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News Local/State

President Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden have their final debate Thursday night in Nashville. Watch the debate live below at 8pm

The 21st Show

Fall in Illinois and the Midwest has plenty to offer: apple picking, brewing up warm apple cider, fall foliage and pumpkin patches. Maybe even the occasional corn-maze to get lost in. These are just some of the fall activities you may be looking forward to. You also may be looking to get up and out for a fall road trip before colder weather sets in.

The 21st Show

Tonight is the final presidential debate before the 2020 Election — but with all the cross-talk and one-liners from the candidates on stage — is there value to the presidential debate? Especially when many voters have already cast their ballots? The 21st spoke with an Illinois debate coach and a media historian. 

The 217 Today Podcast

In today's deeper dive, handling the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a mental health challenge for many people. Experts anticipate this winter will be even worse.

The 21st Show

With an eye on the presidential election, the Chicago-based theater group known as The Neo-Futurists began its fall season with “45 Plays for America’s First Ladies.” The 21st speaks to the play's director and a Chicago-based performer about the production. 

The 21st Show

In the more than 40 years since he’s left The White House, many have assessed Jimmy Carter’s presidency as a failure while calling him the country’s best ex-president. The 21st talks with the author of the first full-length independent biography of the 39th president.

The 217 Today Podcast

In today's deeper dive, Northern Illinois University is expanding COVID-19 testing efforts into what some might consider unexpected places: wastewater.

The 21st Show

The 21st spoke to a panel of guests comprised by down-ballot politicians around the state of Illinois to provide some context and understanding of the less-covered elected offices. 

The 21st Show

In just two weeks from today, millions of Americans will be heading to the polls to vote in the 2020 elections. Because it can be challenging to be informed and engaged about down-ballot and local elections, The 21st spoke to two individuals committed to informing voters about political candidates.  

The 217 Today Podcast

In today's deeper dive, with more territory than some states, Illinois’ 15th District covers a large section of southeast and south-central Illinois. Illinois Newsroom’s Jim Meadows talked to some of the 15th District’s residents as they prepare to elect a new representative.