The American Civil Liberties Union sent letters to eight Illinois municipalities last week — including Danville — urging them to repeal their panhandling bans. The nonprofit organization warned of legal action if community officials don't heed their warning.

On The 21st: What is the experience of being a homeless youth in Illinois? We talked with one formerly homeless youth and those trained to help. Also, Sen. Durbin and others say the Cahokia Mounds should be named a National Monument. And NPR's Kelly McEvers talked about her new podcast.

The state budget impasse could put more young people out on the streets this winter.  

An estimated 13,054 Chicago families experienced homelessness during the 2014-15 school year, according to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless,