The Gen Z Paradox: Rising Faith, Collapsing Worldview

Written by David E. Smith

A new survey from Arizona Christian University and researcher Dr. George Barna reveals a troubling contradiction within Generation Z: while more young people are identifying as Christians, very few actually hold a biblical worldview.

According to the study, Gen Z is showing increased interest in matters of faith. More young adults claim to be Christians, report a deeper commitment to practicing their beliefs, and say they are reading the Bible regularly.… Continue Reading

SCOTUS Redistricting Ruling Sparks Pushback from Pritzker

Written by David E. Smith

Governor JB Pritzker sharply criticized the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling on race-based redistricting, calling it “an attack on a crown jewel of our democracy.”

The Court ruled 6–3 that Louisiana’s addition of a second majority-black congressional district constituted an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. The decision is expected to narrow how the Voting Rights Act is applied moving forward—particularly in cases involving race-based districting.

Speaking to Chicago media, Pritzker said,

“Illinois is the proud home of having sent more black members of Congress to Washington than any other state in the country.

SAFE-T Act Reform Urgently Needed

Written by David E. Smith

Christine Shanahan McGovern, a Republican candidate for Illinois Senate District 18, recently attended a press conference calling for major reforms in the Illinois SAFE-T Act. This legislation, enacted in 2021, represents the most significant overhaul of the criminal justice system.

One of the major controversial components was the elimination of cash bail. In the years since it has gone into effect, critics of this soft-on-crime legislation point out that the elimination of cash bail also limits a judges’ ability to detain individuals deemed dangerous, potentially releasing repeat or violent offenders back into communities and increasing the risk of re-offending.… Continue Reading

Illinois Democrats Push Redistricting. Again.

Written by David E. Smith

Rigging the Map 

On Monday, April 20, Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch filed House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 28 (HJRCA 28), a proposal to amend the state constitution and redefine how legislative and congressional districts are drawn.

After suspending the rules to fast-track this legislation, House Democrats moved the measure out of committee on a partisan vote. It was quickly moved to the House floor where the Democrats voted 74 to 38 to pass it.… Continue Reading

Millionaire Tax Framed as “Relief” for High Property Tax Burden

Written by David E. Smith

Former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn recently held a press conference at the State Capitol to push for property tax relief. And he’s right about one thing: Illinois property taxes are crushing families. According to the Illinois Policy Institute, our state has the second highest property tax in the nation. And yes, we agree that relief is needed.

But instead of addressing the root problem—out-of-control government spending—Democrats are proposing yet another tax.… Continue Reading

Muslim Lobby Day in Illinois

Written by David E. Smith and Kathy Valente

The 9th annual Illinois Muslim Action Day was held this past week at our state Capitol. Organized by The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC), followers of Islam gathered to engage with state lawmakers. According to their website, the event aims to 

amplify the voices of the Muslim minority, build stronger relationships with civic and faith partners, and lobby for bills that impact the community and society at large.

A Free Press or A Government Subsidized Press?

Written by David E. Smith

The Illinois Local News Summit is an annual event held in Chicago that focuses on supporting a strong, free press and addressing the challenges facing local journalism. This year it was held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Union League Club in Chicago. This year’s featured speaker was Governor JB Pritzker.

Introducing the governor was Daniel Ash, president of the Field Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a private foundation with more than $50 million in assets.… Continue Reading

Tell Your Lawmakers We Need Gas Tax Relief

Written by David E. Smith

Illinois families are constantly being squeezed by state lawmakers, and this is especially true at the gas pump.

State Representatives Regan Deering (R-Decatur), C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville), and Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) are calling for immediate relief through House Bill 5738, which would suspend the state’s sales tax on gasoline for six months. At current prices, that would mean roughly 20 cents per gallon back in the pockets of Illinois families.

As gasoline prices climb above $4.00 per gallon in many parts of the state, Illinois drivers are paying not only for global energy pressures, but for one of the highest gas tax burdens in the nation.… Continue Reading

Illinois House Democrats Approve In-State Tuition for Illegal Aliens

Written by David E. Smith

Illinois House Democrats are once again advancing sanctuary policies that place the interests of non-citizens ahead of law-abiding citizens.

During debate on House Bill 5093, lawmakers approved legislation removing key residency requirements for in-state tuition eligibility at public colleges and universities. While presented as a technical adjustment, the real effect is clear: expanding taxpayer-subsidized tuition benefits to individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States.

The bill’s sponsor, State Representative Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora), acknowledged that the measure eliminates the requirement that a student be an Illinois resident while still allowing eligibility for those who attended and graduated from an Illinois high school.… Continue Reading

Angel Families Speak at the White House

Written by David E. Smith

Angel Families, relatives of Americans killed by illegal immigrants, shared their heartbreaking stories at a White House event on April 9, 2026. These are the faces and voices that many Democrats and much of the mainstream media choose to ignore. They are real families grieving losses they believe were preventable due to current border policies.

The media often dismisses these stories because they don’t fit the prevailing narrative. Instead, outlets prioritize emotional coverage of illegal immigrants facing deportation while overlooking American families devastated by preventable crimes.… Continue Reading