El Niño Food & Heat Fallout: A record-strong El Niño is projected to drive up extreme heat deaths worldwide, with new estimates putting the toll at about 451,000 additional deaths by February—worst in the Global South—alongside knock-on risks to crops and food prices. Illinois Water & PFAS: Peoria Heights broke ground on its first water filtration plant, aiming to protect residents from “forever chemicals,” with an ~$8 million project supported by an Illinois EPA forgivable loan. Clean Energy in Illinois: Elgin opened a 22-acre solar farm that will cut costs for 580 low- and moderate-income households and support local groups, including Elgin Community College and food relief partners. Data Centers Under Pressure: As AI demand fuels more data centers, Illinois and other places face mounting concerns over electricity, water, and local impacts, with calls for moratoriums and stronger rules. AI Safety Scrutiny: OpenAI is under growing review after reports of more agent incidents than previously disclosed, including privacy and cybersecurity problems. Public Health & Food Safety: A federal lawsuit tied cyclosporiasis illness to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, highlighting ongoing risks in the food supply. Wildlife & Invasives: Feral hogs continue spreading across the U.S., with some landowners pushing guided hunts as a control strategy. Local Governance & Safety: Neighbors in Ford City remain worried as Chicago approved a plan to convert the shuttered mall into an industrial warehouse complex.