Illinois soybean farmers breathed a sigh of relief last month when China agreed to resume strong soybean purchases in the coming years, but the relief has now turned to worry.

Why it matters: As the state that produces the nation's largest soybean crop and sells them primarily to China, Illinois has hundreds of millions of dollars on the line.

• The state sold $1.4 billion of soybeans to China last year, but this season, it's "crickets," soybean officials say.

The big picture: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last month said China would buy 12 million metric tons of soybeans from U.S. farmers this season, "but we've not seen any of that," Todd Main, market development director of the Illinois Soybean Association, told Axios.

• Now questions are growing over whether China had actually agreed to buy any U.S soybeans this year.

Catch up quick: Amid President Trump's trade war with China this year, Chinese buyers halted U.S. soybean orders and increasingly turned to South America for the crop.

• Things took a turn for the worse in September, after the U.S. pledged a $20 billion bailout to Argentina and the country immediately suspended its 26% soybean export tax, leading to a surge in Chinese purchases of Argentine soybeans.
• "We were a little surprised by that, to say the least," Main said. "I don't really understand how that's making America great."

The other side: "President Trump has made it clear he will not leave farmers behind, so USDA will continue to assess the farm economy and explore the need for [farm subsidies], however, there is nothing new to share at this time," a USDA spokesperson told Axios.

Between the lines: While much of rural America, including rural Illinois, voted Republican in the last election, Main says that loyalty may not be infinite.

What's next: Main said he's trying to remain "cautiously optimistic" as soybean farmers continue to seek sales and word from the government before the end of the year.

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Just like every area of life, artificial intelligence is making its way into religious and spiritual worlds as another tool to reach congregants.

Why it matters: AI is helping some churches stay relevant in the face of shrinking staff, empty pews and growing online audiences. But the practice raises new questions about who, or what, is guiding the flock.

• New AI-powered apps allow you to "text with Jesus" or "talk to the Bible," giving the impression you are communicating with a deity or angel.

The big picture: The U.S. could see an unprecedented 15,000 churches shut their doors this year as a record number of Americans (29%) now are identifying as religiously unaffiliated.

• 59% of Chicagoans identify as Christian, 32% as unaffiliated and 9% as other religions, according to Pew.

Reality check: But nearly half say they never or rarely attend church or religious services, so maybe AI is one way churches can reach those who aren't walking through the door.

Zoom in: Hallow, created and based in Chicago, guides users through daily prayer rooted in the Catholic faith.

• "AI is a tool, not a person, and never a substitute for human creativity, discernment, or prayer. Every piece of Hallow's content is made by real people," Hallow's chief technology officer Erich Kerekes told Axios.
• Hallow's slowest usage days are Saturdays and Sundays when people are at church, Kerekes adds. "No app, AI or not, will/should/can replace that."

Go deeper

⚖️ A federal judge ruled that a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security can proceed as a class action lawsuit based on allegedly inhumane conditions at Broadview. (Tribune)

💰 City Council's Finance Committee rejected Mayor Brandon Johnson's nearly $600 million budget proposal. (Sun-Times)

⚾️ The Women's Pro Baseball League will play its inaugural season next summer in Springfield. (NBC 5)

The Cubs are on the clock to improve upon last year's playoff run as baseball free agency hits high gear.

State of play: Cubs GM Jed Hoyer has hinted that starting pitching will be the focus this offseason, bragging at the GM meetings in Las Vegas that his team could play "tomorrow" because almost the entire lineup is signed for next season.

Yes, but: One notable missing name is Kyle Tucker. The Cubs traded for the star last offseason and, after a hot start, went ice cold due to lingering injuries down the stretch run.

• Tucker will probably not be back.

Zoom out: The Cubs were exposed in the playoffs for lacking starting pitching depth.

• Ace Justin Steele should return sometime next season from injury and the team is hoping Cade Horton can build upon his stellar rookie season.

Reality check: Even if those two pitchers come back, the Cubs don't match up against other playoff contenders' starting rotations.

Who is available?

Move over Labubu, Jellycat is here.

The London-based company has a new pop-up store in Chicago and it's not just kids and tweens lining up.

The big picture: Jellycat is part of the "kidulting" trend — adults dropping serious cash to build toy collections. Labubu, Legos, and even Hot Wheels fall into this category.

Driving the news: Jellycat opened its second U.S. location recently at Nordstrom on Michigan Avenue.

The bottom line: Like any club or fab, adults buying Jellycat plush toys is about belonging and feeling part of the group.

• And if the regular lines at Chicago's Jellycat store are any indication, plenty of people are seeking that right now.

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