Part of the Black Buffalo Trail runs near the picturesque Missouri River chute that cuts off Pelican Island. The rest of the trail loops through a rich stand of trees.

WASHINGTON • The Justice Department is investigating a handful of apparently anti-Muslim incidents in four states. The open criminal investigations were confirmed in response to a query from The Ass

CREVE COEUR • The pressure should be on Amy Feder this week.

Jewish New Year

Behavior coming from a tiny dog often isn't taken seriously. We laugh at how cute the dog is, what an attitude she has, and we try to make friends by venturing out a hand to pet the tiny ball of fury.

Anyone 17 or older, weighing 110 pounds or more and in good health may donate.

Blood donation just became more convenient and efficient at the Central Illinois Community Blood Center.

L-O-L-A LOLA: Our town's Kim Goedeker, 26, and her dog, Lola, are featured in a picture and article in today's USA Today.

Anthony Bourdain has things pretty good these days.

HELPING THE CAUSE: Non-profit veteran, Deborah Kersting, has been named the new executive director of the Gateway Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Since starting the DIY Style website in 2007, a mother-daughter duo have created patterns for McCalls, hosted fashion shows and started the St. Louis Fashion Collective.

There's a new way to potty train. And given the way children are drawn to their parents' smartphones, this may be worth trying.

Great deals for Grandparents Day

Yield: 2 servings

Dear Annie • Several years ago, I married the man of my dreams. "Darren" was everything I wanted. He had three children, two from a previous marriage and one from an earlier relationship.

Dear Abby • My best friend of 30 years, "Andrea," and her husband decided not to have children. They are happy with their dogs and cats.

Dear Dr. Donohue • I am a 78-year-old male and have blood tests and physicals every year. In 2001, my cholesterol was 225 mg. Every year it was lower, until this year it was 94. My LDL was 29 , and

TOKYO • The NDM-1 superbug, which is resistant to almost all antibiotics, has been confirmed for the first time in Japan, it was learned Monday.

Five months ago, caretakers worried that Courage the German shepherd might die because his diet of dirt had reduced him to 37 pounds and he was so emaciated he could barely lift his head.

Small legs quickly climb the stairs, heads pop out of bus windows and excitement reigns as they near their destination.