The near west suburbs are turning into the power vortex of Illinois government. The selection last week of state Rep. Chris Welch to be speaker of the Illinois House, replacing, at long last, Mike Madigan, fuels the local influence. Hillside's Welch represents portions of nearby River Forest and Forest Park in the 7th District.

If there's an election in North Riverside, it seems to bring out the most juvenile instincts in political partisans – from the inevitable social media misinformation to campaign sign theft and damage.

In recent weeks, it's been comforting to see tangible examples of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout locally, with first doses administered in late December to first responders and over the past weekend to residents and staff at Cantata Adult Life Services in Brookfield.

No one could have predicted the abyss of 2020 when it took the stage a year ago. Clearly it has been an almost impossible challenge from start to finish. Globally, nationally, locally, COVID-19 had us by the neck throughout the year.