Scientist Neil Shubin is back to tell us why the U.S. Military is so interested in the bombardier beetle, why taking a hands-on approach is a better way to learn science, and why astronomers may want to avoid using the microwave when heating their lunch.

The World Health Organization warns that the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria or "superbugs" means that we could be on the brink of a "post-antibiotic era" in which common infections and minor injuries can once again kill. They say the situation is "so serious that it threatens the achievements of modern medicine." We talk with two experts about the scale of the threat and what we can all do to try and contain it.

Every year Americans leave almost $15 billion on the table by failing to claim Social Security benefits they are entitled to. The co-author of a new book and surprise best-seller, Get What's Yours: The Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security, is in the studio with tips on how to make sure you get everything you are owed.

Illinois is one of only three states that does not tax retirement income. That cost the state $2.2 billion in FY 2013, and along with other tax breaks the total revenue the state is foregoing is close to $9 billion. Is it time to reassess and end at least some of these tax breaks? Laurence Msall, president of the Civic Federation, is just back from Springfield and joins us to share his thoughts.

The director of the new film RX: The Quiet Revolution talks about his new documentary that profiles the changing face of American health care and a renewed focus on the relationship between health care provider and patient.

Ohio State University biologist Stanley Gehrt has followed more than 800 coyotes in Chicago over the past 15 years using GPS tracker collars. Where they turn up might just surprise you. Gehrt joins us to discuss Chicago's thriving urban coyotes.

The Illinois House of Representatives passed a stopgap budget fix to plug a $1.6 billion deficit and avoid running out of money for day care programs and prison guards. Our panel analyzes this rare display of bipartisan cooperation. 

Robert Putnam -- Harvard professor, political scientist, and author of the acclaimed Bowling Alone -- is back with a new book that charts the decline of the American Dream in his hometown of Port Clinton, Ohio. Putnam joins us to discuss his new book: Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis.

It's Brain Awareness Week -- a global campaign designed to highlight the importance of brain research. University of Chicago neuroscientist Peggy Mason is here to enlighten us all. Take a Brain Quiz!

As ISIS uses bulldozers and sledgehammers to destroy priceless antiquities in Iraq, we talk with an expert from The Oriental Institute at The University of Chicago about what is being lost.

Author Steve Levine had fly-on-the-wall access for two years to "the battery guys" at Argonne National Laboratory -- America's team in an international competition to build a battery that will change the world. Levine joins us to talk about his new book, The Powerhouse.

After the shocking murder of three Muslim Americans in North Carolina, we examine whether Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate crimes are on the rise. In a post-9/11 world, is it inevitable that some people will always view Muslim Americans with suspicion? And what role has mainstream media and movies such as American Sniper and Zero Dark Thirty played in demonizing all Arabs and stirring anti-Muslim sentiment? We have analysis.

Gov. Rauner's budget cuts funding to Medicaid and public transportation, and recommends changes to public worker pension plans. We take a look at what would be the likely impact on services and public worker pensions should Gov. Rauner's proposed budget become law. 

As President Obama requests a war authorization from Congress, we examine whether the battle against ISIS has reached a tipping point. And, in the Ukraine, will a fragile new ceasefire pave the way for a comprehensive settlement of that crisis? We have analysis.

As water is increasingly recognised as a precious resource, we look at Chicago's water future.

Our panel discusses Brian Williams and the fog of war. Can the NBC Nightly News anchor survive revelations that he "misremembered" being on a helicopter hit by a rocket-propelled grenade in Iraq?