On the 21st: Why East St. Louis' public housing complexes create difficult living conditions, even after 32 years of federal management. Plus, how researchers at the University of Illinois are bringing "The Internet Of Things" to the battlefield, and a quick update with Cheryl Raye Stout on whether the Cubs can rally after falling behind two games to none against the L.A. Dodgers.

On the 21st: How Illinoisans might be affected by the Trump administration’s move to end Affordable Care Act subsidies. Plus, we learn about a major migrant labor housing camp in Rantoul and an oral history program by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library that archives high school sports stories. 

On the 21st: How economist Richard Thaler's unconventional style helped him win the Nobel Prize this week. Plus, we revisit our conversation with Chicago author Marcus Sakey on his novel 'Afterlife,' and rebroadcast our interview with two creators of the 'Hate Has No Home Here' campaign.

On the 21st: Illinois' tuition and fees at public colleges are the fifth highest in the nation. How did we get here? Plus, how the once-endangered bobcat is now a part of hunting season. But first, the challenges seniors - especially in rural areas - face with getting the food they need for a healthy lifestyle.

On The 21st: ProPublica Illinois reporter Mick Dumke discusses his latest investigation into Chicago gun violence. Plus, how a new Illinois law might lead to increased protections temp workers. And, a look into the legal battle over an Archbishop’s remains. 

On the 21st: One of the Supreme Court's cases this term came out of Illinois - and it could shrink the power of public sector unions. Plus, a new state law will give nurses the freedom to provide more kinds of care without needing doctor supervision, and we talk MLB playoffs and the NFL season with WBEZ's Cheryl Raye Stout.

On the 21st: Host Niala Boodhoo returns to the show and discusses her experience with breast cancer. Plus, we learn about a weed killer that’s damaging Illinois crops, and NBC reporter Mary Ann Ahern joins us for the latest in state politics news. 

On this encore edition of The 21st: We look back on the story of how seven people in Chicago were killed by poisoned Tylenol. Plus, we revisit our conversation with former U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey. 

On this encore edition of The 21st: How top Democrats helped friends and relatives land jobs at the Illinois Department of Transportation during the administration of former Gov. Pat Quinn. Then, the challenges entrepreneurs face when it comes to balancing careers and kids - and how co-working spaces that provide childcare might offer some more flexibility.

On this encore edition of The 21st: We learned more about the story of Chicago blues with Renee Rosen, author of Windy City Blues, a new historical novel about Chess Records. We also heard from Terry Chess, son of the late Phil Chess. Plus, what books can you turn to as a way to alleviate your news fatigue? 

On this encore edition of The 21st: Are affirmative action policies in college admissions under threat? Plus, we learn about Islamic communities in the Midwest and discuss the state of retail giant Sears. 

On the 21st: What science tells us about building a relationship that lasts. Plus, five Head Start programs in Illinois will get a total of nearly $12 million from the federal government, and we check in with PolitiFact Illinois about whether the state budget is out of balance.

On the 21st: We talk to two community leaders who are rallying support for hurricane-struck Puerto Rico. Plus, we learn about the American Library Association's Banned Books Week and the prominence of Illinois wineries.

On the 21st: We talk to a Daily Herald reporter and an expert on hazing for the latest on the Wheaton College football hazing case. Plus, we hear how Bradley University's music industry program is opening doors throughout the entertainment industry, and we learn how West Nile virus is still a concern for Illinois.