Saturday Soapbox
Enjoy summer in the suburbs:
We have nothing against the Taste of Chicago or Summerfest in Milwaukee. They're fabulous events. But you're missing something if you don't look in your own backyard first. There are festivals this weekend in Bloomingdale, Crystal Lake, Downers Grove, Geneva, Glen Ellyn, Grayslake, Long Grove, Palatine, Prospect Heights and South Elgin and they're worth checking out.
Arlington Park, the jewel in our midst:
Sunday marks the 20th anniversary of the reopening of Arlington Park after the fire that destroyed the old grandstands. It's a good time to pause and reflect on the crown jewel of horse racing that's a cornerstone for suburban tourism.
Waiting for tragedy to strike:
Because coaches in their 40s and 50s don't have the reflexes to avoid line drives, MLB now requires that they wear helmets. Yet nothing's been done to protect children and senior citizens in the first few rows near the dugouts.
Moving toward FAFSA lite:
Is that a cry of rejoicing we're hearing from parents of college students across the suburbs? The Obama administration is simplifying the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The behemoth known as "FAFSA" is a form required for government grants and loans. Officials say 20 percent of the 153 questions will be eliminated, and simplifications will continue each year. Among those not rejoicing, however, may be the consultants families pay to complete the thing.
Just a little around the hedges:
With all the recent rain, we've noticed branches of trees and shrubs obscuring traffic and street signs on our roadways throughout the suburbs. While it might not be easy to immediately address this issue, it would help to avoid danger and confusion with a little pruning.
Drama on the tracks:
No mother wants to face this dilemma. A Waukegan woman, riding Metra this week with her two children, watched her 3-year-old hop off the train one stop too early. While she hurriedly stepped off to grab him back, she saw the door close and the train roll away, taking her 10-month-old in his stroller. After a harrowing few minutes, mother and baby were reunited. We applaud Waukegan police for declining to charge this desperate mother with any offenses.
Think before you vote:
College of DuPage trustees this week reinstated an ethics policy it was quick to abandon in a postelection change of power. We can't condemn them for undoing their mistake. But we caution trustees from such quick actions in the future. Before you change something, be sure it's going to make things better.
We're going to Hollywood:
Many of the 12,000 singers at the United Center this week for American Idol auditions came from the suburbs. Good luck to those who are "going to Hollywood." And good luck to those who will make it on the show in some of the less-glamorous audition episodes where judges mock contestants.
We'll miss you, John Callaway:
While the nation focused on the loss of celebrities who passed away this week - Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon - the Chicago area lost a local television treasure of its own. Journalist John Callaway died Tuesday at his home. We'll miss your inquisitive mind, your insight and your perspective on WTTW Channel 11.