Walter Braud had a long career in law spanning 50 years- most of it in Rock Island. Beyond his legal work, Braud's life also included teaching, a business proposition in Ghana, a cab ride with members of the Chicago mafia and singing in a doo-wop group. Today, he joins the 21st to discuss his memoir, Bessie's Prayer. 

Alex Kotlowitz has been writing about violence in Chicago for decades - in film, in print, and for This American Life. His latest book is called “An American Summer: Love And Death In Chicago,” and it follows people for whom gun violence has become a part of daily life. Plus, Oregon may have America’s last Blockbuster store, but there are still thriving video stores here in Illinois.

Alex Kotlowitz has been writing about violence in Chicago for decades — in film, in print and for This American Life. His latest book is called “An American Summer," and it follows people for whom gun violence has become a part of daily life. Plus, Oregon has America’s last Blockbuster store. But there are still video stores here in Illinois. Do you make the trip to rent a movie, or is it all streaming these days? 

Alex Kotlowitz has been writing about violence in Chicago for decades - in film, in print, and for This American Life. His latest book is called “An American Summer: Love And Death In Chicago,” and it follows people for whom gun violence has become a part of daily life. Plus, Oregon may have America’s last Blockbuster store, but there are still thriving video stores here in Illinois. 

On the 21st: We spoke with Chicago author Samantha Irby about her hilarious new book. Plus, a new species of the invasive Asian Carp has been spotted near Peoria.