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

The Big Thaw

Isn't it crazy how 40 degrees in February can feel so much warmer than 40 degrees in October? After enduring frigid weather for far too long, 40 degrees feels lovely. Sure, it's still chilly out there, but it's nice to have a taste of spring and less snow. We deserve it!

The Big Thaw 2

Yes, 40 degrees was great in more ways than emerging from the deep freeze. Anyone who had thick ice dams built up in their gutters and huge icicles hanging off their house also appreciated the fact it wasn't warmer. Higher temperatures sparking a quick thaw could have forced water from melting snow and ice to back up under roofs and into walls, causing a new set of problems.

Virtual good

Wouldn't you give even more to a good cause if no one had to put on a swimsuit and jump into icy water? The Chicago Polar Plunge raises money for Special Olympics and on March 7 will feature a livestream of teams' cold-weather exploits instead of a live plunge into Lake Michigan. Check it out at https//sochicago.org/.

Enviable vitality

We recently featured 101-year-old Anna Grattoni, a Palatine resident who survived the coronavirus. This week, we shared the stories of Roselle centenarian Ethel Schwolow, who still drives and trades stocks, and Elk Grove Village resident Phil Pecoraro, a 90-year-old building engineer at an Arlington Heights office. Some hardy inspiration for us all.

Are you ready for some football?

For the first time since Thanksgiving weekend of 2019, high school football is returning. The first official day of practice is Wednesday, and games are scheduled to commence on March 18. We know the high school football community is excited to get going, and the hope is everyone continues to do their part in playing safely.

Miles for Smiles, Part 1

We're so inspired by the Miles for Smiles fundraising campaign first envisioned for Palatine's Buehler YMCA by Mike and Kristin Kiss of Barrington -- such a great idea that it now is copied by a YMCA in Alabama too.

Miles for Smiles, Part 2

Buehler's campaign is going on this weekend. To participate or to donate, go to ymcachicago.org/buehler/pages/marathon

Taking the high road

Three-day state Rep. Edward Guerra Kodatt took a high road rarely traveled by retiring Illinois politicians and declined the full month's salary he would have been legally entitled to despite quitting under a cloud after his appointment to succeed Michael Madigan. Good decision. But the law still needs to change.

And imagine this

Madigan, who retired 22 days into the month, has already received the full month's pay. Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar, who will serve two days of the month after replacing Kodatt, is due a full month's pay if she accepts it. Potentially three full salaries for one job. Comptroller Susana Mendoza's "No Exit Bonus" bill would end such nonsense.

This week's Clippable Quote

"If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear." -- novelist and social critic George Orwell

Our Golden Apple hopefuls

Congratulations to teachers Christine Gillis of Briar Glen in Wheaton, Sara Magnafichi of Admiral Byrd in Elk Grove Village and Anne McNamara of Countryside in Barrington on becoming 2021 Golden Apple finalists. Good luck too. And above all, thanks.