On this encore edition of The 21st: We revisit our Labor Day conversation about where to find the best BBQ in Illinois. But first, if you've ever wanted to know how to properly preserve your family heirlooms, Christa Deacy-Quinn and Jennifer Hain-Teper have got you covered.

On The 21st: Connie Barr shares her story of learning her father received a Purple Heart for his service in World War Two and we hear about Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs' work reuniting families with long lost military medals. Plus, as the state celebrates its bicentennial, there’s a new contest to name Illinois’s greatest book. What are some of the titles in the running? But first, we speak to Nigerian author Chibundu Onuzo about her new book and first U.S. release, "Welcome to Lagos." 

On The 21st: The troubling statistics about violence nurses face on the job - and what people in Illinois are trying to do change that. Plus, the NFL’s decision that NFL players can’t protest the national anthem by taking a knee - and how Chicago Bears players are reacting to it But first, foreign-born people make up 1 in 10 in Champaign County. We talk about a new report about immigrants, which is part of a national study from the New American Economy. 

On The 21st: In Illinois, 1.58 percent of renters were evicted in 2016. But in Decatur, the rate is double that. What's behind this trend? Plus, we get our weekly Illinois politics update from Brian Mackey. But first, we give you an update on the case of three central Illinois men accused of bombing a Minnesota mosque last summer who are now facing new federal charges.

On this encore edition of The 21st: With more people in the U.S. in need of effective and affordable drug addiction treatment, what are the most important things you should know when looking for a provider? Plus, we talk to director Kelly Richmond Pope about her new film highlighting a famous embezzlement case in Dixon, Illinois. But first, religion scholar Marie Griffith joins us to talk about her new book- Moral Combat: How Sex Divided American Christians and Fractured American Politics.

On this encore edition of The 21st: The Sondheim musical 'Assassins' explores the lives of people who have attempted to assassinate U.S. presidents. Plus, Dr. Eli Finkel, author of the book 'The All Or Nothing Marriage' on what makes a good romantic relationship in 2018. And, Emily Graslie, host of the Field Museum's 'The Brain Scoop', on her work and the new species of butterfly that was just named after her.

On the 21st: An organization led by students wants to lower the voting age to 16. Plus, if you can't get enough of the musical 'Hamilton,' a new exhibit is coming to Chicago this fall. We also learn more about the idea of 'food as medicine,' and check in with the Shedd Aquarium about their efforts to rescue endangered tortoises in Madagascar.

On the 21st: What two unrelated shootings over a single weekend in Peoria show about the way gun violence is treated on the north and south ends of the city—and the stories of two South Peoria residents whose lives were affected by gun violence. Plus, with an avowed Holocaust denier running for Congress as a Republican in Illinois, what's the role of hate groups in our state's GOP? And, Governor Rauner has proposed partially reinstating the death penalty.

On the 21st: We speak with activist Susan Burton about her extraordinary journey from being incarcerated to becoming one of the nation's foremost advocates for incarcerated women. Plus, Sam Sanders, host of NPR's 'It's Been A Minute,' joins us on the heels of a live show in Chicago.

On the 21st: As the Equal Rights Amendment makes its way through the General Assembly, we hear from voices who agree and disagree with this measure. Plus, why environmental groups are worried about an increase in toxic algal blooms in our nation's waterways. But first, tonight marks the beginning of Ramadan for Muslims across North America; we'll hear about the important role charity plays in this holy month for Muslims.

On the 21st: A prison in western Illinois is trying something new by investing in programs like art classes and gardening for inmates. Plus, our weekly Illinois politics update, this time with the State Journal-Register's Doug Finke and the AP's John O'Connor. But first, we chatted with Joe Pedott, the founder of Chia Pets and The Clapper.

On the 21st: What different food pantries are doing to help kids get the meals they need during the summer months. Then, a few great options for any last-minute Mother's Day presents. Also, a look into the Glass Slipper Project, a non-profit organization that donates prom dresses. 

On the 21st: An Illinois man shares his own personal story of addiction and recovery, as pharmaceutical executives testified before Congress earlier this week on their role in the opioid crisis. Plus, a new bill that passed the state Senate would require LGBT historical figures to be covered in classrooms. And, some tips for avoiding mosquito and tick bites during the summer months.

On the 21st: A group of mayors are worried that Springfield will use local revenue to fill holes in the next state budget. Plus, the history of slavery and the Underground Railroad in southern Illinois—and what educators are doing to bring that history to life in the classroom. And, the leaders of a new nonprofit news outlet called One Illinois say they want to tell stories about what unites us instead of what divides us.