– Planned ethanol mandates have mostly been reduced to “suggestions” across China’s provinces, but increasing ethanol demand still can’t be met by Chinese domestic producers. U.S. ethanol exports to China will fill the gap. (Forbes)

Soaring costs for food staples are hitting at a time when some countries can ill afford it, risking exacerbating inequalities wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic. (Bloomberg)

It might be a new year with a new president, but one thing remains the same: Chicagoans will always eat more pizza. Perhaps the pandemic has us all craving the comfort of dough, sauce and melted cheese, but even though we cataloged a surprising number of new pizzerias a few months ago, more kept opening. (Chicago Tribune)

Last January, Illinois legalized recreational marijuana in the hopes that revenue from the sales tax would help fund state and local programs. However, where those funds go and how they benefit local governments is more complex. (KWQC)

Thousands of Indian farmers protesting controversial agricultural reforms stormed New Delhi’s historic Red Fort Tuesday, with others breaching barricades and clashing with police. (CNN)

Many farmers may not re-enroll in a conservation program that plays an important role in regenerating soil and water. Lower payments are influencing their decisions. (KOSU)