In our editorial this week, we focus on how the full consequences of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have been felt by a small percentage of Americans. We must commit ourselves this Memorial Day to honoring those who died by assisting veterans get on with their lives.

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.

A federal judge ruled that Berwyn must allow a methadone clinic to open to treat those addicted to opiates such as heroin. Officials passed a zoning ordinance limiting where these facilities could be located, but the judge ruled this violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. Would you be comfortable with a methadone clinic in your community?

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.

In our editorial this week, we focus on how a study released recently shows that Muslims have become the third-largest religious group in Illinois. Changes in religious demographics require an effort on everyone’s part to increase their understanding of each other.

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.

A think tank left the thinking behind a few weeks ago when it posted an image of Ted Kaczynski on a billboard In Maywood questioning the legitimacy of climate change. Some sponsors have withdrawn their support for the group as a result of the controversy.

A man from the western suburbs has sued the Metra commuter rail system for rides he purchased but never used. John DiVito of Roselle bought three 10-ride passes in 2009 and 2010 for about $110. However, he said he only made 11 trips before the passes expired, leaving about $66 worth of unused rides.

Chicago will host the NATO summit the weekend of May 19 and 20, and transportation will be problematic. People in the western suburbs will be affected by the event. We encourage everyone to help mitigate problems as best they can.

The issue: Chicago will host the NATO summit the weekend of May 19 and 20, and transportation will be problematic.

Our view: People in the western suburbs will be affected by the event. We encourage everyone to help mitigate problems as best they can.

Since his imprisonment for his part in the Watergate scandal, Chuck Colson has worked tirelessly to bring public attention to the need for prison reform. Colson’s recent death serves as a reminder of the power of personal transformation and his impact on the evangelical Christian community.

Congress increased the tax on cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco three years ago. Now, there are indications that smokers are using pipe tobacco to roll their own cigarettes and cigars to avoid the costly taxes. Should the government raise taxes on pipe tobacco and cigars?

Local police departments will not have to take criminal defendants to bond court in Chicago on the weekends. The West Suburban Chiefs of Police Association deserves credit for helping reach a compromise with the county.

The issue: Local police departments will not have to take criminal defendants to bond court in Chicago on the weekends.

Our view: The West Suburban Chiefs of Police Association deserves credit for helping reach a compromise with the county.

Several local legislators are co-sponsoring a bill to lower the state’s portion of sales tax on gasoline for six months. Without knowing how this tax cut will be offset and with such small savings per driver, this bill isn’t bound to go anywhere.

The issue: Several local legislators are co-sponsoring a bill to lower the state’s portion of sales tax on gasoline for six months.

Our view: Without knowing how this tax cut will be offset and with such small savings per driver, this bill isn’t bound to go anywhere.

Verizon Wireless recently announced it would begin charging its customers $30 to upgrade to a new phone. Other companies said they will follow suit with its own fees. Does this mean customers will hang on to their older cellphones longer?

The use of humor often presents the best insights of any political speech. Two well-known figures, Mikhail Gorbachev and David Axelrod, made good use of humor in speeches made in local venues recently.

The issue: The Illinois House of Representatives passed a bill giving more power to prosecutors to indict street gang members.

Our view: This would be an effective tool for law enforcement agencies, and we urge legislators to pass it and sign it into law.