Wheaton is one of the last places I’d expect to find anyone who doesn’t believe in God. Yet the city hosts a group called the Wheaton Atheists. Who knew? Meanwhile, there are the Fox Valley Atheists in Batavia, the Freethought Conversants in Glen Ellyn, and even the Non-Alcoholic Atheists in Lombard.

Red, white and blue. Together, in our nation’s flag, they stand as a symbol of freedom. But their presence is much deeper. These colors are ingrained in our culture, whether we notice them or not — from signs marking interstate highways to Popsicles shaped like rockets.

THE ISSUE
Many downtown business districts are finding it difficult staying afloat amid intense big-box competition in the stagnant economy.
OUR VIEW
Individuals who support local merchants help to continually revitalize our communities and make them even better places to live.
SPEAK UP
Would something like the 3/50 Project be beneficial to your downtown business district? Click here to tell us what you think of this. Or e-mail your comments here.

Many state agencies may have to cease their services if a spending bill isn’t approved by June 30. The system is rigged to hurt those who can least afford to have these services cut, which is tragic.
It should be fixed to impact those who got us into this mess. So if legislators don’t pass a plan by next week’s deadline, we should stop paying their salaries and discontinue their benefits. That should get their attention.

Downers Grove fugitive David Hernandez traveled about 110 miles south after fleeing from the FBI on a criminal charge following the $11 million Ponzi scheme he allegedly orchestrated.

There is a severe thunderstorm warning in affect until 11 a.m. Friday for northern DuPage County and central Kane County, according to the National Weather Service in Romeoville.