Illinois farmers have been growing hemp legally for the first season since the state approved production rules in April. Is this cash crop paying off for growers? Plus, within the past decade, the death rates from suicide went up more than 50% among young people aged 10 to 24. We spoke with a psychologist and a student about what they’ve seen on the ground when it comes to teens and mental health. And, scientists at Chicago’s Field Museum are ecstatic about the latest addition to their collection of meteors. They say it’s in almost the same condition it was in billions of years ago.

On The 21st: We revisit our conversation with comedian Julia Sweeney and speak to Monica Eng from Curious City about what you can rent from the Chicago Field Museum. But first, we talk to Chicago based singer songwriter Todd Kessler about his new album About Memory. 

On The 21st: How would Republican tax reform plans affect higher education in the United States? Plus, we learn more about sanctuary cities and the story of Francisca Lino, while also hearing about the 1967 voyage of Chicago transplant Francis Brenton. 

On the 21st: Sue, the world-famous T. rex that greets visitors of the Field Museum in Chicago, is soon moving to make room for a gigantic, new plant-eating dinosaur. We discussed the upcoming changes with Field Museum paleontologist Bill Simpson. Plus, to prepare for the Labor Day holiday and lots of weekend grilling, we heard from some of the state's top BBQ experts, including chef Benjamin Grice from The Humble Hog and Pat Burke from Pat’s BBQ.