Suburban Life is looking for the best and brightest outdoor holiday decorations. You send them in, and we will publish them the week of Christmas.

From an undefeated powerhouse to a Cinderella playoff run, four area football teams are geared up for the charged environment of state semifinal football Saturday. Check at each team's prospects in our previews at FNL.MYSUBURBANLIFE.COM.

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:

Home sales have been on the rise in western suburbs. Is this a sign the economy is recovering?

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In debating whether we should abolish capital punishment, it’s important to decide which aspect of this story dominates — the psychopath who deserves the ultimate punishment or the wrongful conviction of two men. Is it better for us to enhance public safety by eliminating society’s most serious threats or to protect civil liberties by making sure innocent people are never put to death?

A lapse in financial bookkeeping has left the DuPage Water Commission millions of dollars short, and leaders are considering increasing water utility rates, among other fundraising options, to cover the hole.

The DuPage Health Dept. is hoping to get its H1N1 flu vaccines to more of those who need it most with a pair of appointment-only clinics next month in Glen Ellyn and Downers Grove. The first session will be Saturday, Dec. 12 at Building K of the College of DuPage, and the second will be Sunday, Dec. 13 at Downers Grove South High School.