If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to create a crossword puzzle in The New York Times, we’ll hear about that process from a University of Illinois student who’s had puzzles published there and in the Wall Street Journal.

The 21st talks to political commentator and Champaign native George Will, who says “the American project is more battered than at any time” since the Civil War. He says the crisis is rooted in a public that’s “evenly divided by mutual incomprehension.”

The 21st spoke to two political scientists who will help us look at the Trump Campaign’s attempts to undermine the election with their refusal to concede, and their attempts to call into question the legitimacy of the results. The 21st discusses what it could mean for the health of our democracy and elections going forward.

As we honor those who served our country today on Veterans Day, we’ll talk with some Veterans and advocates at the University of Illinois working to address some of the challenges facing those who have served our country.

We’re breaking down the wall between news consumers and journalists by looking at how media organizations decide what to cover and how to cover it. Plus some of the challenges of being in a profession the president has called an “enemy of the people.”

Thousands of people are being held in Illinois jails as they await trial. Many would be able to get out while innocent until proven guilty — but they cannot afford their bail. The 21st spoke with Illinois organizations working to end the practice of money bond.

Southern Illinois University alum Jared Yates Sexton talks about his book American Rule: How A Nation Conquered the World But Failed Its People.

President Donald Trump and many Republicans in congress continue to reject media projections that Joe Biden is the President-elect. To talk about that, the Supreme Court, a possible role in the Biden cabinet, COVID-19 and more, US Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined The 21st.

COVID-19 cases across Illinois are surging, but there’s still a lot we don’t know about exactly where cases are coming from. The 21st speaks with a WBEZ reporter about what's happening in hospitals and public health officials, and talk with a professor who is mapping outbreaks. 

Former Vice President Joe Biden is the president-elect and will once again sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. The 21st speaks with two public radio reporters and takes a look at reaction in Illinois and what a Biden presidency could mean for the state.

Are you feeling a little frayed this week? The 21st spoke with a psychiatrist about how to cope with stress as the election drags on, and how to cope if your candidate loses. 

The 21st spoke with Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R) who just won a 6th term in Illinois' 16th Congressional District. We discussed the state of the election, a second stimulus bill,the future of the Republican part and the next gubernatorial campaign.

The 21st takes a look at what’s ahead in Illinois politics with Illinois State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago)