It's somehow pumpkin spice season already. Why fall vibes are here earlier than ever This year, well-known retailers including Home Depot, Michaels and Starbucks started promoting their fall or Halloween lines earlier than ever. Juliana Kim
At DNC parties, the Chicago hot dog took center stage NPR's Scott Simon speaks to Axios Chicago reporter and food writer Monica Eng about the makings of the Chicago hot dog in all of its salty, spicy glory. Scott Simon
How Chicago's comedians are adapting to the changing political landscape NPR's Scott Simon visits The Second City Theater in Chicago to talk with comedians about the challenges of improv. Ryan Benk
Harriet Constable on her historical fiction novel 'The Instrumentalist' NPR's Scott Simon talks with Harriet Constable about her debut novel, "The Instrumentalist." It's historical fiction centered on Antonio Vivaldi and a violin virtuoso named Anna Maria della Pieta. Scott Simon
A new mail-voting exhibition is a reminder that its use dates back to the Civil War A new exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum is a reminder that voting by mail with absentee ballots in the U.S. goes back more than 160 years before the COVID-19 pandemic. Hansi Lo Wang
Alaska is known for its dog sledding — and tourists can do it during the summer months, too A dog sledding camp helps mushers maintain a steady income during the off-season and keeps the dogs in running shape.
Remembering pioneering film star Gena Rowlands Rowlands, who died Aug. 14, was known for the raw and improvised independent films she made in the 1970s and 1980s with her husband, John Cassavetes. Originally broadcast in 1996. Terry Gross
Quietly transcendent 'Close Your Eyes' may be among the best films you see all year Over the past 50 years or so, Spanish filmmaker Víctor Erice has directed just four features. His latest, about a filmmaker who revisits a past project, has the pull of a well-crafted detective story. Justin Chang
Remembering Phil Donahue, the pioneering king of daytime talk shows Donahue, who died Aug. 18, hosted an issue-oriented, afternoon talk show that paved the way for Oprah and others. David Bianculli offers an appreciation, and we listen back to a 1985 interview. Terry Gross
9 smart ways to slash your grocery bill Food prices are still high, but your grocery bill doesn't have to be. Beth Moncel, founder of Budget Bytes, shares smart tips how to save money at the supermarket. Life Kit
