AGP Executive Report

Heat & Health: A record heatwave tied to the climate crisis killed at least 22 people in New Jersey, with officials warning it can turn deadly fast for people and animals. Air Pollution: After July 4 fireworks, D.C. air quality fell to “very unhealthy,” triggering outdoor activity warnings. Illinois Roadside Ecology: IDOT says heavy mowing is underway for six weeks to protect pollinator habitat, and drivers should slow down around crews. Wildlife Monitoring: IDNR is asking Illinois residents to report wild turkey sightings through a summer survey to track reproduction and population trends. Solar Expansion: A new report highlights solar’s surge—60% of new U.S. generating capacity added in Q1—pointing to the massive Edwards & Sanborn solar-plus-storage project in California. Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to take up major cases in October, including challenges tied to assault-style rifle bans and other high-stakes rights disputes. Tech & Power: Data center growth is being squeezed by grid capacity, with Chicago named among constrained markets.

Land Conservation: Kane County Forest Preserve District bought 220 acres of wetlands and woodlands near Hampshire for $3.14M, preserving high-quality habitat for generations. Wildlife & Pollution Cleanup: In Will County, volunteers freed a gosling tangled in discarded fishing line, highlighting the need for monofilament recycling containers and “Fishing for Trash” programs. Heat & Power Risks: As the U.S. marks its 250th birthday, a severe heatwave is stressing grids and driving safety actions, including evacuations and event disruptions. Air Quality & Policy: Trump pardoned Clean Air Act violators accused of tampering with emissions controls, drawing sharp criticism from former EPA officials who say it rewards pollution. Food Waste & Labeling: California’s new ban on “sell by” labels replaces them with standardized “Best if Used By” and “Use By” tags to reduce confusion and waste. Illinois Higher Ed Closures: Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights is being digitally preserved as it closes, reflecting mounting financial pressure across colleges.

Heat & Power Strain: The U.S. Department of Energy removed a key “Home Cooling Systems” energy-saver page during a record heatwave, as millions face extreme temperatures and grid stress. Public Health Alert: Health officials are investigating a fast-growing Cyclospora outbreak tied to “explosive” watery diarrhea, with hundreds sickened and dozens hospitalized while investigators work to pinpoint the source. Illinois Wildlife & Habitat: Will County forest preserve staff and volunteers freed a gosling trapped by improperly discarded fishing line, highlighting the need for monofilament recycling containers and cleanup programs. Local Cleanup in Focus: Tinley Park’s mental health center land cleanup is still underway under Illinois remediation rules, with soil sampling planned and development details still undecided. State Conservation: IDNR is asking Illinois residents to report wild turkey sightings through an online survey running through August to track summer reproduction. Policy Watch: Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed new environmental and pollution-related legislation, including changes affecting how Illinois adopts federal rules. Ticks on the Rise: Scientists warn tick season may start earlier and last longer in Illinois as milder winters boost survival.

Illinois Water & Flood Response: The Chicago-area Metropolitan Water Reclamation District issued an Overflow Action Day Alert as thunderstorms rolled in, urging residents to conserve water (delay showers, flush toilets less, and hold off on dishwashers/laundry) to protect water quality and reduce flooding risk. Coal Ash Fight: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is pushing back on Trump administration proposals that would weaken federal toxic coal ash rules, warning that rollbacks could raise groundwater and waterway contamination risks for Illinois. Quantum Shore Scrutiny: University of Chicago-affiliated researchers and graduate students released a report challenging the environmental and scientific claims behind the proposed Quantum Shore quantum computing campus in South Chicago, arguing it could harm neighbors and may not meet its goals. Lake Michigan Water Project Update: Yorkville says IDNR is adjusting water-loss requirements for its Lake Michigan sourcing project, but construction and ongoing pipe work are making the non-revenue water loss problem worse. Heat & Public Health Pressure: A new national look at extreme heat warns the U.S. still lacks a federal disaster framework for heat, even as heat alerts cover hundreds of millions and heat deaths keep climbing. Biodiversity in Focus: Illinois has a new state bee—the black-and-gold bumblebee—chosen by students and signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker.

