AGP Executive Report

Illinois Farming & Land Legacy: University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Farm Bureau are launching “Focus on the Future: Sustaining Farm,” a Aug. 25 program for succession planning, land stewardship, Farm Bill updates, and conservation—aimed at helping farmland owners keep their operations and stories going. Right to Repair: Minnesota and the FTC reached a settlement with John Deere requiring easier access to repair software and parts for farmers, with compliance reporting and enforcement through regulators. Wildlife & Pollution Risk: Local wildlife rehabilitators warn that discarded fishing line and tackle are a major cause of injuries and deaths for birds, urging anglers to clean up gear. Climate & Health: New research suggests creatine could boost immune response against tumors by energizing dendritic cells, potentially widening the reach of immunotherapy. Aquarium Rescue: NOAA authorized an emergency plan to move remaining beluga whales and dolphins from Canada’s Marineland to accredited U.S. facilities, including Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Air Quality & Heat: Chicago’s second heat wave is bringing air-quality concerns, with hotter conditions expected to continue. Access to Care: A study flags that retail pharmacy closures can worsen “pharmacy deserts,” threatening medication access in low-income and rural communities. Infrastructure Pressure: With extreme rainfall overwhelming Chicago’s sewers, the city is rolling out a new stormwater storage approach to reduce strain.

Climate Resilience in Chicago: After extreme rainfall strained Chicago’s sewers, the city is rolling out a $12M underground stormwater storage pilot on the West Side to capture and slowly release nearly 1.7 million gallons. Air Quality Alerts: Ozone/particle pollution warnings are active across the Chicago area through Tuesday evening, with McHenry, Lake, Kane, DuPage, Kendall, Grundy, Cook, Will and Indiana counties included; officials urge sensitive groups to limit outdoor time. CO2 Capture Breakthrough: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign engineers unveiled a new electrochemical direct air capture approach that uses electricity and water to cycle pH and pull CO2 from ambient air without high-heat steps. Water Pollution Settlement: Oklahoma announced a nearly $44M settlement ending a 21-year poultry litter pollution case tied to the Illinois River watershed, with enforceable reductions and watershed funding. State Policy Watch: Gov. JB Pritzker signed 31 new Illinois laws, including changes to minors’ access to birth control and a ban on certain harmful/forever-chemical cosmetic ingredients. Conservation & Habitat: Delta Waterfowl named John Dunlap as chairman, with a focus on boosting working wetlands and waterfowl habitat. Health & Environment Research: UCLA research suggests creatine may strengthen cancer-fighting immune responses by boosting dendritic cell activity.

Freshwater Protection: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated about 3,814 river miles across 17 states as critical habitat for four endangered freshwater mussels, including Illinois waterways, aiming to reverse declines driven by pollution, dams, and invasive species. Chicago Air Monitoring: A new report highlights Chicago’s solar-powered air quality network—277 monitors across the city—to track pollution in every ward, with readings used to flag neighborhood-level risk. Illinois Wildlife Research: Scientists are working to protect Illinois’ endangered turtles amid rising threats, using coordinated conservation efforts to improve survival. Climate Risk Research: A new study in PLOS Water argues cloud seeding could someday help steer or weaken extreme weather like hurricanes, though critics call it far from proven. Energy & Environment Enforcement: A proposed settlement would require the Keystone Pipeline operator to pay a $26.9 million civil penalty and spend about $40 million more after a 2022 Kansas oil spill. Food Safety Myth: A viral “three-seconds rule” debate is met with warnings that dropped food can still be contaminated, with research pointing to bacteria transfer on surfaces.

Biodiversity & Conservation: An Illinois researcher says protecting primate habitat in Southwest China could act as a “blueprint” for saving dozens of species and slowing a sixth mass extinction driven by pollution and climate change. Illinois Wildlife Protection: A major Illinois effort is underway to protect endangered turtles, with scientists teaming up to reduce mounting threats to species like the Blanding’s turtle. Food Safety: Cyclosporiasis cases are surging across the U.S., with Michigan reporting hundreds and North Carolina among the hardest hit, as health officials work to identify the source tied to contaminated produce. Climate & Geoengineering: Scientists are exploring ways to “dim the sun” to blunt El Niño impacts, as another super El Niño forms and raises fears for heat, floods, and wildfires. Energy & Agriculture: Incobrasa in Gilman opened a new soybean crushing facility that doubles processing capacity and adds a solar array, boosting jobs and renewable power use. Local Environment Education: Illinois Extension will host a moth program for National Moth Week Aug. 6 in Putnam, focusing on moths’ role in native plants and wildlife. Air Quality Policy: Maryland attorneys general are pushing back against an EPA proposal to delay Tier 4 vehicle emissions standards, arguing it would postpone health protections.

