On The 21st: SIU is launching an internal investigation into a researcher who injected patients with an unapproved herpes vaccine. Plus, we learn the history of a house in southern Illinois whose owner kidnapped free black men and women -- and sold them back into slavery in Kentucky. But first, we preview the State of the Union with Republican Rep. John Shimkus, and a representative who is boycotting the event, Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky. 

On The 21st: We revisit our conversation with Dr. Aaron Carroll about maintaining realistic and healthy food goals. Plus, ProPublica's Abrahm Lustgarten on the toxic waste that comes from military installations. And, we get the latest in Illinois politics from WBEZ's Dave McKinney.

The 21st: Thousands of Puerto Rico residents have fled to the mainland United States after Hurricane Maria, including to the Chicago area. Plus, comedian Julia Sweeney talks to us about her new stand-up show, and reflects on the SNL character that made her famous. And, we hear from reporter Rachel Otwell who has been talking to a wide range of people about President Trump's first year in office.

On The 21st: Jose Angel N., author of 'Illegal: Reflections Of An Undocumented Immigrant,' joins us on the program. Plus, we hear from Michigan State's student newspaper and John U. Bacon about Dr. Larry Nassar's decades of sexual abuse. And, we get some tips on making sure your house's pipes don't freeze during this cold winter.

On The 21st: Last summer's education funding overhaul came with a tax credit encouraging donations to private school scholarships, but it's being implemented so quickly that schools are having a hard time keeping up. Plus, what if we just ate our way out of the Asian Carp invasion problem? But first, a check-in with local business in Illinois on how online sales and the cold weather have affected their bottom line.

On The 21st: We talk with Sen. Sam McCann about bringing broadband to rural areas. And, what does infant mortality look like across Illinois? Plus, Mick Dumke from ProPublica Illinois explains his investigation into a non-profit called 'Project Six' - and where its money comes from.

On The 21st: A quick update on how Illinois was affected by the now brief federal government shutdown. Also, we talk to Erica Sagrans about why more women should work on political campaigns. Plus, every day hospitals have to figure out how to help patients who are chronically homeless; three experts discuss the strategies they are using in their hospitals. And, we get the latest in Illinois politics.

On The 21st: Women from all over the state tell us why they marched last year - and why they're marching again. Then, Republican Congressman John Shimkus joins us to talk about a possible government shutdown. Plus, why the now-famous Google art selfies are mostly unavailable to Illinois, and we get a football and basketball update from WBEZ's Cheryl Raye Stout. 

On The 21st: We check in with Representative Cheri Bustos about the possibility of a government shutdown, and learn why two powerful House Democrats endorsed someone who has never run for office before in the Chicago suburbs. Plus, did you know you could rent fossils and other artifacts from the Field Museum? But first, why this year's flu season is especially bad - and how you can cope with it.

On The 21st: Does sexual harassment training actually work? We get into how it's changed at workplaces over the years, especially in the wake of #MeToo. Plus, we talk to Congressman Bill Foster about why national laboratories need federal funding, and what it'll take to avoid a government shutdown.

On The 21st: 'Passive houses' are insulated eco-friendly homes which need almost no heat or airconditioning -- and in the U.S., they started in Urbana. We also speak with the executive director of the Rock River Valley Pantry about how the freezing weather affects people who need their services. Plus, we hear about how Twitter is handling hate speech, and talk to a Northwestern astrophysicist about black holes and how she first got started in astrophysics.

On the 21st: Author Claire Hartfield tells us about her new book that looks at the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 - and why she decided to write it for children ages 12 and up. Plus, we revisit our conversation with Black Violin.

On the 21st: Chicago activist Bill Ayers talks about living in these times, and how his worldview has changed over the decades. Plus, comedian Paula Poundstone dishes on comedy, talking to fans, and why there are so many weird scientific studies on 'Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me!"

On the 21st: Governor Rauner vetoed a bill that would have paved the way for public schools to get funding under the state's new formula. We get reactions from superintendents, along with State Senator Andy Manar. Plus, we check in with three Chicago companies at the biggest tech conference of the year. But first, how and why do states ban certain books in their prisons?