Great Lakes Invasion: The invasive bloody red shrimp is now confirmed in all five Great Lakes after spreading to Lake Superior, raising new questions about impacts on native food webs and the need to stop further inland spread. Heat & Power Strain: A dangerous heat dome is driving record electricity demand and emergency grid actions across the PJM region, with Illinois included, while households face sharply higher summer cooling costs. Illinois Energy Transition: The Powerton Generating Station in Pekin will close in 2029 (pushed back from 2028) as federal policy changes affect enforcement tied to greenhouse-gas rules. EPA Coal Ash Rules: The EPA is proposing changes to coal ash disposal regulations that critics say could weaken protections for water sources. Data Centers vs. Rural Life: Rural residents and leaders are increasingly worried that AI data centers will strain power and water and take land—often farmland—while raising local cost pressures. Local Wildlife & Education: The Illinois Raptor Center marks founder Jane Seitz’s retirement, continuing raptor rescue and education work.

Heat & Health: A dangerous heat dome is pushing more than 160 million Americans into major or extreme heat alerts ahead of July 4, with cities seeing “real-feel” temperatures staying dangerously high overnight and straining power grids and public events. Local Climate Resilience: UIC scientists checked tree cover and tree health on Chicago’s South Side during the heat wave, highlighting how shade and nature-based solutions can reduce heat stress for residents without air conditioning. Wildlife in the City: Chicago’s first bald eaglets born in over a century have been named Migizi and Marian, a win for urban biodiversity timed with America’s 250th. Public Health & Food Safety: A requesón-linked listeria outbreak has reached four states, with most confirmed patients identifying as Hispanic and the dairy behind the cheese facing license suspension and expanded recalls. Mosquito Risk: Kendall County confirmed its first West Nile virus positive mosquito batch, urging residents to prevent bites as hot, dry weather boosts transmission. Illinois Environment Policy: Karis Critical withdrew its rezoning request for a data center in Hoffman Estates after community pressure over environmental impact, noise, and planning concerns.

Illinois Solar Expansion: Lee County’s board approved a 180-megawatt solar project in Alto and Reynolds townships, with two other large solar plans in the pipeline—another sign Illinois is ramping up clean power as electricity demand grows. Extreme Heat Watch: A major heat wave is pushing dangerous temperatures and high heat indexes across the Midwest into the Northeast ahead of the Fourth of July, with officials urging people to stay indoors, hydrate, and check on neighbors. Data Center Wetlands Fight (Grayslake): Opponents of the T5 @ Chicago IV data center are zeroing in on nearly 16 acres of wetlands proposed for filling, arguing it could harm Mill Creek and the DesPlaines River watershed and setting up potential legal action. Food Waste Policy (California, national ripple): California’s new ban on consumer-facing “sell by” labels takes effect, requiring standardized “Best if Used By” and “Use By” wording—aimed at cutting confusion and food waste, with other states watching closely. Holiday Travel Update (IDOT): Illinois road crews are reopening some lanes for Independence Day travel, while other closures and lane reductions remain in place across central Illinois.

Data Center Guardrails in Illinois: A developer withdrew a rezoning request for a large data center in Hoffman Estates after weeks of neighbor pushback and calls for a clearer plan, as lawmakers and stakeholders continue negotiating how to balance environmental concerns, labor, and industry growth. Heat and Health in Central Illinois: With a heat advisory in place, an ER physician in Peoria warned residents about heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke and when to seek emergency care as humidity drives dangerous heat indexes. Severe Storm Recovery in Jefferson County: Gov. JB Pritzker toured tornado damage after an EF-3 storm killed two people, urging preparedness for more serious weather and pointing to disaster proclamation steps for rebuilding. Pollinator-Friendly Solar in Illinois: Solar projects in Illinois are being paired with pesticide-free native plantings to support bees, butterflies, and other wildlife, using agrivoltaics-style land leases to keep farms viable. Illinois PFAS Regulatory Shift: Illinois is poised to make significant changes to its PFAS regulatory landscape, signaling a new phase for how the state addresses contamination. Surgery Safety Breakthrough in Chicago: Lurie Children’s Hospital reported a major reduction in serious surgical safety events after implementing operating-room safety stand-downs and other high-reliability practices.

