The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Good deeds, great and small
Frank Kaminsky - he of the Benet Academy Redwings, Wisconsin Badgers and now NBA Phoenix Suns - recently got a CNN moments of kindness shout-out. Kaminsky, among others, had tweeted that with animal shelters closing around the country, he would foster a dog. Record adoptions followed to ease the situation.
More on redistricting
If this week's Daily Herald editorial series on the Fair Maps Amendment piqued your interest in gerrymandering, you might want to check out the documentary "Slay the Dragon," now available on demand. It shows how political redistricting has chipped away at American democracy.
Election winner
Congrats to 20-year-old Hadiya Afzal, a college student, who learned Tuesday - when all the votes finally were counted from the March 17 primary election - that she's won the Democratic nomination for the District 4 seat on the DuPage County Board. Her winning margin in the five-way race 48 votes. Afzal now advances to the November general election to face Republican Tim Elliott.
Will preserves stay open?
County and park leaders are making the tough calls to keep all or parts of preserves and parks open, as long as visitors maintain social distancing. Will the decisions hold? Morton Arboretum in Lisle already has pulled the plug. We know how busy preserves like Busse Woods in Cook County get. It's not the time to be passing people close on trails.
Help in fighting a scourge
With most crime down due to people staying at home, the persistence of domestic violence - calls up 47 percent recently in Elgin; it's the majority of cases prosecuted in Lake County - is a reminder we have a long way to go in fighting this scourge. The work of groups such as Palatine-based WINGS is to be commended in these difficult times.
Suddenly a need
Marijuana was illegal in Illinois on Dec. 31. Two and a half months later, it was considered essential. That's some turnaround. The designation allowed pot dispensaries to remain open during the coronavirus shutdown.
With an asterisk
The credit for pot's sudden credibility, of course, goes to that portion of its market representing people who need it for medicinal reasons. Is it cynical to doubt that the medical market accounted for the $35.9 million in Illinois marijuana sales for March? Regardless, the state and local agencies will need the tax money it generates.
Disappointed, but honored
It would be natural for Aurora police Chief Kristen Ziman to be disappointed she didn't get the nod as Chicago's top cop, though she says she did not initially seek the job. But it was an honor both to her and to mid-sized city chiefs everywhere that Chicago included her as a finalist. Aurora is lucky to be able to keep her.
Remembering Ed Farmer
Ed Farmer, the longtime White Sox broadcaster and former major league pitcher, was remembered fondly by his broadcast partner Darrin Jackson, former players and team owner Jerry Reinsdorf. Who knew about Farmer and his connection to Harvard Medical School, his overall brilliance? It's a shame most of us didn't get to appreciate his 70 years on earth.
Highlight health
Yes, these troubled times grow tiring. But keep the faith. Remember the rules. Care for each other. Stay well.