Illinois Public Media News

On this encore edition of The 21st: We spoke with three Illinois religious leaders who are part of an interfaith effort to build a Habitat for Humanity house. Plus, we met the artist behind the LEGO exhibit at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry and learned about the effect toys can have on children's perceptions of their own abilities.

A recent survey from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission shows that colleges and universities are handling the state budget impasse in a confusing variety of ways. The commission is the state agency that administers the Monetary Award Program, known as the MAP grant, designed to help pay tuition for low-income students.

In part one of this five-part in-depth series, Susan Stephens and Jenna Dooley introduce us to the Great Lakes Basin Railroad project, the players, and the 260-mile route.

Here's a list of school and other closings, cancellations and decalys, due to cold temperatures & slippery conditions on Monday, Dec. 19, 2016:

Reserve center Maverick Morgan had 14 points and 10 rebounds for his first double-double of the season and forward Michael Finke added 10 points off the bench as the Illini edged the Cougars 75-73 on Saturday night.