Extreme Heat Watch: A record-breaking heatwave is pushing “feels-like” temperatures into the Jul 4 weekend, with Chicago-area residents and power grids bracing for strain as data centers and electric vehicles add demand. Public Health Alert: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak has topped 170 cases across multiple counties, and officials are still hunting for the source while urging stool testing. Water & Drought Response: Sullivan is building a new well after Illinois EPA issued a drilling permit, aiming to ease water restrictions tied to low aquifer levels. Conservation & Parks Funding: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is accepting OSLAD grant applications, with $37.5 million available to rebuild and expand local parks—especially in storm-damaged and economically distressed communities. Local Land-Use Fight: A judge dismissed an Edgewater neighbors’ lawsuit challenging Broadway upzoning, clearing the way for denser development plans. Ag Policy: Illinois Corn Growers say USDA’s Regenerative Feedstock Rule could help some farmers via 45Z credits, but mass-balance limits participation for many corn growers.

Severe Storm Recovery: Gov. JB Pritzker issued disaster proclamations for 11 Illinois counties hit by spring and early-summer storms, freeing more state resources as Illinois logs record tornado activity. Heat & Public Safety: Officials urged caution ahead of Fourth of July celebrations, warning that fireworks—including sparklers—cause serious burns and injuries every year, with heat also raising health risks. Air & Water Safety: UL Solutions warned consumers to remove certain water-based fire extinguishers sold online after finding unauthorized UL marks, while other coverage flags ongoing concerns around drinking-water monitoring. Housing & Environmental Standards: Pritzker signed new laws aimed at rental fee transparency and environmental standards, and separate reporting notes federal cuts to community schools grants that supported services like dental care. Local Land Use & Infrastructure: Yorkville approved updates to its comprehensive plan to keep zoning aligned with data center, solar, and water-sourcing projects. Nature & Wildlife: Illinois’ IDNR leadership transition was announced, and other reporting highlights how extreme weather and habitat pressures are reshaping local ecosystems.

Drinking Water Watch: The EPA’s draft drinking-water monitoring plan (UCMR 6) would require testing from 2028–2030, but it leaves out microplastics—drawing backlash from 176 groups, seven governors, and 14 attorneys general. Heat Dome Safety: Forecasters warn a Midwest-centered heat wave could push Illinois and nearby states to record highs around 100–105 degrees ahead of the July Fourth weekend, with risks for everyone, especially older adults, people with respiratory issues, and pets. Pollinator-Friendly Roadside Care: IDOT says roadside mowing is ramping up statewide through mid-August, urging drivers to slow down for crews while aiming to protect monarch habitat and other pollinators. Pet Health Alert: Illinois vets urge awareness—not panic—about rare New World screwworm cases, recommending routine wound checks and quick vet contact if something looks wrong. Community Solar in Action: New Energy Equity and Harlem School District celebrated energizing a 5.5 MW community solar project in Machesney Park that will generate about 8.3 million kWh annually and support school energy costs. Local Outdoor Fun: Park Ridge’s long-running Gone Fishing Derby and Murphysboro’s free Foam Party offer family-friendly ways to enjoy Illinois outdoors while beating the summer heat.

Extreme Heat Watch: A heat dome is pushing dangerous heat and humidity across much of the Central and Eastern U.S., with Illinois-area heat indices forecast to top 105–115 and overnight cooling limited—raising the stakes for residents without reliable air conditioning. Public Health & Cooling Solutions: A Q&A highlights “extreme heat” as a hidden epidemic and points to district energy cooling as a practical way to protect people during prolonged heat waves. Food Safety: The Clover Hill Dairy listeria outbreak has expanded to four states, with Illinois now reporting 1 confirmed case (12 total across the region), underscoring how serious the bacteria can be. Local Governance & Data Centers: Rockford City Council delayed a vote on a proposed South Rockford TIF amid community backlash over concerns tied to a potential data center. Environmental Justice in Housing: A Prospect Heights woman won a $2.5M federal verdict in a pesticide exposure case tied to a long-running condo dispute, spotlighting how environmental toxins can intersect with disability rights. Wildlife & Community: Illinois volleyball added Ukrainian middle blocker Kristina Starostenko, while Monmouth College students used an environmental studies capstone to teach second graders to plant vegetables—small steps that build greener habits.

