In 1995, Illinois and the Midwest were in the stifling grip of a heatwave that killed hundreds. The 21st speaks to an NYU sociologist about the government's response and the potential parallels between the heatwave of 1995 and COVID-19 pandemic 25 years later.

Best of: Chicago Heat Wave Author Sees Parallels To COVID-19 Response

We discuss Illinois State Museum's decision to return sacred artifacts to Kenya, and how many museums across the country are doing the same in the process known as "repatriations".

Illinois State Museum returns stolen items to Kenya

“The Bear” has catapulted the Italian beef sandwich — and also Chicago’s dining scene — into the national conversation.

Italian Beef is getting a spotlight thanks to ‘The Bear’ but what makes the ultimate sandwich?

We're talking state politics and how what's happening in Washington affects Illinois.

Weekly Politics Roundtable - July 28, 2023

This week, we check with reporters from Macomb and Champaign-Urbana.

Illinois News Roundup - July 28, 2023

Adam Gopnik

To talk about his "self-help book that won't help," how he thinks about the concept of mastery and more, The 21st Show was joined by author Adam Gopnik.

Best of: Adam Gopnik talks masters and mastery

A new Northwestern study found that parents are less likely to be informed about the newest guidance from pediatrics on how to help their children avoid developing peanut allergies.

Pediatrician explains why giving infants peanuts may prevent allergies later

Many headlines about immigration involve government policies, the border, and interviewing the poor lived experience of immigration, but below those headlines are positive stories debunking the misinformation about immigration.

Immigrants making a positive impact in Illinois

After years of abuse allegations, the closing and repurposing of The Choate Mental Health and Development Center in Anna Illinois is a re-occurring pattern of abuse problems at statewide supported mental health centers.

After changes at Choate, has anything changed at other mental health centers?

Last week, El Milagro workers settled a labor dispute with the company and now we discuss how this will affect both workers and the Latino community.

What’s at stake for workers at El Milagro Tortilla Factories?

Illinois's statewide news talk show, produced by Illinois Public Media.

Aisha Harris

NPR's Aisha Harris joined The 21st to talk about the culture that shaped her, the intersection of her identities as a Black person and a critic, and more

Best of: Aisha Harris on pop culture, being a Black critic, and more

The 21st Show was joined by lawmakers who supported and opposed the bill, as well as the CEO of an organization advocating against sexual assault and two LGBTQ advocates.

Best of: What’s the controversy around a bill that permits multi-stall all-gender restrooms?

On our second artist spotlight of the week, Zacari Moore from Springfield shares a song behind her album, “Do Not Disturb,” and we ask Moore about her musical journey and listen to her poetry.

Artist Spotlight: Zuh-Cari

Today’s reporter’s roundtable covers a range of stories in the Bloomington and Normal area, along with updates to Iowa’s request for help from the federal government and the John Deere Classic tournament.

Illinois News Roundup - July 21, 2023

On our second political roundtable, we hear about Congress’s proposed bills, the Illinois Supreme Court’s recent decisions, and the rise of anti-domestic violence activism as a response to the murder of a Springfield woman, Emma Shaffer.

Weekly Politics Roundtable - July 21, 2023

The authors of ‘Nobody’s Fool,’ explores the human psychology that makes us vulnerable to being tricked into scams, and provide practical tips to help us stay in check to avoid these costly and emotional traps.

New book explores the psychology of catching and avoiding scams

Northwestern is not the first school to make the headlines for a hazing scandal, today we look back at the history of hazing among universities.

Northwestern’s scandal is the latest in a history of hazing abuse

Illinois became the first state to eliminate cash bail, and politicians across both sides of the aisle fear crime will rise as a result. Today, we ask what it really means to eliminate cash bail in Illinois.

Will crime rise without cash bail in Illinois?

Many Americans are drowning in medical debt and Rip Medical Debt is a charity that has erased more than $9.5 billion of medical debt for over 6.5 million families. We talk with the CEO of Rip Medical Debt among other experts to see why debt collection is a prevalent problem in America.

Illinois churches work together to erase medical debt

Illinois is set to see classes start at its first folk school this fall at Allerton Park &amp; Retreat Center. We were joined by the center's senior program coordinator to talk about the goals of the school, what programs the school will offer, and more.

Best of: Folk school comes to Allerton Park

I am a born and raise in Chicago and I&#39;m currently working in Philadelphia. all of my family immediate and extended are in Chicago and I intend to come back soon. this podcast helps me to not be a bystanderd and this podcast helps me to be the passionate, committed Illinois and that I am. Thank you!

Fabulous!!

The 21st Show

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Relationships & Love

The best podcast episodes on physical health. Episodes talk about your diet, sleep, exercise and all the things that people do to improve their physical health and live a healthier life. This topic is for everyone, with applications in all of our everyday lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!