By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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03.13.26
As the awards ceremonies wind down and the statues that Hollyweird worships are given out, it’s time for a little reality check. The “grand finale” of major film awards will again be broadcast on ABC and Hulu on March 15th.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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03.06.26
I can recall the days of the late 1960s and early ’70s when the military draft sent notices to young men telling them that they had been “selected” to serve our country in the military.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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02.26.26
I used to love to fly. It began with my first jet ride in 1969 out of Bismarck, North Dakota. I don’t recall the destination airport, but I was entered in a speaking competition in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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02.18.26
If you know your fish, you’ve likely heard of the Sarotherodon galilaeus galilaeus. Well, maybe not. This particular species is from the genus tilapia and has a comb-like tail. It is one of the 27 species of fish found in the Sea of Galilee. In Arabic, the fish is named masht (comb) which refers to that unique tail.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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02.06.26
Ahhh…it’s February. It’s the month when we reach the half way point of winter. In Illinois, it’s hardly a cause for celebration. Often some of our coldest days of the season are this month. Oh to be in Scottsdale, Arizona, this week!
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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01.31.26
How many of your friends and relatives would you think are headed for hell? How about coworkers or well known acquaintances? Where would this rank in your level of concerns?
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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01.19.26
Certainly one has a right to wonder why I would have such an offending title to this article on Rhonda’s and my 49th anniversary—January 15th. It does deserve an explanation.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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01.12.26
Illinois’ next U.S. Senator may already be decided by money and name recognition. But voters should be asking a deeper question: What worldview will shape his decisions? Raja Krishnamoorthi is raising $30M+ — but faith and worldview matter more than ads.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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01.03.26
For more than a decade, Monte Larrick has been a trusted voice for Illinois Family Institute, faithfully serving as our Media Affairs Director since 2014. At our 2025 Annual Banquet, we honored Monte with the “Voice of Truth” Award in gratitude for his years of faithful service and bold witness.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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12.22.25
Every year finds us scratching our heads as the world is reshaped by events we control and things we don’t. Thus 2025 was no different. So I’m wrapping up the year with my own list of the unexpected.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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12.17.25
Ho Ho Ho and a bottle of Tums! Isn’t that what Christmas shopping sometimes becomes? Crowds to avoid, internet sell outs, kids asking for more than you can afford…you know, welcome to our favorite season!
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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12.08.25
The church we attend in Plainfield has chosen an interesting “theme” for the four weeks leading up to Christmas. No, it’s not Advent in the traditional sense. Perhaps our pastor will integrate that historic aspect of the season into his messages based around Christmas movies.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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11.26.25
How can a faith-centered person of influence (me) write such words in a season of thanksgiving? It’s not so far-fetched.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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11.10.25
Yes, Veterans Day in 2025 will likely be remembered for military conflicts. Not the kind that claims human life. Instead, conflicts that involve restoring some sanity to our military. These battles came at a cost, however.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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10.29.25
Progressive activists claim to oppose “kings” — yet they stay silent as Illinois politicians seize more of our freedoms and finances. From Soros-funded protests to sky-high taxes, the hypocrisy is glaring. “There you go again,” as Reagan would say.