Coal Ash Fight: Illinois AG Kwame Raoul joined other attorneys general in opposing EPA proposals that would weaken coal ash rules, warning the toxic waste can leach into groundwater and threaten health—especially given the region’s many ash ponds. State Environmental Guardrails: Gov. Pritzker signed HB 5070, and Illinois EPA Director James Jennings says it blocks expedited rulemaking that would let federal standards undercut Illinois’ clean air, clean water, and hazardous waste protections. Severe Weather Aid: USDA announced disaster assistance for Illinois farms and livestock hit by recent severe weather and tornadoes, including programs for livestock losses and feed/grazing impacts. Road Project in Morrison: IDOT will hold a public open-house July 21 on proposed U.S. 30 reconstruction in Morrison, including pavement, drainage, intersection upgrades, and a multi-use path. Heat & Power Use: With Illinois heat indices topping 100, guidance points to setting thermostats around 78°F to balance comfort and electricity costs. Pollinator-Friendly Mowing: IDOT says peak roadside mowing runs through Aug. 15, using pollinator guidelines to protect habitat while keeping crews and drivers safe. Data Center Pushback: Aurora adopted stricter data center rules after community complaints about noise, bills, and environmental impacts, joining other Illinois cities and counties stepping in where statewide rules lag. Lake Michigan Safety: Illinois Conservation Police are investigating a fatal two-vessel crash near Monroe Harbor in Chicago, killing a 26-year-old woman.

Severe Weather & Public Health: Illinois is seeing a record-breaking tornado season, with 172 confirmed tornadoes so far, and officials point to heat and humidity plus storm dynamics as key drivers. Climate Extremes: A dangerous heatwave is building across the central and eastern U.S., with Chicago among cities under heat alerts and humidity expected to push heat index values higher. Biodiversity & Disease: Tick species and tick-borne illness risk are rising across Illinois, with health officials warning that multiple tick types are expanding and peaking at different times. Clean Energy & Power: Walmart signed its first long-term nuclear power purchase agreement, pulling about 176 megawatts from Constellation’s Dresden plant in Illinois to support cleaner electricity needs. Local Governance & Water/Noise: Carbondale paused new data center development for a year as residents raise concerns about water use, power demand, and quality-of-life impacts. Wildlife & Water Quality: Illinois is monitoring an apparent natural silver carp die-off in the Illinois River, adding to ongoing attention on aquatic ecosystem health. Research & Conservation: A new Illinois farm dataset suggests conservation can improve profitability without chasing the highest yields, highlighting smarter nitrogen use.

Nuclear Deal for Illinois: Constellation Energy and Walmart announced a long-term nuclear power purchase agreement tied to the Dresden Clean Energy Center, adding about 176 MW of wholesale supply (with 30 MW expanded) to help power Walmart’s Belvidere distribution plans. Regulatory Push for New Tech: The U.S. NRC has started formal review of NANO Nuclear’s KRONOS MMR modular microreactor permit for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus—an early step toward licensing and deployment. Invasive Fish Watch: Illinois IDNR is monitoring an apparent silver carp die-off in the Peoria pool of the Illinois River, with biologists pointing to spawning stress and shifting water chemistry after recent rains. Climate Impacts in the Midwest: A new study warns a warmer world could mean bigger, more damaging hailstones—projected to rise sharply by century’s end—raising the stakes for building resilience. State Leadership Change: Gov. JB Pritzker announced IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie will depart at month’s end, after a tenure focused on staffing, parks, and conservation operations. Local Bird Habitat: A Chicago Architecture Center exhibit, “Flyway City,” spotlights bird-safe urban design and habitat thinking for migratory species.

Severe Weather Watch: Illinois is already seeing a record tornado count this year, with experts warning that more intense storms could further strain local and state resources as federal disaster aid gets harder to access. Heat Dome Risk: A major heat dome is expected to push feels-like temperatures toward 115 across parts of the U.S., with Illinois and the Midwest in the path for dangerous, sticky heat and limited overnight relief. Data Center Backlash: A new study says rural communities are increasingly worried about the “hidden costs” of AI-driven data centers—especially higher electricity bills, water strain, and loss of prime farmland—fueling pushback where projects are planned. Local Energy & Farming: U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin visited Incobrasa Industries to discuss how biodiesel supports Illinois soybean farmers and rural economies, emphasizing the need for stable federal policy. Illinois Policy & Industry: DeKalb city leaders approved Project Big Lakes, a large climate-control and energy-management manufacturing development, signaling continued growth in the region’s clean-tech supply chain. Wildlife & Water Education: “Uncle Pappy” is taking a Great American Water Road Trip to spotlight water crises and solutions, aiming to keep water policy front and center.