It’s been a tough few years for farmers who sell produce through CSAs in part to more competition from big grocery stores and others cashing in the local food market. How are these farmers are adapting and what can policymakers can do to help? Plus, nature vs. nurture is one of the oldest debates there is. But the answer might actually be neither. And, Rep. Bill Foster joins us to talk about the future of work and education.  

The U.S. trade war with China has created a financial burden for farmers and companies that import Chinese goods. Consumers, on the other hand, have mostly been spared from the conflict. That could all change if this month’s negotiations between the U.S. and China don’t go well.

On The 21st: The Reel Deal Critic Reggie Ponder joins us to talk about summer movies. Plus, we talk with a pediatric orthopedist and athletic trainer to talk about summer sports for kids - and how hard they can be on growing children’s bodies. But first, how have some Midwestern cities like Grand Rapids not only managed to survive, but actually thrive when it comes to creating manufacturing jobs? 

On the 21st: We continued our week-long series on the impact of a Trump presidency on Illinois' economy with a discussion about manufacturing and jobs. Plus, we talked about Governor Rauner's plan to protect pharmacy customers from risky drug combinations and discussed how is Illinois divided on the soda vs. pop question. We also spoke with the founder of Mark Morris Dance Group, which will be performing in Urbana this weekend.

On the 21st: We talked to residents in Casey, Illinois, where the town has gone from a manufacturing area to a tourist attraction thanks to some "World's Largest" items; Plus, we spoke with the team behind the "Stranded by The State" video series that focuses on Illinois' state budget impasse.