Illinois Public Media News

The annual report from the Illinois State Board of Education revealed how the COVID-19 pandemic affected student enrollment. Also, many districts are forced to deal with vacancies.

Today, we bring the ideas of gun violence, mental health, and trauma together to talk about the cycle this can create: people witness violence in their community or their home and then contribute to the violence in their community or home.

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."