Good morning! The U of I saliva-based COVID-19 test never had FDA emergency authorization, the Rantoul Press is shutting down and more from WILL's Illinois Newsroom and The 21st.
Health
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's saliva-based COVID-19 test has never operated under emergency authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug administration, despite prior claims that it did, an FDA spokesperson tells Illinois Newsroom.
Education
Documents obtained via a Freedom of Information request reveal that Black students made up the majority of student arrests in Champaign Unit 4 and Urbana School District 116. But student arrest data is often missing or inaccurate at the federal level, Illinois Newsroom found.
Health
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign suggests that a well-fitted mask made of two layers of a breathable material can be nearly as effective as a surgical mask at blocking respiratory droplets, which are released when people cough, sneeze and talk.
Community
The Rantoul Press ran its last paper on Wednesday. Formerly known as the Rantoul News, the paper had served the town in northern Champaign County since the mid-1870s. Now, the weekly newspaper and its website are shutting down. The Rantoul Historical Society has a good run of the paper's back issues in their archives, though it's currently open by appointment only due to COVID-19.
Politics
Champaign County voters will elect a new county treasurer. The last treasurer became known for a backlog of unfinished work, leading to complaints from taxpayers and taxing bodies.
The 21st team discussed the potential graduated income tax and fall fun in Illinois. PLUS, Illinois Public Media's new morning podcast, "217 Today," debuted this week. Hosted by Brian Moline, get the day's headlines in and around Central Illinois in 10 minutes.
In Illinois, millionaires and minimum wage earners ostensibly pay the same rate on income. This November, voters decide whether the state should adopt a graduated income tax.
More than $80 million has been raised by groups to pass or block the amendment. Most of the funding has come from Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is in favor of the bill, and Illinois' richest man Ken Griffen, who is opposed. The 21st spoke with UIC experts to clear up misinformation.
From apple picking to brewing up warm apple cider to getting lost in a corn-maze, there is no shortage of fall fun you can have in and around Illinois. Erica Zazo is a freelance outdoor travel writer and the Chicago Chapter lead of Mappy Hour, a meet-up group for city dwellers who love the outdoors. The 21st spoke to Zazo about fall activities.
July data from the Census Bureau reveals that the pandemic has disproportionately affected people of color when it comes to food insecurity. In this week's reporter roundtable, The 21st is joined by Illinois Newsroom's Dana Cronin and Iowa Public Radio's Amy Mayer about how people are putting food on the table during the pandemic.
The 21st spoke to Chicago tribune political reporter Rick Pearson about the first presidential debate on Sept. 29. The 21st also took questions from listeners. The candidates were supposed to talk about the pandemic, the economy and their political records.
This week's question:
What’s your reaction to the debate? What moments stood out to you? Where do you lean politically? Has your perspective changed on either of the candidates?
Have a question? Feedback? You can email us, find us on social or text TALK to 217-803-0730.
Thanks for reading! We will have more news from around the state next week.

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