The Illinois Family Spotlight podcast will highlight a specific cultural or political issue of which our listeners should be aware. Our discussions will be informed by a biblical worldview that will help expose the lies and distortions promulgated within secular culture. We will be interviewing policy experts and scholars whose knowledge and insights will help listeners form a wiser worldview.
This week, Monte is joined by Illinois Family Institute’s David Smith to talk with Shannon Adcock, founder of Awake Illinois. They are an uncancelable force putting the spotlight on Illinois school districts to erase DEI initiatives and protect children from mental health screenings, graphic sex education and title IX violations.
Illinois Family Spotlight
What is Going on In The Illinois School Districts? (IFS #430)
Today’s spotlight is on Dr. Mark Zumhagen and his presentation at Illinois Family Institute’s forum on Assisted Suicide, which was hosted by Lake County Right to Life. Dr. Zumhagen is an IFI board member and a family medicine physician with 4 decades of practice under his belt. In 2009, he co-founded Fearfully & Wonderfully Made in Orland Park, where he currently practices.
In this episode, Dr. Zumhagen discusses how pro suicide legislation has its roots in Darwinism, reminding us that life is a precious gift.… Continue Reading
It’s May madness time in the Illinois General Assembly, and on Spotlight today, we’re asking IFI lobbyist David Curtin what to expect our legislature to churn out this month. May madness is a term coined by Curtin to describe the chaos that ensues in Springfield before the lawmakers adjurn for the summer. Anything could happen.
In this episode of Spotlight, IFI’s attorney breaks down the legal ramifications homeschoolers face if HB 2827 is passed, and how we can conquer it in court if it becomes law.
Illinois Family Spotlight
HB 2827 From the Perspective of a Lawyer | Guest: James Odom (IFS #427)
Organizers are gearing up for the Fall 40 days for life prayer campaign after a successful spring effort that included a rally across from the planned parenthood facility in Aurora. Catharine Walker spoke with Steve Carlin at that prayer rally, and has some encouraging words for pro life prayer warriors.
Illinois Family Spotlight
Pray for Life | Guest: Catharine Walker (IFS #426)
Illinois could legalize assisted suicide. The End of Life Options Act gives doctors the greenlight to perscribe death-causing drugs to adult patients diagnosed with a terminal illness. Life leaders warn that legal suicide in Illinois will eventually be expanded to cover people with non terminal conditions and even children. Following a testimony during a state Senate hearing in Chicago, Dr. Kevin Garner spoke with IFI’s Monte Larrick about the End of Life Options Act.
Dr. Garner is an internal medicine specialist, and is board certified in hospice and pallative care.… Continue Reading
A leader in the disability community has said that the End of Life Options Act puts disabled people at greater risk of being coerced into seeking assisted suicide. Riley Spreadbury, with the Disability Resource Center in Joliet, testified against assisted suicide before the State Senate committee, and shares her perspective with Spotlight in this episode.
Illinois Family Spotlight
Assisted Suicide Targets People With Disabilities | Guest: Riley Spreadbury (IFS #424)
If HB 2827 passes, there are going to be additional bills introduced in subsequent years. ~ Will Estrada
During the Illinois Christian Home Educator’s (ICHE) Cherry Pie Day in Springfield, IL, Monte Larrick asked Homeschool Legal Defense Association’s (HSLDA) Senior Counsel Will Estrada about the dangers of HB 2827.
This episode includes
Key points you can bring up with your lawmakers
How this bill will set Illinois home educators up for further regulations
The danger of homeschool parents’ having custody of their children revoked
The way brick & mortar private schools will be at risk
| Jenna Smith | March 25, 2025 9:46 AM | Comments Off on The Dangers of ‘The Homeschool Act’ from the Viewpoint of an Attorney | Guest: Will Estrada (IFS #423)
Illinois home educators are rallying against the “Homeschool Act.” HB 2827 will stifle IL homeschoolers with regulations that, if not fully complied with, will lead to hefty fines, and even jail time. Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE) are helping to lead the charge against this legislation. Kirk Smith, executive director of ICHE joins Monte to talk about the consequences of the bill and how YOU can stand against it.
| Jenna Smith | 
May 13, 2025 3:51 PM | 
Comments Off on What is Going on In The Illinois School Districts? (IFS #430) 
