NPR’s new daily science podcast is called Short Wave. It’s a show that digs into the science behind the headlines and makes it fun. Plus, reporter Allie Conti was scammed by an Airbnb host on a trip to Chicago. When she looked into it further, she found a network of properties in different cities taking thousands of dollars from unsuspecting guests. And, what sounds do you associate with fall? Maybe the loud buzz of a leaf blower? Some communities have banned them because of noise, but also because they’re harmful to the environment. Also, we catch up on Illini sports.

On The 21st: Airbnb has collected $9.3 million in taxes on behalf of hosts in the state of Illinois. What's going on with these taxes? Plus, we talk to Chicago journalist Ellen Mayer about her podcast IlliNoise. But first, a new story from the Chicago Sun-Times shows that nearly a quarter of the money contributed to political campaigns in the state came from four men. What's going on in Illinois politics this week?