Wildlife Protections: The Trump administration finalized a rule narrowing what counts as “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, potentially allowing logging, drilling, and mining in critical habitats as long as animals aren’t directly injured. Water & Flooding: Chicago’s Deep Tunnel system is still draining after recent storms—Thornton reservoir will take at least a month to empty, with drainage speed depending on rainfall and treatment conditions. Public Health: Kendall County reported a second batch of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus, urging residents to prevent bites and remove standing water. Food Safety: Health officials are investigating a fast-growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to Cyclospora, with cases reported across 31 states and no single source identified yet. Illinois River Pollution: A settlement is being proposed in an Illinois River pollution case involving phosphorus from poultry litter, with parties seeking appellate approval. Community Action: Volunteers in Evanston planted a vacant lot as part of a Love Your Block grant, aiming to reconnect residents with nature and neighborhood history.

Deep Tunnel Flood Control: The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District says the Thornton reservoir—part of Chicago’s Deep Tunnel system—will take at least a month to drain after nearly filling during the recent storm surge, with drainage speed depending on more rain and treatment-plant conditions. Food Safety & Public Health: Health officials are investigating a fast-growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to Cyclospora, with nearly 3,000 reported illnesses across 31 states and dozens hospitalized, as investigators work to determine whether it’s one linked source or multiple contaminated foods. Wildlife Protections: The Trump administration finalized a rule narrowing what counts as “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, potentially allowing more habitat disturbance from logging, drilling, and mining unless animals are directly killed or injured. Illinois Water Infrastructure: Illinois is investigating rising Cyclospora infections linked to fresh produce, while other local water issues include a boil order after a Peoria water main break. Climate Resilience: A separate report highlights how extreme heat and flooding risks are intensifying across the region, underscoring the need for stronger preparedness.

Public Health Watch: Illinois health officials say cyclosporiasis cases are running higher than usual, with IDPH confirming 161 cases this year and investigating possible links to fresh produce as a nationwide outbreak continues. Food Safety & Water: A boil order hit about 2,000 customers in Downtown Peoria after a water main break dropped pressure; the order will be lifted once samples pass. Climate & Health: A new report warns dangerously hot weather is a growing killer, with Chicago-area heat index readings above 100°F earlier this month. Conservation & Wildlife Education: Illinois lawmakers are pushing to bring hunter-trapper education into classrooms to boost wildlife conservation awareness. Agriculture & Land Use: Ducks Unlimited says programs like CRP can support ranchers while improving habitat, if grazing is managed to keep ecosystems healthy. Community Resilience: A Southern Illinois conference spotlights African American women’s health with workshops on fall prevention, grief, financial health, and breast cancer awareness.

Energy Affordability & Transparency: Gov. JB Pritzker signed bills to lower utility costs for Illinois working families and boost transparency on monthly electric bills. Lead Water Replacement: Waukegan is pushing residents to identify their service line material so the city can speed up lead pipe replacements ahead of a federal 10-year deadline. Local Climate Resilience: A Chicago-area story highlights how the city is adapting to extreme heat, building cooling and preparedness capacity as hotter summers become more common. Native Plants & Habitat: Chicago’s Kilbourn Park plant sale is seeing record demand for native species, reflecting growing interest in backyard biodiversity. Clean Energy Research: Illinois State University researchers say they’ve genetically transformed wild pennycress into a cash cover crop that could cut erosion and support biofuel and feed uses. Public Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis cases are rising across multiple states, including Illinois, as health departments investigate sources. Wildlife & Conservation: Shedd Aquarium is involved in an emergency plan to move beluga whales from a shuttered Canadian marine park to new homes. Data Privacy: A new look at Illinois’ BIPA shows biometric data enforcement and litigation risk keep expanding beyond Illinois nationwide.

