Wildlife Watch: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources confirmed a mountain lion is moving through Union and Jackson counties downstate, likely part of a rare westward dispersal from western populations; IDNR says it’s the 12th confirmed cougar in Illinois since 2002 and urges residents to leave it alone and report sightings. Water & Rates: Oak Park is shifting from a flat water pricing model to a two-tier system over the next five years, aiming to keep the water and sewer fund solvent as costs rise. Data Centers & Community Impact: Grayslake’s massive data center plan drew backlash after neighbors said approval moved forward without meaningful community input, raising environmental concerns. Pollution Cleanup: The EPA removed Kress Creek and part of the West Branch of the DuPage River from the federal Superfund list after decades of cleanup, while noting the change is limited and doesn’t erase all contamination history. Great Lakes Policy: A bipartisan Great Lakes Partnership bill cleared a Senate Commerce panel, boosting federal support for Great Lakes research and conservation via the Great Lakes Commission. Energy Costs & AI: The U.S. House passed a Ratepayer Protection Act to require very large AI data centers to help pay for grid upgrade costs, targeting electricity price hikes. Transit & Noise Concerns: Chicago’s White Sox stadium move debate continues alongside Bridgeport residents’ concerns about an Amtrak maintenance facility’s potential noise, safety, and air impacts.