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An advertising sign for building land stands in front of a new home construction site in Northbrook, Illinois in this file photo from December 2021.
Nam Y. Huh/AP

Housing shortage, rising prices, and income requirements: Why buying or renting a home is so difficult in 2026

The Trump Administration says it wants to rein in corporations and private equity buying up single-family homes — aimed at alleviating a tight housing market that has seen significant price increases. What does this mean for homebuyers in Illinois? 


The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations.   

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0 
Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

Eric Stock/WGLT

Seeking GOP nomination, gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski wants to reform Illinois, bring back ‘midwestern values’

Ted Dabrowski is a former leader of a conservative research publication. He’s one of four people running for the Republican nomination in the race for Illinois Governor. Dabrowski shares his vision Illinois and why he thinks he's the best choice to run against Governor JB Pritzker in November.


The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations.   

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0 
Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

Christine Hatfield/Illinois Public Media

Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate Bryan Maxwell talks representing downstate Illinois, advocating socialist policies on campaign trail

Bryan Maxwell is one of the 10 people hoping to represent the Democratic Party in this fall’s election for outgoing Senator Dick Durbin's seat. Known for supporting anti-war causes, he shares his views on military spending, economic sanctions in other countries, and being a socialist. 

The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations. 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0... 
Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

A homeless man sits in a doorway as snow falls in this file photo from January 2025.
AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

The challenges of combating homelessness in Illinois

15,000 Illinoisans are facing homelessness on any given day, according to a report released by the Illinois Department of Human Services. The scale of homelessness has grown in recent years even as states like Illinois embrace active efforts to bring it down. That increase in homelessness has also strained some of the organizations who are trying to help.

The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations. 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0... 
Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

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