Illinois Land Stewardship: IDNR will open sealed bids this fall for about 40 agricultural lease contracts (2027–2031), aiming to support wildlife and outdoor recreation while improving soils, reducing erosion, and protecting water quality. Public Health Watch: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak surged to 992 cases in days, with investigations spreading to at least 28 states including Illinois; health officials urge people to contact providers for ongoing “explosive” diarrhea. Extreme Heat Reality Check: A new report highlights how extreme heat is killing more Americans than other disasters, yet still lacks a federal “major disaster” pathway—leaving communities to scramble for cooling help. Heat-Ready Parks: Chicago is funding air-conditioning upgrades at 42 park sites in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods to expand access to cooling during dangerous stretches. Food Safety Basics: Coverage explains what cyclosporiasis is, typical symptoms, and how Cyclospora spreads through contaminated produce and water. Wildlife & Habitat: A study reports silica nanoparticles can wipe out aggressive prostate tumors in mice when paired with immunotherapy, while separate coverage notes ongoing wildlife rescue and release efforts.

Heat Resilience in Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Park District announced $1 million in air-conditioning upgrades at 42 park sites in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods, using the Chicago Heat Vulnerability Index to target the biggest public-health risks. Energy Policy: Gov. JB Pritzker signed bills to boost utility-billing transparency and expand low-income energy discounts under CEJA, raising eligibility to 300% of the federal poverty level. Wildlife Rescue: Aurora firefighters and animal control pulled a young fawn from the Fox River after it was spotted in a drainage pipe, sending it to a wildlife rehab center. Climate Science Debate: A new study explores “marine cloud brightening” as a controversial way to reduce the impacts of an emerging “super” El Niño. Public Health Alert (Illinois): Cyclosporiasis cases are rising across the U.S.; Texas health officials report a seasonal uptick and urge careful produce and water safety, with Illinois among states seeing increases. Illinois Conservation: Illinois Women in Conservation is moving forward with plans for farm visits and webinars to help female farmers adopt more sustainable, conservation-focused practices.

Illinois State Bee: Gov. JB Pritzker signed HB 4438 making the black and gold bumblebee Illinois’ official state bee, after Naperville students pushed the designation with research and a statewide student vote. Mosquito Control: Bourbonnais trustees heard why the village is shifting away from broad spraying, using a slow-release larvicide in pond and catch-basin sites instead of fogging that can harm pollinators. Heat & Housing: A Chicago councilmember is exploring a maximum indoor temperature cap for rentals, citing stronger heat waves and the lack of protections against dangerously hot indoor conditions. Flooding & Storms: Crawford County reported a stormy June with tornado threats and heavy rain, underscoring how quickly weather extremes can swing local conditions. Water & Infrastructure: Chicago is rolling out flood-damage surveys and stormwater storage projects to reduce flooding after late-June storms. Wildlife & Invasives: Monitoring continues after a massive die-off of silver carp in the Illinois River, as officials track impacts on the ecosystem.

Heat & Climate Risk: A new study says “marine cloud brightening” could, in theory, dial back a brewing Super El Niño by reflecting sunlight—though researchers warn of major risks and unintended effects. Illinois Weather: A western U.S. heat dome is expected to push into Michigan, with highs around the low 90s and above-average mid-July temperatures. Public Health: Health officials are investigating a growing cyclospora outbreak tied to “explosive” diarrhea, with Illinois among the states reporting cases. Pollinators & Policy: Gov. JB Pritzker signed HB 4438 making the black and gold bumblebee Illinois’ official state bee, backed by Naperville students’ statewide push. Local Environment & Farms: Illinois scientists are sounding the alarm on field inundation and working with farmers on solutions as heavier rains worsen planting, erosion, and nutrient loss. Wildlife Rescue: The U.S. government approved an emergency rescue of beluga whales from Marineland, with Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium among the U.S. destinations.

