Rural America was an important demographic in the last election cycle, helping Donald Trump advance to the White House over Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Even though Illinois was an electoral victory for Clinton, only twelve of Illinois’ 102 counties went blue, and more than half of those were located in Chicagoland. 

Agriculture is already big business in Illinois, but the group FARM Illinois is planning for even bigger growth over the next decade.  Illinois Public Media's Brian Moline talked with FARM Illinois Project Director Leland Strom.

Fresh from a trade trip to Havana, US. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-13) says he has hopes that a group formed to promote trade between Illinois and Cuba will be able to open an office in the island nation.