Dogs don't observe Veterans Day, as 8-year-old Tyler Owens knows all too well. The East Carondolet boy was playing in his yard on Tuesday when he was attacked by a neighbor's pit bull.

The gambling executives have a solution to their current economic slump: Bring back tobacco. They want the statewide smoking ban repealed for casinos and the Illinois Casino Gaming Association is making it their top priority when state lawmakers are back for their regular session in January.

Madison County State's Attorney Bill Mudge seems in no rush to file charges related to the shootings Sunday at a Pontoon Beach bar, probably because policemen were involved. But that's exactly the reason he should put this case on the fast track.

Obama and America.

On Monday, President-elect Barack Obama, a Democrat, toured the White House as a guest of outgoing President George Bush, a Republican. It was part of the orderly transfer of power that occurs in our nation.

Today we are ending the “Our War” series but beginning a new venture to honor our veterans.

It is autumn, and the air is crisp and cool at night at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington.

The recently released Ilinois public school report cards give parents and taxpayers a wealth of information. But one thing they don't provide is a precise picture of school finances.

If we are to believe the cartoon about Barack Obama that was sketched by the Republicans during their autumn death spiral, the president-elect will surely hang Lenin's portrait in the White House and conspire with his new Treasury secretary, unrepentant terrorist Bill Ayers, to confiscate private property and transfer all personal wealth to the dregs of society.

It's pretty sad that Show Me State voters in St. Louis County can't see the value of MetroLink and other public transportation.

I walked over to the White House Tuesday night and leaned against the fence. How can such a lovely house make so many of its inhabitants nuts?

In the wake of the election Tuesday, supporters of the Madison County sheltered care home are lobbying County Board members to reverse their decision and keep it open.

With Barack Obama on his way to the White House, Illinois residents are wondering who Gov. Rod Blagojevich will appoint to Obama's U.S. Senate seat.

Barack Obama's decisive victory on Tuesday marks a change in America's political direction, and we hope it will help get our country back on track.

Tell us what you thought of the election.