Illinois Public Media News

Two women in Peoria have taken the idea of “going out for a walk” to a whole new level. Two childhood friends from Peoria set out in November of 2019 to traverse all 1,639 streets in Peoria. 

Graduates have been frustrated and confused by the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for years. Last month The Department of Education announced reforms that they hope will make it easier for public sector workers to have their loans forgiven. To talk about the program, The 21st was joined by directors from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and Student Borrower Protection Center.

Last week, Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger came out with a video announcing he would not be seeking re-election. There’s been speculation about him possibly running for governor or the US Senate here in Illinois — both of which would be uphill climbs just to win the primary. We talked about what the future might hold for Kinzinger with former leading conservative radio host and current editor-at-large of "The Bulwark."

With the return to full in-person learning, this past September saw the newest cases and deaths for kids in the U.S. but a survey by Kaiser Family Foundation says barely one in three parents will permit their children to be vaccinated immediately. 

According to some, school punishment and suspension doesn’t work. Studies show that students who have been suspended are more likely to drop out, be arrested, and be incarcerated later in life.  And they say this cycle of violence has ripple effects for parents, educators, and communities.