The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Now, keep it that way
Indoor dining has returned to restaurants and bars in Will and Kankakee counties. Restrictions were ordered after the COVID-19 test positivity rate there hit 8% in late August. Since then, the rate dipped below 6.5%. Thought for the day, remember how that happened.
In case you're wondering
If there's any doubt about what that is, here's the state's top health official, Dr. Ngozi Ezike: "Moving from a greater than 8% ... rate to below 6.5% in a matter of weeks demonstrates how concerted efforts to reduce exposure risks through limiting large gatherings, increased masking and other mitigation measures can truly make a difference."
And there's this
Some restaurants and bars ignored the order. There's no word that any were published, but in the interests of people's health, we can say this to them: Shame on you.
'Great' Samaritan
Arlington Heights' Kyla Davis, awarded the village's Meritorious Service Award, knew this was something she could do. More important, something she should do ... and did. She heard a woman screaming and a man yelling. Man had a knife, Kyla had a car, the woman had an escape. We should all care so much for our fellow human beings.
12-year wait is over
It seems like only yesterday the White Sox were suffering through a 100-loss season. Today they have the best record in the American League and a well-deserved playoff berth. After six losing seasons, first baseman Jose Abreu, a free agent at the end of last season, wanted to come back. Good call. He's having an MVP season and so are the Sox.
Pilot, pupil making the grade
A pilot on his way to Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling Thursday managed to safely land a troubled plane on a Palatine road. And a student driver quickly swerved to avoid a collision. Result: no injuries and a driving instructor promising his pupil an "A+++."
The stories pictures tell
Our John Starks captured some beautiful, but haunting images of climate change in pictures of a hazy sunset this week. But the pictures we'll never forget are the devastated homes and landscapes at the source. Scientists say smoke from California's wildfires is spreading across the country.
This week's clippable quote
"Every good dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, You have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars, to change the world." - Harriet Tubman (Submitted by Mary Stuhr, Addison)
Don't delay
The Kane County clerk's office says it already has received nearly nine times the number of absentee ballot requests as in the 2016 election. Other counties also report huge increases. The take-away: If you plan to vote by mail, do it early. Many voters can start next week. Those who requested mail-in ballots start getting them next Thursday.
Remembering Patrick Thorburn
Patrick Thorburn spent his entire teaching career, including student teaching, at Rolling Meadows High School, along the way earning love and accolades from colleagues and students alike. In 2016, the DAR named him Illinois' Oustanding Teacher of American History. He died last week at the age of 48. He will be missed.