Oil spill risk: A power failure at an Illinois oil site let tens of thousands of gallons of oily, salty wastewater escape an open pit, sending polluted flow about 150 miles toward the Mississippi River system, with officials still tracking impacts. Urban trees & health: New Northwestern research links Chicago neighborhoods that lost more tree canopy to higher death rates, and modeling suggests protecting mature trees (not just planting) could reduce mortality. Public health & food safety: A salmonella strain tied to jalapeños has spread to 27 states, with Kansas reporting cases as restaurants pull peppers and recalls continue. Environment + community: Chicago is planting trees as part of Our Roots Chicago, and University of Illinois research finds greener counties correlate with fewer fatal police shootings. Illinois economy & industry prep: Illinois awarded $35M to ready 22 industrial sites, including environmental studies and water/sewer upgrades. Local governance: Chicago Public Schools faces questions over a $38M “Sustainable Community Schools” initiative and how nonprofit contracts are selected.