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

"Let life be like music." - Langston Hughes

Wild Fork too wild?

An exotic new grocery store, Wild Fork, may open in Buffalo Grove, and residents have lots to say. Many opposed think the elk, alligator and octopus flower are "gross" and the store is "not what the town needs." Many in favor are excited to try something new. But why are residents mad about people's opinions? If you don't like it, don't shop there. No need to bash others.

Deserved scolding

We've complained before about too-common challenges of petitions to try to bounce candidates on technicalities, so we appreciated a hearing officer's scolding in rejecting a challenge in the primary for GOP governor. "(The) gamesmanship in these proceedings borders on the frivolous," the officer said of Gary Rabine's attempt to strike a rival from the ballot.

Credibility gap

At the same time, we can't resist the irony of an entire slate of candidates being tossed for "fatally defective" documents. Their campaigns were based on claims the 2020 presidential election was fraudulent. Yet their nominating papers, an officer stated, made it "impossible to know who is intended to be placed on the ballot." Doesn't exactly inspire confidence in their expertise.

Cavity was the least of his concerns

We were relieved to hear that an Antioch resident who inhaled a drill bit during a recent dental appointment is none the worse for wear. Tom Jozsi ended up needing a novel medical procedure to remove the 1-inch bit from his lung. Jozsi told WISN-TV he now keeps it on a shelf at his house. We'll stick with taking home the customary new toothbrush and floss, thank you very much.

Smart move by Palatine

It may be unpopular among the Northwest suburbs' night owls, but Palatine's decision to eliminate its two 4 a.m. liquor licenses is a smart move for public safety. Officials say the two bars that held those licenses had become a magnet for out-of-town revelers who'd come and go after a night of drinking - as well as bad behavior like fighting and vandalism.

Let's get Maine East to national tourney

For the first time, the Maine East Scholastic Bowl team has qualified for the National Academic Quiz Tournaments national championships. They've been raising money for the trip to Atlanta on May 27-29, but now their airline tickets have doubled in price and they need $9,650. Let's show them how proud we are. https://gofund.me/b555822f.

New arrivals at Fermilab

Congratulations to Fermilab in Batavia, which recently welcomed its first baby bison of 2022. More calves will be born this spring. Fortunately, the grounds are open to the public again after being closed for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It might be a great time to visit.

Celebrating Earth

The official Earth Day was yesterday, but shouldn't every day be Earth Day? If you're curious to learn more about how people are getting involved, this week Disney+ released three new films celebrating Earth: "Explorer: The Last Tepui," "The Biggest Little Farm: The Return" and "Polar Bear." They just might inspire change.