Illinois Public Media News

Four Illinois counties, including Champaign, are leading the effort to better understand those who suffer from mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Data-Driven Health and Justice is a nationwide effort to reduce the financial and human costs associated with those who frequently end up in hospitals and jails, or 'superutlizers'. The Illinois Criminal Justice Authority held a conference Friday in Urbana to help other parts of the state find preventative measures.  

We discussed the support Syrian refugees have experienced after the election. Plus, we talked about a youth radio camp that introduces young girls to radio and media production. Chicago band Laverne also joined us to talk about their music.

Central Illinois corn and soybean farmer Norbert Brauer said he remembers when he could plant an acre of corn for about $100 total — but that was nearly three decades ago.

Illinois’ State Board of Education has wrapped up three rounds of listening tours as the state and country prepares to replace the No Child Left Behind Law with legislation signed by President Obama a year ago. About 40 administrators, teachers, librarians, and others in education were among those at the last stop in the tour in Decatur Thursday, providing feedback on Illinois’ Every Student Succeeds Act State Plan, or ESSA.

A Michigan automotive company, Rivian Automotive, hopes to take over the former Mitsubishi plant in Normal, and employ as many as 1,000 people. The 2.4-million-square foot facility that at its peak employed about 3,000 workers was shut down by Mitsubishi in November of last year. The last of the automaker's employees were laid off in May.