After the Thanksgiving turkey is eaten and the dishes done, are you the kind of person who puts Christmas lights up right away? If so, snap a photo and send it to us. Suburban Life newspapers are having a contest to see the best home holiday decorations. Take a picture and e-mail it to bhudson@mysuburbanlife.com with the subject line “Holiday Lights” by Dec. 9. We'll run the best ones the week of Christmas. Click through for more details.

The polling firm Gallup reported this year that 39 percent of Americans accept the truth of evolution, that 36 percent have no opinion on it, and that 25 said they don’t believe it. With such apathy toward the natural world, it’s no wonder children from other nations have surpassed American students in science and technology.

YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:

Some of Santa's helpers are concerned that children are spreading germs to the Man in Red when they visit him. This has prompted some to advocate offering the vaccine for swine flu to those who portray Santa. Should shopping mall Santas be given a priority in receiving the H1N1 vaccine?

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Baby squirrels may have been a reason for last year’s split between the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and a charitable group that raises money to fund the rehabilitation of wild animals.

The Forest Preserve has filed suit against the DuPage Wildlife Foundation, claiming the organization is holding on to charity money that should belong to the district’s Willowbrook Wildlife Center.

A late game-winning drive secured Glenbard West's trip to Saturday's state championship game, where the Hilltoppers will face next-door neighbor Wheaton Warrenville South. After barely getting into the playoffs, Montini continues its dream playoff run with a convincing semifinal victory. A last-second field goal ended Glenbard North's state title bid. Find semifinal game coverage and photos at FNL.MYSUBURBANLIFE.COM.

An Amber Alert issued out of Lemont Township has been canceled, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.