The 21st Show
The push for transparency in small business loans
Small businesses often turn to non-bank lenders to borrow money, but hidden terms mean those businesses often have to pay back more than what they borrowed in the first place.
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The 21st Show
Illinois Primary Election 2026 recap
A political writer discusses the results of many big races across the state last night and what they mean for the general election in the fall.
The 21st Show
Why does everyone hate white liberals?
There are deep divides in American politics, but one thing a lot of people agree on is their distaste for white liberals. Conservatives think they’re left-wing nut jobs, progressives think they’re corporate shills, and many people of color are suspicious that they’re at best tepid allies. All this is the subject of a recent book by UIC historian Kevin M. Schultz: Why Everyone Hates White Liberals (Including White Liberals).
The 21st Show
How AI can play a role in NCAA basketball tournament brackets
The annual NCAA Division 1 Men’s and Women’s Basketball tournament is back. Can AI beat the odds and make a better bracket than humans?
The 21st Show
Illinois Primary Election 2026 preview
Tomorrow is Primary Election Day in Illinois. Voters will decide who will represent the major parties in this fall’s elections, from county boards to the governor’s race. Two journalists covering local politics and the statehouse outline the keys races and candidates.
Weather Realness
Tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires: how scientists link extreme weather to climate change
Severe weather events have increased over the years. From hurricanes, tornadoes to massive wildfires, these changes in the weather are often linked to climate change. We talk about how a warming planet influences extreme weather and how researchers make that connection.
Weather Realness
Severe weather season is here, what do weather warnings mean and how to stay prepared
We’re in a severe weather season in Illinois. We saw the first of it on Tuesday, where a tornado outbreak hit the Chicago area and across Illinois. We talk about different types of weather warnings and how to stay safe in case you run into a tornado.
The 21st Show
Tenth anniversary special
It’s been 10 years since The 21st Show first went on air, on March 14, 2016. We’ll listen back to a decade of the program and reflect on what’s happened in that time — in Illinois, in America, and around the world.
The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: Four Democrats battle in March primary to succeed Susana Mendoza as Illinois comptroller
First elected in 2016, Susana Mendoza has been Illinois’ comptroller for nearly a decade. Now, she’s stepping aside. And four Democrats are vying for the seat.
The 21st Show
Former staffer’s book highlights ‘the Onion’s’ contributions to news satire
“The Onion's” news satire has become a staple of American culture. Christine Wenc's book, “Funny Because It’s True: How the Onion Created Modern American News Satire" looks at the history of the publication and how it's still relevant today.