Extreme Heat & Climate Resilience: A severe heatwave across the U.S. and Europe has killed hundreds, shattered temperature records, and strained hospitals and infrastructure—another reminder that heat is becoming a disaster-level threat. Building Efficiency: ASHRAE’s conference in Austin kicked off a push for “retrofitting for resilience,” with a focus on making existing buildings perform better and use energy more wisely. Illinois Water & Pollution Risk: Illinois lawmakers moved a bill to accelerate lead service line replacement by letting utilities and contractors access private property without cost to owners, aiming to speed up hazardous pipe swaps. PFAS & Wastewater Oversight: Another Illinois measure would require data on PFAS in wastewater and biosolids, awaiting Gov. Pritzker’s approval. Local Conservation: The Land Conservation Foundation announced a ribbon cutting for the Sangamon River Bluff Trail in Monticello, adding public access to river views and habitat. Animal Health Watch: Illinois veterinarians urged pet owners to stay informed about New World screwworm, stressing it’s rare but prevention and wound care matter. Community Outdoors: Chicago’s Park District opened an Adventure Club day at Northerly Island, bringing fishing, kayaking, and archery to people with disabilities.

PFAS Oversight: Illinois lawmakers advanced a bill that would require PFAS sampling and reporting as a condition for water control permits, sludges, and biosolids—aimed at closing informational gaps and strengthening public health protections. Wildlife-Friendly Farming: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will accept sealed bids for about 40 agricultural lease contracts for 2027–2031, using leases to support wildlife habitat and soil and water quality. El Niño Watch for Chicago: NOAA issued an El Niño Advisory, signaling warmer Pacific conditions that can shift storm tracks—potentially affecting Illinois weather patterns. Heat and Risk Research: A new study links the rural-urban mortality gap to chronic stress and health factors like nicotine use, obesity, and diet—highlighting how place shapes outcomes. Household Hazard Cleanup: McLean County’s next hazardous waste collection is set for Aug. 22, with appointments required and a long list of accepted chemicals and batteries. Energy Deal: Walmart signed a long-term nuclear power purchase agreement with Constellation Energy to support Illinois operations starting in 2029/2030. Storm Resilience: A report flags severe convective storms as a major driver of insured losses and points to stronger building practices to reduce damage.

Illinois Heat Impacts: Cook County medical examiner reports at least three South Side residents died from heat-related causes during last week’s Chicago heat wave, underscoring how extreme heat hits people with underlying conditions hardest. AI Oversight: Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Illinois’ first-in-the-nation AI safety law requiring large AI developers to publish risk frameworks and face mandatory independent third-party audits, plus incident reporting and whistleblower protections. Solar as Habitat: A northern Illinois solar farm is drawing attention for using pesticide-free native flowers under panels to support bees, birds, and even foxes—an agrivoltaics model that turns energy sites into wildlife habitat. Power Plant Timeline: Pekin’s Powerton Generating Station will stay open one year longer than planned, extending operations to Dec. 31, 2029 under an Illinois EPA agreement tied to wastewater compliance. Wildlife in the City: An NBC Chicago photographer captured a coyote roaming Michigan Avenue in broad daylight; a Cook County wildlife biologist says it may be a family moving around for food while raising pups. Urban Greening Investment: The Bezos Earth Fund announced a $100 million push to convert underused urban land into parks and native habitat across eight U.S. cities, including Illinois-adjacent metro areas. Rapid Manufacturing for Industry: IMI highlights fast-turnaround pneumatic cylinder support in Illinois via Quick Response Cells, aimed at keeping OEMs running when lead times get tight.

Flood Watch for Chicago Area: After a weekend of heavy rain, Chicago’s Deep Tunnel is nearly full, with the Thornton reservoir at 94% and McCook at 98%, raising river-flood risk for multiple south suburbs and increasing chances of sewer overflows into the Chicago River. Heat & Air Quality: July 4 fireworks can spike particle pollution in ways that worsen asthma and heart conditions, with D.C. reporting “very unhealthy” air after the holiday show. Water & Health: Cyclospora has been reported in 17 states, including Texas, with officials saying there’s no single confirmed source yet—so prevention and careful food/water handling remain key. Biodiversity in Illinois: Fossils from Illinois’ Mazon Creek add new detail to how early land vertebrates developed, reshaping ideas about the shift from water to land. Local Food Policy: Illinois is cited as having codified protections for the “Right to Garden,” helping residents grow food despite zoning and HOA barriers. Wildlife: A new cypress firefly species was identified in Indiana, highlighting how habitat loss, light pollution, and climate change threaten firefly populations.