🦆 Dead ducks and menacing carp

Storms, Smells, and Dead Ducks

All summer we've been talking about storms — thunderstorms, flood damage, and, yes, even tornadoes. They’re all getting worse in Illinois, but there's a bit of help on the way for people recently affected.

The village of Hazel Crest is distributing 14,000 pounds of food to local families who were impacted by this month’s tornado, including in Harvey, Homewood, and Markham.

Additionally, Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill expanding access to relief programs. Eligible homeowners can still apply to be reimbursed for half of their flood remediation costs, up to $1,000.

However, serious storms aren't the only environmental issues facing Illinois right now.

Data center anxiety: Data centers are popping up fast nationwide — Illinois is already home to roughly 200. But they continue to draw criticism over their potential to strain water sources and gobble up electricity, hiking bills. Last week, Mayor Brandon Johnson voiced his own concerns, signing an executive order seeking to establish guardrails for data center development.

• A potential (temporary) solution: Johnson is asking City Council to pause new data center construction by enacting a moratorium.
• In Cicero: Fearing potential data centers, trustees recently passed resolutions to oppose them.
• Confused? Here’s what to know about big data centers.

Another ongoing problem: For years, vegetable oil refiner Pullman Innovations has emitted strong odors around South Deering. One resident says it smells like old garbage or rotten fish.

• A potential solution? A current class-action lawsuit by the Illinois Attorney General and the City of Chicago against Pullman Innovations could aid about 2,400 households.

A new problem: The Brandon Road Interbasin Project in the Des Plaines River is considered essential in stopping invasive carp from reaching the Great Lakes. But work there is currently paused, and juvenile carp were just found 80 miles from Lake Michigan. That’s not good.

• Why the pause? President Donald Trump’s administration ordered a work stoppage last month — the latest move in a political fight over the environmental project.
• Meanwhile: Dead ducks and fish at DuSable Harbor are prompting calls for investigation.

Some (relatively) good news: A major ethanol refinery on the Illinois River must pay to restore wetlands for wildlife, following a settlement. The legal fight over rising water temperatures lasted eight years.

• Also: A new fishing pier and kayak launch opened at Hegewisch State Park over the weekend.
• On that note: Here’s where (and what) to fish in Chicago.

Immigration Court Chaos, Wall Blocks Window, and Surviving Beloved Closures

Illinois’ congressional Democrats are calling for an end to “megamaster” hearings at Chicago’s immigration courts. We discuss the chaos on today’s podcast. Also: What happens when a developer builds a big cinderblock wall directly outside your window? And what do you do when one of your fave spots is closing? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

How Politicians Fared at the Fair

This year marked Sen. Dick Durbin’s last official appearance at the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ annual breakfast before his approaching retirement. Durbin helped build up the event — and the group itself. [Politico]

• Meanwhile, state Republicans held their own rally and avoided many mentions of the president. But Democrats wouldn’t let visitors forget: “TRUMP LAPDOG MEETUP” read billboards from Pritzker’s campaign. [Axios]

Will Bridgeport Lose the Sox?

Amtrak wants to relocate its railyard from South Loop to Bridgeport, which could open help future White Sox owner Justin Ishbia potentially move the team. Neighbors are concerned about Bridgeport losing its beloved baseball and ending up more industrial. [Block Club]

Best Sub #2 Surviving After Patriarch Deported

Asif Amin Cheema, owner of Best Sub #2 in Humboldt Park, was deported to Pakistan in January after 30 years in the United States. Since then, his 19-year-old son has tried to keep the shop running while balancing his studies and the loss of his beloved father. [WBEZ]