Illinois Public Media and NPR Illinois hosted an Illinois Issues Forum on the state budget impasse. Illinois residents who have been directly impacted discussed the burden placed on their community. 

Former Republican Governor Jim Edgar says stopgap spending measures like the one proposed Tuesday by Gov. Bruce Rauner is "the worst kind of budget you can have" and takes the pressure off legislative leaders' efforts to come up with a real spending plan.  He appeared on WILL's 'The 21st' Tuesday.

On the 21st: What can we expect from Springfield in the 11th hour? Plus, some of America's old industrial cities are experiencing a revival from new businesses.

Politicans and special interests poured millions into this 2016 Illinois primary, with this unusual election season bringing lots of interest to both the presidential and even some local races. The 21st team brings you the winners, losers and takeways the day after the election, and looks forward to the general vote in November.

Acklin, the recently retired superintendent of St. Joseph-Odgen High School, says his career in education would translate well to a role in the legislature.  He's one of three GOP candidates vying to succeed Adam Brown in Illinois' March 15 primary.