The Soapbox
Now that's standing tall:
Fans who saw Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury play the Chicago Sky at Allstate Arena Friday no doubt were impressed by the 6-foot-8 center known for her one-handed dunks and WNBA-leading shot blocks. But Griner is also impressive away from the court. As Patricia Babcock McGraw wrote, Griner's book, "In My Skin," helps others deal with bullying.
Heard this before?
"St. Charles man at odds with city again over 1975 project." That headline this week, about Cliff McIlvaine and his longtime home renovation project is one we've written many times over the years. Sadly, we'll likely write it again.
Lake County trail history:
Gus Boznos is finally letting the Lake County Forest Preserve District build a 1,500-foot connection to complete the full Des Plaines River Trail. In the end, it will be about 31 miles all along the river, something the district has been trying to do since 1961. Cheers for cooperation and a magnificent trail.
Trail partners, part 2:
The Lake County Forest Preserve District, Libertyville Township and others partnered to open an underpass beneath busy Milwaukee Avenue. It allowed for the connection between the township trail and the Des Plaines River Trail. More cheers for working together.
Too much trash talking:
A news release from the National Republican Congressional Committee has the subject line "Brad Schneider flips the bird to reporters." The Democratic congressman from Deerfield did no such thing. The NRCC, backing Bob Dold of Kenilworth, put the headline on a news release needling Schneider for not releasing his tax returns for 2011, 2012 and 2013. Hyperbole isn't unusual in campaigns, but this went too far.
Goodness always good news:
Now and then news arrives to restore your faith in humanity, such as the letter from Susan Osada of Buffalo Grove thanking a woman for giving up her first-class seat to Osada's 87-year-old father, Chester, flying to visit his siblings. The woman who switched spots did not give her name. Whoever you are, thank you. Thank you very much.
Kindness is growing:
Elgin firefighters at Station No. 7 have set up an organic community garden that will give neighbors a chance to exercise their green thumbs while also contributing food for the 1,200 families a month who use the Food for Greater Elgin pantry. The project is one of several community service initiatives launched at every Elgin fire station.
Toward affordable housing:
When a developer proposes a 45-unit apartment building for downtown Arlington Heights that will have up to 19 affordable units and the main opposition is that there isn't enough parking - well, that's refreshing. The building, proposed for vacant land at 21 N. Dunton Ave., sounds at this juncture like a good fit.
Local talent, national recognition:
A look at the list of Emmy nominees this week was a point of suburban pride. Among the talents were actor Gary Cole, who grew up in Rolling Meadows; double-nominee Melissa McCarthy, a native of Plainfield; and "Game of Thrones" writer D.B. Weiss of Highland Park. Congrats, and thanks for showing that hard work and talent can take you far.
Taking aim at heroin:
DuPage County took a step this week to combat heroin use by approving a contract for a program to train health teachers at a dozen schools. There are more funds where that came from, and we hope to see more initiatives soon.