lightfoot doesn't? We'll find out.
Over the top?
For those of you wondering what good it is for prosecutors to lodge 117 criminal complaints against the man charged in the Highland Park parade shooting spree, consider this: What would you say if charges were not brought related to a relative or friend who was shot? Would that feel like justice to you?
Dear NICOR, thanks for the grass seed
To NICOR: We get that in laying new gas lines to houses this summer you have to tear up the public sidewalks and part of our lawns. We appreciate the contractors who poured new sidewalks and reseeded the grass; however, in the future, please bring the water truck around more often. And maybe a little more bluegrass in the mix?
Disappearing Island
Sisters Denise Turner and Michelle Crisci announced plans to close Island Foods, the Island Lake grocery that's been in their family for 50 years. Over the years, the store provided jobs for thousands, but also, the owners wrote on Facebook, "it was an opportunity to serve a community." That sort of business philosophy will surely be missed.
Love wins in Lake in the Hills:
We're proud that residents stepped up to support UpRising Bakery & Cafe in Lake in the Hills after the store's front windows were smashed in because the cafe was going to host an all-ages drag show. It's a great reminder that we won't let hate stop the suburbs from celebrating our differences.
Too soon for a parade
This year's Buffalo Grove Days Parade has been canceled due to safety concerns and lack of participants - both of which are understandable after the Highland Park shooting less than a month ago. Some say the bad guy wins when events are called off, but the July Fourth shooting is still raw for many.
Right around the corner
Nov. 8 is just 101 days away. What do you know about your candidates? Fear not, we'll start sending out questionnaires and interviewing soon.