The Democratic nominee attacked "reckless" Republican economics and spoke of restoring the American dream. His I-44 Missouri bus tour hit Springfield, Rolla and Union, with a quick stop in Lebanon. McCain, also in the state for a fundraiser in Kansas City, has been painting Obama as a celebrity who can deliver speeches but not results. Read the Washington Post story about how Obama's game plan follows the winning strategy of Mo. Sen. Clair McCaskill. 

River towns like Hannibal, Grafton and Alton make their living largely from tourism. This summer, floods brought tourism to a three-week standstill at peak season. Turns out misinformation and proximity to floods hurt some areas more than the water did. (Photo courtesy of the Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau)

Maplewood firefighter and paramedic Ryan Hummert (right, in a photo from the Maplewood Fire Department) was ambushed and fatally shot at what initially appeared to be a routine fire. Attacks on firefighters and paramedics are thankfully rare, but increasingly fire departments across the country are developing ways to keep firefighters safe from violence.

The day after the Rev. Matthew Bonk arrived to become pastor of St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church -- the Rock church -- lightning struck and the resulting fire heavily damaged the 135-year-old building. Bonk and the vast majority of the parishioners have moved to the parish gym and await the reopening that remains months away.

Investigators began searching the ashes of a Maplewood house Tuesday for remains of the person they think may have killed firefighter Ryan Hummert and shot two police officers, the Post-Dispatch reported. The community was in shock, and the motive for the shooting remained a mystery. Read the Post-Dispatch article.

People continue spending on their pets despite a tough economy -- day spas, special treats, "enhancements." As Gregg Miller says, "Nothing is too good for my dog."

Francesca Herndon-Consagra, curator of prints, drawings and photographs at the St. Louis Art Museum, will be the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts' first senior curator. She will make the move from Art Hill to Washington Boulevard in late September.

A grant from zootoo.com, collaboration between A.G. Edwards and BSI, and supporters of Stray Rescue will ensure better surroundings for animals brought in from the streets as they transition to be available for adoption. Renovations for a new shelter at 2320 Pine began on July 15.

Illinois faces another year without a budget and with the governor and speaker of the house unwilling or unable to find common ground. In the latest development, the governor vetoed $1.4 billion in spending - an in-your-face challenge to House Democrats to act.