The Reality of Abortion in Illinois

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

Illinois State Senator Neil Anderson recently announced that he will be introducing legislation in Springfield to abolish abortion in the state of Illinois.

In this episode, IFI’s David Smith, Jenna Smith, and Alyssa Sonnenburg discuss this legislation and unpack the reality of the abortion practice in Illinois.

Did you know that in the state of Illinois,

• abortion businesses do not need to undergo inspections,
• when a woman dies during an abortion, the coroner is not required to be notified,
• a medical professional cannot be disciplined for performing an abortion on a non-pregnant woman, and
• medical professionals with a revoked medical license from another state will be allowed to perform abortions in Illinois.

So YOU Elected Pritzker?

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

The Illinois gubernatorial primary and general elections are coming up in March and November of this year, respectively.

For the past eight years, Illinoisans have had first-hand experience of the radical nature of the Democratic Party in Illinois.

• Shocking abortion statistics: 38,472 abortions in Illinois in 2014; 89,770 in 2024.
• The highest combined state and local tax burden in the nation.
• Heightened violence.
• Radical school curriculum: sex ed in kindergarten, proficiency testing of LGBTQ history in 8^th grade in order to graduate, tampons in boys school bathrooms, and much more.

March 17 Matters and Here’s Why

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

The University of Chicago Institute of Politics, WBEZ, the Chicago Sun-Times, and International House recently covered the three frontrunner Democratic candidates running for the open U.S. Senate seat in Illinois for the upcoming Primary on March 17^th.

The debate featured candidates Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL, District 2), Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL, District 8), and Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton.

I watched the debate so that you wouldn’t have to and these are the big takeaways.… Continue Reading

Illinois Can’t Afford Pritzker’s Energy Experiment

Written by David E. Smith

Illinoisans are about to feel another hit to their wallets—this time in the name of “clean” energy.

Gov. JB Pritzker and his Democratic supermajorities have pursued the unrealistic goal of 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045 with little regard for cost or reliability. What lawmakers failed to disclose when they passed Illinois’ original clean-energy law is now painfully hitting home with no relief in sight. These foolish policies will cost taxpayers billions.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Why Only Americans Should Participate in U.S. Elections

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

This episode of Illinois Family Spotlight features two special guests.

In the first segment, we hear from JennyBeth Martin from the Only Citizens Vote Coalition on why only Americans should participate in American elections.

In the second segment, we hear from Larry Elder on the importance of the film Uncle Tom II.

“87% of Americans agree [in proof of citizenship for license to vote].”

This is an important episode you do not want to miss.… Continue Reading

Repeal the SAFE-T Act: Lock Up Career Criminals

Written by David E. Smith

Illinois’ Soft-on-Crime Policies Are Hurting Innocent People

More and more people are being violently victimized because of the so-called “SAFE-T Act,” rushed through the General Assembly on January 13, 2021, and signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker on February 22, 2021. This massive overhaul of our criminal-justice system passed entirely along party lines — every Democrat voted for it; not a single Republican supported it.

The horrific attack on 26-year-old Bethany Magee is not an isolated tragedy.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Stand Firm

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

November 7, 2025 featured Illinois Family Institute’s annual Faith, Family & Freedom banquet.

In his address to over 700 attendees, Executive Director, David Smith, outlined IFI’s mission to standing firm against the spiritual battles that Illinois is facing.

“Illinois is now poised to become the 12th jurisdiction and the first midwest state to normalize suicide…

We must pray… that Governor Pritzker would veto this legislation.”

This is an episode that you do not want to miss.… Continue Reading

Bethany Magee’s Critical Condition Was Preventable

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

On November 17th at around 9 pm on Chicago’s L Train, Bethany Magee, a 26 year old woman, was doused in gasoline and set on fire by Lawrence Reed.

The infuriating part of this horrific crime is not only the crime itself, but the looming fact that this atrocity was completely preventable.

Why? Because Lawrence Reed is another “career criminal” with 72 prior arrests. A very long rap sheet.

To understand the nature of just how preventable this incident was, Reed’s criminal context is important.… Continue Reading

Chicago’s Unholy Alliance

Written by David E. Smith

Chicago is a city with a complicated legacy — a place that has inspired political machines, entrepreneurial innovation, faith-filled reform, and yes, devastating corruption. While many think of shady deals made in smoke-filled back rooms, the deeper and more troubling truth is that Chicago has a long history of collaboration between political figures and violent street gangs.

This is not conspiracy theory. It’s documented history.

Gangs as Political Machinery

Beginning in the 1960s, Chicago politicians recognized something that should have been obvious: gangs had numbers.… Continue Reading

The High Cost of Judicial “Compassion”

Written by Daniel Horowitz

When victims’ advocates push for mandatory minimum sentences, the leniency lobby instantly howls about “judicial discretion.” In theory, that’s right: In a just society, judges should have the freedom to weigh every case, tailoring sentences to fit the crimes.

But America doesn’t live in that society. We live in an era when violent crime floods major cities and leftist judges treat predators like misunderstood poets. In this environment, mandatory minimums aren’t cruel — they’re the only remaining safeguard for victims and the public.… Continue Reading