The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
This editorial represents the consensus opinion of The Daily Herald Editorial Board.
This week's Clippable Quote
"Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." - Maya Angelou
Play by the rules?
The conservative Play By the Rules PAC ran in recent days a web ad promoting Republican Connie Cain for state representative in the 66th District. It led with an endorsement by the Daily Herald and then one from the Chicago Tribune. The problem is, neither newspaper endorsed her in the general election - only the primary. Playing with the truth is more like it.
All's quiet on Election Day
It was a relief that Election Day went off without a hitch in Illinois. No polling places opened late, there were no reports of long lines or voter intimidation at the polls. Vote totals came in in an orderly fashion and not counties had trouble reporting results. As a bonus, we don't have to watch any more campaign ads for a while.
Extra credit for the clerks
The solid performances by clerk's offices in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties proved pivotal Tuesday night when the Associated Press feed lagged. We wouldn't have been able to report vote totals in 11 state House and Senate races otherwise.
Wrong message
Hours after U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood's 14th District win this week, spokesman Ronnie Cho took to Twitter to blast Republicans and pundits who predicted a red wave "There are no good Republicans. May they all go to hell." We'll spare you a repeat of the rest, but his ugly words - and horrific timing - were wrong on every level.
Another vehicle-cyclist tragedy
We are saddened to hear about the death of another cyclist in the suburbs, this one in Hoffman Estates around Shoe Factory and Higgins roads. The Poplar Creek bike trail crosses Shoe Factory along Higgins. We don't know what exactly happened, but it's another troubling example of conflict still to overcome between cyclists and drivers.
Remembering their service
Veterans Day was Friday, but suburban events continue through next week to honor veterans for the heroic sacrifice they've performed. Find a full listing here. The holiday's not just about parades and big speeches. A small action like calling a veteran to thank them for their service or mailing a care package to an active duty service member can mean just as much.
A strain on that Christmas feeling
Christmas creep is nothing new, but we can't escape feeling, again, it demeans the season for radio stations to start playing Christmas songs and Santa Claus to start showing up at malls so early. especially when some trees still bear green leaves and temperatures have been balmy.
Well, that is, until ...
...this weekend. Whether the plunging wintry temps get you in the Christmas mood or just find you grumbling about your heating bill, keep our Friday story on heating tips in mind. Managing the thermostat, home insulation and more can keep your costs down and help the environment.
Attention where it's due
It's wonderful that First Lady Jill Biden and administration officials will be in Rolling Meadows Monday to kick off National Apprenticeship Week. Some politicking probably can't be avoided, but let's keep the focus where it belongs: the many Career Pathways programs at school districts throughout the suburbs helping students prepare for the future.