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The Soapbox: Bite-sized bits of wit and wisdom from Daily Herald editors on suburban topics in the news

And the nominee is ...

Want a one-stop update on what could be the most interesting Republican National Convention in recent history? Our emailed convention newsletter starts Sunday and will continue daily through July 28. Go to www.dailyherald.com/newsletters and select "Election Convention News" to sign up.

Mortality study a good idea:

The DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference is considering a request from Naperville to work with other groups to conduct a new mortality study focusing on police officers and firefighters. The city says the study is important to properly prepare for its long-range pension responsibilities. We hope the broader conference agrees.

Lucky:

While Jockey Chris Emigh and his horse Fitz's Storm never finished Saturday's second race at Arlington International Racecourse, luck was on their side. Horse and rider took a tumble, but neither was seriously injured. Emigh, one of Arlington's all-time leading jockeys, suffered a broken thumb, broken toe and a concussion. Fitz's Storm had some minor cuts.

Catch 'em all ... carefully:

We admit it. Even some of us in the newsroom have been caught up in the Pokemon GO craze. But with stories about players obliviously walking into traffic, trespassing on private property and even tramping through hallowed grounds like Arlington National Cemetery, we say "catch 'em all" if you must, but be careful and respectful when you do.

'Berry Strong'

That was the name of the fundraiser to help Steve Berry, a Marengo fire captain and a retired Elgin fire lieutenant, in the battle against cancer he lost this week. "He fought endlessly and bravely," his son Brian said, "and he never had an ounce of quit in him." Berry's funeral is Monday. His strength always will be remembered.

Congratulations to Barrington:

Congratulations to Barrington on raising the full $6.8 million needed to renovate the 118-year-old White House. The house is a living monument to Barrington history, and is a legacy to the wonderful sesquicentennial celebration in 2015. Well done.

Testing the test:

The state has delighted educators across the suburbs by substituting the SAT for the controversial PARCC test to measure high school juniors' learning. The move does help reduce the burden of overtesting and that's good. Like PARCC, the SAT is said to be aligned with Illinois learning standards. We'll still need to monitor how it is used.

More consolidation?:

As with any idea about government, the Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 referendum to eliminate a township trustee position bears close study. But the value of the job, which appears to duplicate accounting work already done by the district, does seem suspect. Mount Prospect District 57 may add the ballot question, too.

Remembering Don Rose:

Donald M. Rose wasn't the most well-known person in Rolling Meadows, but as the city attorney for 44 years he had a hand in virtually everything that shaped the community we know today. Rose, who died Wednesday, was devoted to the city he called home, and served it admirably. He'll be missed.

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