Rising fuel and fertilizer costs are squeezing Illinois farmers, forcing hard choices in the field that could show up at the ballot box.

Why it matters: Representatives for farmers — who overwhelmingly supported President Trump in 2024 — say they're frustrated by the economic hardships in rural areas driven by his international trade and war policies.

What they're saying: "It's been one bad thing after another for U.S. agriculture," vice chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Brady Holst tells Axios.

• The ISA represents 43,000 Illinois soybean farmers.

"The Trump administration's tariffs, followed by the manufactured war in Iran, have sent prices on fuel and fertilizer skyrocketing and crushed international trade relationships that took decades to build," Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, tells Axios.

Zoom out: The fuel and fertilizer price hikes arrive on top of "several consecutive years of losses" nationally, American Farm Bureau Federation economist Faith Parum said on a recent media call.

• She cited a recent AFBF survey in which 70% of farmers said they can't afford enough fertilizer this year. Six in 10 reported "worsening finances."

State of play: Farm Bureau officials say they sent the survey results to the White House and have urged them to modify shipping rules and trade measures to ease fertilizer prices.

The other side: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins blames American fertilizer companies for the price hikes, telling Axios, "We are putting fertilizer companies on notice — don't use the Iran conflict to exploit our American farmers."

What's next: Rollins says she is working on a plan to ease prices, but farmers like Holst say they want to see results.

The IDOA encourages farmers in need of assistance to contact the Farm Family Resource Initiative.

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Illinois' cannabis industry could get a boost from a federal move to reclassify marijuana.

Why it matters: The move could lower tax burdens for Illinois businesses and make it easier for researchers, including those at UIC, to study cannabis' medical uses.

State of play: Federal officials last week took a key step toward reclassifying marijuana to a less restrictive drug category.

What they're saying: "People have been waiting for the federal government to recognize cannabis for its medicinal properties for over 50 years," Grown In founder Brad Spirrison tells Axios.

Zoom in: This move could give cannabis businesses access to federal tax deductions they previously didn't have, Spirrison adds.

• Some industry insiders estimate that marijuana businesses currently face effective tax rates as high as 70%.

Reality check: While the federal government is reclassifying medical-use marijuana, it hasn't moved to reclassify recreational marijuana, which remains a Schedule I drug.

Zoom out: Illinois recreational-use cannabis retailers sold a record amount of product in 2025, but the state saw a $200 million year-over-year drop in sales revenue.

• Still, revenue was $1.5 billion and the state captured almost $500 million in taxes.
• The drop is attributed to price decreases to meet customer demands and the emerging hemp-derived THC market.

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Police officer John Bartholomew was killed and another was critically wounded Saturday after a robbery suspect in law enforcement custody obtained a gun and opened fire at Swedish Hospital. The suspect fled the hospital and was later apprehended. Officials ordered nearby residents to shelter in place. (Block Club)

Celebrated local actor Matt DeCaro died Saturday at his home. The 70-year-old was a mainstay at the Goodman Theatre and acted in television shows like "ER" and "Chicago Fire." (Tribune)

📺 Fox 32 political reporter Paris Schutz is leaving the station this week as his contract expires. It's unclear where he will head next. (Axios)

The Bears added seven players in the NFL draft, giving general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson new pieces to bolster the roster for a potential playoff return.

Here are some fun facts about the rookies who could make an impact:

Dillon Thieneman (Oregon)

The Bears landed a speedy, hard-hitting safety — a ballhawk who starred at Oregon and Purdue.

State of play: At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.35 40-yard dash and recorded a 41-inch vertical jump — an elite mark for defensive backs.

Fun fact: He and his two older brothers all played safety at Purdue.

Logan Jones (Iowa)

The Bears selected Iowa center Logan Jones with their second-round pick. Jones, who excels at run blocking, is a former defensive lineman who switched to center.

State of play: Jones excelled at his new position and won the 2025 Rimington Award as the nation's top center. He projects as depth behind Garrett Bradbury.

Fun fact: He holds Iowa's all-time squat record at 700 pounds.

Sam Roush (Stanford)

Sam Roush joins a crowded tight end room at Halas Hall, with Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet already entrenched as starters in Ben Johnson's system.

State of play: Adding Roush — a run-blocking tight end — gives Johnson flexibility to create mismatches in the run game.

Fun fact: He spent time living in Jakarta playing rugby, and his great-uncle is NFL legend Merlin Olsen.

More fun facts

👋🏻 Hi, it's Monica!

I finally braved the line at PopUp Bagels (2321 N. Lincoln Ave.) to see what all the fuss was about, and I have mixed feelings.

The line: While some people have waited over two hours, I waited just 15 minutes at 2pm on a Wednesday.

The price: $15 for three bagels and a tub of scallion cream cheese.

The bagels: Warm, crisp, tender and chewy because they come out of the oven every five minutes. A very nice touch.

Yes, but: You can also find warm bagels — if you time it right — at other fine bagel spots around town, including Taste of New York (TONY) in Lakeview, which I voted best bagel in the city when I tested more than a dozen places a few years ago.

• On a recent Friday afternoon, I got three bagels and a tub of scallion cream cheese (denser and less salty than PopUps') at TONY for $9.50.
• And no line.

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