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.

On the 21st: A new report finds that the Great Lakes are warming. Although it might make for better swimming, higher temperatures could have a disastrous effect on Lake Michigan’s game fish which depend on cold, water.  Also, Illinois Humanities teams up with the Smithsonian to produce traveling exhibhitions all over the state. We’ll tell you when they’re coming to your neighborhood. And, we also discuss the rising numbers of homeless high school students in the state and the potential causes behind that, as well as what's being done to remedy that.

On The 21st: As Jewish communities get ready for the holy day of Yom Kippur, we talk about forgiveness, atonement and how to reconcile with America’s racist past and present. But first, a year ago this week, Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico. We hear from Puerto Ricans about what the past year has been like. 

On the 21st: In the 1920s, plans were made to save Cairo, Ill., from flooding. We talk about how, over time, it became politically harder to implement that plan. Also, we speak to naturalist experts about the migration paths of Monarch butterflies and how we can participate in conservation efforts for them. But first, we discuss the "rainbow wave," the uptick of openly LGBT candidates running for office nationwide and in Illinois.

On The 21st: This week marks ten years since the beginning of the Great Recession. What’s changed and what hasn’t here in Illinois? Plus, there’s an exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago that celebrates the science, math and technology skills behind Pixar. It’s designed especially for kids. But first, how is your phone affecting your mental health? We’re speaking with two Illinois researchers about how technology is grabbing your attention, and refusing to let go.

On the 21st: In Chicago, workers from 26 hotels have been striking since Friday. Also, researchers from Northwestern and University of Chicago discuss the prevalence of food allergies and what they're doing to fight it. And, we talk about options parents have when it comes to after-school programs for kids.

On the 21st: Chicago author Kim Brooks joins us to talk about her new book, "Small Animals: Parenthood in the Age of Fear." But first, millions of rural households still don’t have high-speed internet, and for those in the farming business, that makes life even harder. 

On The 21st: With the midterms less than two months away, how secure is our state's election system? And, we speak with Loyola's Omer Mozaffar about his consulting on the Amazon Prime series Jack Ryan. But first, we discuss Illinois politics and follow up on Barack Obama's visit to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 

On this special edition of The 21st: President Obama has been on the political sidelines since he left office. But no more. In an hourlong speech at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the former president rebuked President Trump, calling him "a symptom, not a cause" of today's political climate. He also encouraged the nearly 1,100 students in attendance to vote in this fall's midterm elections, saying "our democracy depends on it."

On The 21st: President Obama is back in Illinois and is coming to Urbana tomorrow! We’ll find out more about his visit. And, we'll tell you more about a new exhibit at the Spertus Institute in Chicago featuring the work of early 20th century Jewish artist Todros Geller. But first, we visit the Lincoln Park Zoo and see what they're doing to celebrate 150 years. 

On the 21st: Rahm Emanuel's surprise announcement that he will not seek a third term as Mayor of Chicago. Plus, we take a look at the "arms race" in higher education sports facilities. And, we learn about predatory publishers that make millions off of fake academic journals—which will often publish just about anything that gets submitted. 

On The 21st: We speak with Chicago food reporter Steve Dolinsky about his new book and his picks for Chicago's 101 best pizzas. Plus, amidst heat warnings throughout the state, what are homeless shelters doing to keep residents safe? And, the State Department is denying passports to some people who have birth certificates from Texas. We talk to the ACLU of Illinois about what's going on at the border. 

On this encore, Labor Day edition of The 21st: Universal Basic Income is the idea that giving residents a fixed amount of money on a regular basis — with no strings attached—is a good way to address poverty and inequality. Now, one Alderman wants to launch a pilot program in Chicago. Plus, how companies are using artificial intelligence to filter out resumes and ultimately determine who gets an interview. And, we hear from a Northwestern astrophysicist about black holes and how she first got started in astrophysics.

On the 21st: What does Midwestern food mean to you? Maybe a Chicago hot dog, or a horseshoe? We hear from experts, chefs, and callers. But first, we look at student-run mental health clubs on college campuses, and how peers are supporting one another.