Illinois Public Media News

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.

On the 21st: University of Illinois researchers are teaching computers to imitate subtle human movements - like that of a music conductor. Plus, we discussed whether or not lawmakers will reach a budget agreement before Dec. 31, and the Chicago band Grandkids talked about their latest album.