On the 21st: Sears, once the largest retailer in the world, which has been headquartered here in Illinois for more than a century, filed for bankruptcy. Plus, as the state celebrates its bicentennial, we check in on the Lincoln museum's latest Top 10 list: scientists. But first, Illinois is home to two of the nation's most competitive Congressional elections. 

On the 21st: We check in on this year’s pumpkin crop with some Illinois farmers. Plus, it’s officially Pumpkin Spice season. We talk about the spice some people love, and others love to hate. And, the Chicago International Film Festival has started. Michael Phillips gives us his picks. But first, we sit down with Congressman Rodney Davis a few weeks before the midterm elections. 

On the 21st: Election Day is November 6. We provide a rundown on the dates, deadlines, and myths around casting your ballot. But first, two of this years MacArthur “genius grant” winners are from Illinois. We spoke to the MacAurthur fellows about the Foundation and their work. And, before you know, it the weather really will turn to fall, which means lots of seasonal cooking.

On The 21st: Nearly two thousand people have died because of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Indonesia at the end of September. We’ll talk to Illinois college students who are raising money for relief efforts. Plus, with less than a month until the midterm elections we round up the meetings between Gov. Rauner and his challenger, J.B. Pritzker. And, Bobby Hambrick started an Illinois company that makes parts for autonomous cars. He says that future is right around the corner.

On the 21st: Jason Van Dyke has been found guilty of the second degree murder of Laquan McDonald. We'll give you the latest on the case and discuss the impact it has had on the city of Chicago. Plus, today is Columbus Day. But did you also know that Illinois has a new holiday? Indigenous People’s Day? And, we'll discuss some of the best places to see fall foliage here in Illinois. 

On the 21st: With national attention focused on the issue of sexual assault, we'll talk to a few college students about the conversations taking place on campus around consent. Plus, as the Cubs season wraps up, the season for the Chicago Bears is ramping up. But first, do you remember visiting your school nurse when you were a kid? These days, half of Illinois schools don’t have one. We’ll talk about how they are coping.

On The 21st: If you’ve ever been convicted of a felony, finding a job is a big challenge. Now there’s a law that might help. Plus, during World War II, the U.S. forced millions of Japanese-Americans into internment camps. More than 10,000 people moved to Illinois during that time, including the city of Peoria. But first, many courtrooms are having bond and arraignment hearings through a TV monitor instead of in person. This can be more efficient, but is it fair to defendants?

On The 21st: Many high school students are working on their college applications. But for those whose immigration status is in limbo, how much harder is that process? Plus, years ago the Lincoln Foundation spent millions of dollars on a hat said to belong to the former President. But now there are doubts about whether that hat really was Lincoln’s. But first, we speak with the experts about staying healthy this flu season. 

On The 21st: The Supreme Court begins its session today, without the ninth seat filled. We talk about what’s on the docket this term. Plus, over the past few months three female elected officials have been working on recommendations to stop harassment in Illinois politics. But first, how are news headlines affecting our children? We’ll hear from a family doctor on what she’s seeing and how to talk about these issues at home.

On the 21st: We're coming to you from the Pygmalion Festival at the University of Illinois’ Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Pygmalion showcases a wide range of guests and performers, and we invited some of those people to our show: everyone from the organizers of the festival, to astronomers, to musicians, to stand-up comedians. 

On the 21st: We visited the Champaign Farmers' market and talked to vendors who shared their ideas about what it means to eat local here in Central Illinois. Plus, we discuss how the market is working to make produce available to people of all income levels through the SNAP program. And, our Farm Bill is set to expire Sept. 30. What might that mean for the programs it covers?

On the 21st: We're live from EnterpriseWorks at the University of Illinois’ Research Park, home to tech startups and businesses. We spoke to student entrepreneurs and community members about startups, and what it takes to attract talent to this college town. And we also talked to people trying to push the envelope on cycling and public transit in Champaign-Urbana.

On the 21st: We unpack what we heard from the a combative gubernatorial debate on Thursday. Plus, we talked with a pediatric orthopedist and athletic trainers to talk about sports for kids, and how hard they can be on growing children’s bodies. Also, we revisit the story of a street artist who leaves art for the public, in the form of filling potholes.

On the 21st: We pay a visit to the Illinois Holocaust Museum and a new exhibit called "Stories of Survival.” Plus, we talk about public universities that were hit hard by the budget crisis that lasted more than two years. Are they finally bouncing back when it comes to student enrollment? But first, we revisit a conversation about what's behind the slow but steady population decline in Illinois.