It's that time of year again. With spring well underway and summer right around the corner, nothing speaks to the seasons quite like fresh fruit, veggies and those special one-of-a-kind knick knacks and crafts only locals can provide.

The issue: The full consequences of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have been felt by a small percentage of Americans.

Our view: We must commit ourselves this Memorial Day to honoring those who died by assisting veterans get on with their lives.

Sticking its collective thumb in Gov. Pat Quinn’s eye, the Illinois House passed a major expansion of gambling on Wednesday that would put five new casinos in Chicago, Rockford, Danville, Lake County and the south suburbs of Cook County and place slot machines at the state’s racetracks.

Though Jim Thome no longer plays for the Chicago White Sox, he and his family will continue to live in this area.

Buglers Across America volunteers are now performing "Taps" at 3,000 services a month — 26 percent of all the military funerals in the U.S.

While we're all familiar with the silk poppies distributed around Memorial Day, many people don't the history of this tradition. Money raised through the annual Poppy Days program benefits local veterans and their families.

Need to get rid of some stress? Take half off a massage for first-time clients at Evolve Salon Suites in St. Charles. Pay just $30 for a one-hour massage (regularly $60).

Memorial Day is Monday. How are you observing this national holiday? Send us your photos of the parades, family gatherings or any other ways you are observing the holiday this year.

The final installment of our Costly Commute series follow Erica Urteaga of Bolingbrook, a busy 33-year-old mom who totes her four children around to various activities on the weekends, then visits family and friends in Chicago on the weekends. The cost of gas is something always on Urteaga's mind, so she relies on advance planning and car smarts to keep a tight budget.

Our complete series of stories and multimedia on the "Costly Commute," a multi-part series about the effects of rising gas prices on suburban residents.

Although the primary protest against NATO occurred early Sunday afternoon and evening, traffic restrictions will still be in effect Monday.

When Patricia Withers left home Sunday morning, she also left her dependent 29-year-old autistic son behind with her husband, who had to fly back from his home in England. "Just in the event I get arrested," Withers said, "someone has to be here for him."

With no major protests planned today in Chicago, downtown is quiet and emptier than usual.

Although NATO has dampened many people's plans, children at Montrose Harbor flew kites without fear during the somewhat controversial weekend.

In a sea of red shirts and green hats, the National Nurses United descended on Daley Plaza to protest the economic policies they say benefit the wealthy at the cost of the workers of the nation.

The issue: A study released recently shows that Muslims have become the third-largest religious group in Illinois.

Our view: Changes in religious demographics require an effort on everyone’s part to increase their understanding of each other.

The Riverside Arts Weekend — also known as RAW — will return this weekend for its fifth year of showcasing local artists, musicians, designers and architects. RAW will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday in downtown Riverside in front of the train station, on Bloomingbank Road and in Guthrie Park.

When Jacqueline Vasan bakes, she tries to use all-organic, locally grown ingredients in her products — but not because that’s the trend right now. The Western Springs resident is owner of Bread from the Heart, a small company incorporated just two years ago that sells various types of breads, flour and other baked treats.

Between security precautions, road closings and possible demonstrations tied to the NATO summit, many are preferring to stay far away from the downtown this weekend. Add to that the season’s first cross-town series between the Cubs and the White Sox, and roads and transit could be snarled through Monday.