Illinois lawmakers are back in Springfield for a special session, and both Republicans and Democrats have tax hikes top of mind. On this edition of Illinois Rising, Dan Proft and Pat Hughes take calls from concerned Illinoisans and discuss why Republicans – led by Gov. Bruce Rauner – are capitulating and supporting tax hikes. They also talk to a downstate taxpayer activist who is fighting back against skyrocketing property taxes by taking the issue to court.

The Wall Street Journal framed the choice for Congressional Republicans this way: Republicans can put aside their narrow self-interest and fix Obamacare on their terms. Or they can collapse in disarray and bail it out on Mr. Schumer's. In 2018, will the GOP defend a success or try to explain away a failure? Why does the GOP always argue on Democrats' terms instead of just laying out their vision for the American people? Former Trump Advisor and WSJ Columnist Stephen Moore joins Dan and Amy to discuss

What is the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Senate Healthcare Bill in its current form? Why don't Republicans lead on the Healthcare issue instead of accepting Democrats premise that their plan is heartless? What provision in the GOP plan is most concerning? Peter Ferrara, former advisor to President Reagan and Senior Fellow of Entitlement and Budget Policy at The Heartland Institute joins Dan and Amy to diagnose the issue.

The Supreme Court Of The United States affirms religious liberty and gives a qualified affirmation of executive power over immigration. What does the decision mean for Trump’s temporary travel ban? What should we make of the hysterical response from the left? Are Justices Gorsuch, Thomas, and Alito the three horsemen of the apocalypse? Dan & Amy were joined by Cato Institute Senior Fellow Walter Olson who offers his take on the SCOTUS' decisions.

The SCOTUS handed a partial victory to the Trump Administration. Is Trump’s temporary travel restriction a Muslim ban? Can Trump's tweets be used to show his intent? What impact will yesterday's SCOTUS decision have on religious freedom? Dan & Amy posed these questions and more to Randy Barnett, Georgetown Law Professor& Author of “Our Republican Constitution: Securing the Liberty and Sovereignty of We the People”.

A big religious case adjudicated by the Supreme Court deals a blow against bigotry and for religious liberty. How does the Supreme Court view religious liberty and the right of free association in an individual's commercial life? Dan & Amy recap the Supreme Court's decision with Kerri Kupec, Legal Counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom.

Former ABC-7 political reporter Charles Thomas joined Dan & Amy to discuss his new project, The Chicago Drum, focused on elevating new voices in Chicago's Black community. Does the Chicago Democrat Party serve the interests of the Black community? How will the Chicago Drum help hold black elected leaders accountable? Can we change the narrative by changing the voices that are heard? Why are white liberals so resistant to give the black community a voice?

Since Dennis Rodman's shuttle diplomacy failed, what can be done to avenge Otto Warmbier and end Kim Jong-un? Is the North Korea threat growing? Is ending North Korea the only way to end the North Korea threat? Should the U.S. impose sanctions? Dan & Amy asked former US Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton.

Is it technically breaking news if it is the same news everyday for eight months? Should the Justice Department investigate Hillary Clinton? Is Robert Muller’s record as FBI Director relevant? Should House Democrats replace Nancy Pelosi? Tim Carney, Senior Political Columnist for the Washington Examiner, joined Dan & Amy.

The Senate GOP unveiled their Obamacare replacement and they're already two votes short. But is "nice" enough for President Trump? Dan & Amy were joined by HealthInsuranceMentors.com's C. Steven Tucker to distinguish between the Senate GOP and House GOP versions of Obamacare repeal.