In our editorial this week, we focus on how a study released recently shows that Muslims have become the third-largest religious group in Illinois. Changes in religious demographics require an effort on everyone’s part to increase their understanding of each other.

The issue: A study released recently shows that Muslims have become the third-largest religious group in Illinois.

Our view: Changes in religious demographics require an effort on everyone’s part to increase their understanding of each other.

A think tank left the thinking behind a few weeks ago when it posted an image of Ted Kaczynski on a billboard In Maywood questioning the legitimacy of climate change. Some sponsors have withdrawn their support for the group as a result of the controversy.

A man from the western suburbs has sued the Metra commuter rail system for rides he purchased but never used. John DiVito of Roselle bought three 10-ride passes in 2009 and 2010 for about $110. However, he said he only made 11 trips before the passes expired, leaving about $66 worth of unused rides.

Chicago will host the NATO summit the weekend of May 19 and 20, and transportation will be problematic. People in the western suburbs will be affected by the event. We encourage everyone to help mitigate problems as best they can.

The issue: Chicago will host the NATO summit the weekend of May 19 and 20, and transportation will be problematic.

Our view: People in the western suburbs will be affected by the event. We encourage everyone to help mitigate problems as best they can.

Since his imprisonment for his part in the Watergate scandal, Chuck Colson has worked tirelessly to bring public attention to the need for prison reform. Colson’s recent death serves as a reminder of the power of personal transformation and his impact on the evangelical Christian community.

Congress increased the tax on cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco three years ago. Now, there are indications that smokers are using pipe tobacco to roll their own cigarettes and cigars to avoid the costly taxes. Should the government raise taxes on pipe tobacco and cigars?

The Downers Grove Village Council gave Village Manager David Fieldman a $15,000 salary hike and a $5,000 bonus this year. While Fieldman has served the village well, limited financial resources make income boosts like this imprudent.

The issue: The Downers Grove Village Council gave Village Manager David Fieldman a $15,000 salary hike and a $5,000 bonus this year.

Our view: While Fieldman has served the village well, limited financial resources make income boosts like this imprudent.

Several local legislators are co-sponsoring a bill to lower the state’s portion of sales tax on gasoline for six months. Without knowing how this tax cut will be offset and with such small savings per driver, this bill isn’t bound to go anywhere.

The issue: Several local legislators are co-sponsoring a bill to lower the state’s portion of sales tax on gasoline for six months.

Our view: Without knowing how this tax cut will be offset and with such small savings per driver, this bill isn’t bound to go anywhere.

Verizon Wireless recently announced it would begin charging its customers $30 to upgrade to a new phone. Other companies said they will follow suit with its own fees. Does this mean customers will hang on to their older cellphones longer?

The use of humor often presents the best insights of any political speech. Two well-known figures, Mikhail Gorbachev and David Axelrod, made good use of humor in speeches made in local venues recently.

The issue: The Village of Downers Grove will now fund its stormwater system through a utility fee rather than through property taxes.

Our view: People who use the stormwater system more often will pay higher fees, which makes for a more equitable method of financing it.

The issue: Legislators are considering a bill to ban drivers from ever using cellphones unless they are hands-free or voice-activated devices.

Our view: This idea could make our roadways safer, but local municipalities must enforce these laws for them to be effective.

The best way to form political beliefs is to consider opposing viewpoints. Benedictine University in Lisle held a unique event last week for high school students that did just this.

Nodding off behind the wheel isn’t the only threat from a lack of shut-eye. There’s growing evidence that people who regularly sleep too little and at the wrong time suffer long-lasting consequences that a nap won’t cure: An increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and other health problems.