On the 21st: A recent court case might shake up our state's law on biometric information. Plus, are electronic monitoring devices a valid alternative to overcrowded jails, or do they do more harm than good? And, the HPV Vaccine is most effective when given to preteens — so why are some parents still hesitant?

On the 21st: We talked third party candidates for governor and how they can have a much harder time gaining traction, especially here in Illinois. And, the ramifications of student loan debt, and what some employers are doing to combat this issue. Plus, the newest bakeries, farms and other small businesses added to the Illinois Made program.

On this encore edition of The 21st: We speak to children's author M.J. Mouton about his book, Richie Doodles: The Brilliance of a Young Richard Feynman. Plus, we revisit our tour of the Bloomington Zoo. But first, what does it take to actually create manufacturing jobs in 2018?

On this encore edition of The 21st: New technology is bringing interpreters directly to patients to help with their medical needs. And, ProPublica Illinois reporter Mick Dumke talks to us about Chicago's problematic "gang database." But first, the state of Illinois spent less than 300 dollars on books throughout all state prisons for the entirety of 2017. What's behind this lack of funding and how is it impacting prisoners?

On the 21st: The latest on the 'Welcoming City' ordinance debate in Bloomington-Normal. Plus, with summer in full gear, we discuss some of Illinois' bike trails. And, how some bikers take it one step further by biking across the US. Then, the history of Solo Cups - and how they came to be, right here in Illinois. But first, we talk about Illinois' massive teacher shortage, and what lawmakers are doing to try to combat this issue.

On the 21st: We talk about a recent story which found that Gov. Rauner earned money from a health provider that works with ICE detention facilities. Plus, STEM summer camps for girls, and what can be done to encourage girls to pursue those careers as they grow up.  And, we go over some of the most heartbreaking moments of Illinois history with our friends at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library And Museum.

On the 21st: Why Border Patrol agents have greater authority to board buses and trains and search for people without documents, within 100 miles of any external boundary in the US. Plus, what's behind the shortage of veterinarians in rural areas? And, we'll recap the week in state politics. 

On this encore edition of the 21st: Niala sits down with food writers and radio hosts Monica Eng from WBEZ Chicago and Louisa Chu from The Chicago Tribune at Lee’s Chop Suey to talk about the history of Chinese food in Chicago. Plus, we dive into the best movies in Illinois—at least, according to a poll by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

On this encore edition of the 21st: Remembering the history and legacy of Ida B. Wells and many other influential and inspirational black women in Chicago. Also, a conversation about climate change with Amitav Ghosh, an award-winning novelist who delivered the keynote at the University of Illinois 150 Conference.

On this encore edition of the 21st: We're sharing a special rebroadcast of our hourlong show from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. First, we talked with the museum's executive director about how they're celebrating Illinois' Bicentennial. Also, we learned more about the official bicentennial beer from Hand of Fate Brewing Company and heard music from the "Dulcimer Guy," Mike Anderson. Plus, we talk with the some of the participants in the museum's art contest. 

On this encore version of the 21st: A new direct-to-consumer test for genetic links to breast cancer. And, a study reveals what researchers are calling a mental health "crisis" amongst graduate students. But first, how and why do states ban certain books in their prisons?

On this encore edition of the 21st: Our conversation with Jose Angel N., author of 'Illegal: Reflections Of An Undocumented Immigrant.' Plus, the story of a house in southern Illinois whose owner kidnapped free black men and women -- and sold them back into slavery in Kentucky. And, we revisit our interview about the Joffrey Ballet's 8th Annual 'Winning Works' competition.

On the 21st: Parker Palmer joined us to discuss his latest book about aging, called "On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity & Getting Old."  Plus, you’re probably aware of endangered species, but what about endangered places, specifically in Illinois?

On the 21st: The latest on the thousands of children separated from their families and relocated to Illinois. And, Illinois punk rock band Poster Children talked with us about their latest album. Plus, are there wolves in Illinois? One farmer has been paying close attention for years.