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

And the Oscar goes to ...

Good luck to Gary Rydstrom, who is up for an Oscar Sunday as part of an impressive career that includes 18 previous nominations - and seven wins. Rydstrom, who grew up in Elmhurst, is up for sound mixing for "Ad Astra." We wish him the best and look forward to his next project - Steven Spielberg's big-screen remake of "West Side Story."

Gone, but not forgetting

Less than a year after concluding his long run as mayor of Schaumburg, Al Larson is being recognized tonight for his donation helping to expand opportunities for young performers. No longer mayor, Larson is still involved and giving. Believing arts make the world a better place, he continues to do good deeds to make a better village.

One overhead utility line at a time

Schaumburg officials are considering having power lines buried along Meacham Road where a couple of big developments are in the works. Overhead power lines are ugly and unstable in bad weather, they say. Burying utility lines would be nice elsewhere, too, like on Springinsguth Road, where trees are cut around them. But it does cost money.

Lesson in politics, Part 1

Nearly 50 students from Indian Prairie Unit District 204 got a chance this week to spend a day in Iowa as presidential campaigns made their final pitches before the ill-fated Democratic caucuses. As we noted in our editorial Friday, it was a great opportunity for students from Metea, Neuqua and Waubonsie Valley high schools to become more informed citizens. Kudos to everyone involved.

Lesson in politics, Part 2

Speaking of high school students getting involved in the political process, how cool is it that the Student Conservative Organization at Hinsdale Central is holding a public forum at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, that will feature all five Republican candidates for U.S. Senate? Getting all of them in one place at one time is akin to herding cats - and for a student group to pull it off is truly special.

Taking his message to school kids

Chris Sumner, owner of Mama Lee's Gourmet Popcorn in Elgin, has been visiting local schools (and bringing popcorn) to read from his self-published book, "Popa Pop-a-Lot's Poptastic Adventures: Follow Your Dreams." Sumner also speaks to high schoolers about being an entrepreneur. An excellent message, a worthy messenger.

Cutting red tape

It's good to see Schaumburg considering cutting through one bit of ever growing government red tape with a plan to stop requiring permits for garage sales. Apart from eliminating the hassle for residents, officials say it will save time for employees. The village board takes up the plan on Feb. 25.

Restoring history

The landmark one-lane bridge in Long Grove is about to be closed again, but just so that it can be put back in the historic condition it was in before a truck rammed it in 2018. Village President Bill Jacob said this week the 114-year-old span will be down likely from March to July getting a new timber cover.

Watchdog with no bite

Carol Pope, the state's legislative inspector general, repeated to an ethics study panel this week a familiar complaint regarding her office. It can't get anything done because it has to get permission for its investigations from lawmakers or their friends who might be investigated. Clearly, changing that situation has to be a part of the state's ethics reform.