On the 21st: In Chicago, workers from 26 hotels have been striking since Friday. Also, researchers from Northwestern and University of Chicago discuss the prevalence of food allergies and what they're doing to fight it. And, we talk about options parents have when it comes to after-school programs for kids.

On the 21st: Chicago author Kim Brooks joins us to talk about her new book, "Small Animals: Parenthood in the Age of Fear." But first, millions of rural households still don’t have high-speed internet, and for those in the farming business, that makes life even harder. 

On The 21st: With the midterms less than two months away, how secure is our state's election system? And, we speak with Loyola's Omer Mozaffar about his consulting on the Amazon Prime series Jack Ryan. But first, we discuss Illinois politics and follow up on Barack Obama's visit to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 

On this special edition of The 21st: President Obama has been on the political sidelines since he left office. But no more. In an hourlong speech at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the former president rebuked President Trump, calling him "a symptom, not a cause" of today's political climate. He also encouraged the nearly 1,100 students in attendance to vote in this fall's midterm elections, saying "our democracy depends on it."

On The 21st: President Obama is back in Illinois and is coming to Urbana tomorrow! We’ll find out more about his visit. And, we'll tell you more about a new exhibit at the Spertus Institute in Chicago featuring the work of early 20th century Jewish artist Todros Geller. But first, we visit the Lincoln Park Zoo and see what they're doing to celebrate 150 years. 

On the 21st: Rahm Emanuel's surprise announcement that he will not seek a third term as Mayor of Chicago. Plus, we take a look at the "arms race" in higher education sports facilities. And, we learn about predatory publishers that make millions off of fake academic journals—which will often publish just about anything that gets submitted. 

On The 21st: We speak with Chicago food reporter Steve Dolinsky about his new book and his picks for Chicago's 101 best pizzas. Plus, amidst heat warnings throughout the state, what are homeless shelters doing to keep residents safe? And, the State Department is denying passports to some people who have birth certificates from Texas. We talk to the ACLU of Illinois about what's going on at the border. 

On this encore, Labor Day edition of The 21st: Universal Basic Income is the idea that giving residents a fixed amount of money on a regular basis — with no strings attached—is a good way to address poverty and inequality. Now, one Alderman wants to launch a pilot program in Chicago. Plus, how companies are using artificial intelligence to filter out resumes and ultimately determine who gets an interview. And, we hear from a Northwestern astrophysicist about black holes and how she first got started in astrophysics.

On the 21st: What does Midwestern food mean to you? Maybe a Chicago hot dog, or a horseshoe? We hear from experts, chefs, and callers. But first, we look at student-run mental health clubs on college campuses, and how peers are supporting one another.

On The 21st: It's been more than a year since visiting Chinese scholar Yingying Zhang disappeared. Today, we'll hear from two of her friends and colleagues about how they are remembering her. And, Chicago novelist Abby Geni joins us to talk about her second novel - “The Wildlands.” But first, we talk about the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church. 

On The 21st: We talk about the legacy of Albert Lee - an African-American man who helped some of the U of I’s first black students succeed - at a time when they were often denied access to resources like housing. And, we revisit our conversation about an Illinois law which prompted some 16 and 17-year olds to add their names to the organ donor list. But first, residents of the south Indian state of Kerala are trying to recover from the worst flood in a century. And members of Illinois’ large Indian communities are raising money to help.

https://impactchallenge.withgoogle.com/illinois2018On the 21st: What can Chicago learn from Toronto when it comes to having healthier babies? Plus,Google Chicago is looking to give out $1 million to Illinois nonprofits—we’ll tell you how to apply! But first, we have your weekly Illinois politics update including more info on bills that Governor Rauner has signed or vetoed.

On the 21st: Steve James tells us about his ten-part documentary series 'America to Me,' which explores race, education and high school through the lens of a handful of students at Oak Park and River Forest High School. But first, we look back at how the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago changed American politics.

On The 21st: We discuss a new law that requires Illinois hospitals have nurses trained to treat rape victims. And, 200 years ago, Illinois ratified its first state constitution. We talk about what Illinoisans are doing to celebrate. But first, we speak with student journalists from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.