Madigan jury deadlocked on some counts
The jury in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial told the judge Wednesday that they were deadlocked on 12 counts filed by federal prosecutors. They said they had reached a decision on 17 of the 29 counts, but couldn’t come to an agreement on the rest. The note comes after 10 days of deliberations after a lengthy trial.
Poultry restrictions issued
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has issued a 30-day suspension on the exhibition or sale of poultry at swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets and auction markets in response to the ongoing threat of avian flu. The move is intended to reduce and prevent the spread of the disease, which has been detected in commercial and backyard flocks in Illinois. Poultry flock owners and managers are being asked to report any unusual findings in domestic poultry, such as increase in mortality, decrease in water consumption, decrease in egg production, or respiratory signs. While avian flu has also been detected in dairy cattle, no cases have been confirmed in Illinois to date.
Hyde controversy
DuPage County lawmakers voted Tuesday to remove Henry Hyde’s name from the county courthouse. Hyde was a Republican with a long career in Illinois politics. He represented Illinois in Congress for more than 30 years. The DuPage County Board Chair has expressed concerns over the Hyde Amendment and the message it sends, a measure that prevents federal funds from being used for abortions.