Federal food bank funding
The Trump administration has stopped reimbursing Illinois for a program designed to help farmers and supply fresh food to Illinois food banks.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday that changes to federal funding mean Illinois is missing reimbursements for costs for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program.
The state agency said the federal U.S. Department of Agriculture has told states it will not reimburse them for any costs for the programs dating back to when Trump took office on Jan. 20.
Madigan prosecutor retires
One of Illinois’ leading prosecutors of public corruption and organized crime has decided to retire.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu was a leading figure in the bribery and misconduct case against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and delivered the government’s final rebuttal before jury deliberations. He also successfully prosecuted former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke and other Illinois political figures.
Assistant U.S. Attorney and fellow Madigan prosecutor Sarah Streicker has been tabbed as a replacement.
Measure banning fur advances
An ordinance banning the sale of new fur products advanced in the Chicago City Council Tuesday with a final vote scheduled for next week.
Alderman Raymond Lopez says his measure will stop the “barbaric and inhumane” fur industry.
Lopez is the latest council member to propose a controversial ban aimed at animal rights. In 2006, the city council voted to ban foie gras, which created an uproar and was eventually overturned.
