Energy Infrastructure: Knox County’s grid just got a reliability boost after Ameren Transmission placed the Galesburg-to-Oneida Knox County Connector Project into operation, adding about 11 miles of upgraded high-voltage lines to modernize century-old parts and support future demand. Public Transit & Construction: The CTA approved IDOT funding for design work on long-awaited Blue Line improvements on the West Side and western suburbs, plus a City of Chicago deal to improve bus turnaround operations at Division and Austin. EV Charging Costs: EVIQO released 2026 guidance showing home EV charging typically runs about 5–6 cents per mile at average residential electricity rates—far less than gas per mile after the federal charger credit expired. Food Safety: FDA issued a recall for Ola-Ola Pounded Yam in multiple states, including Illinois, due to an undeclared milk allergen. Agriculture & Farm Policy: Illinois Extension and Illinois Farm Bureau announced “Focus on the Future: Sustaining Farm” programming for succession planning, land stewardship, and Farm Bill/market updates, while a separate report highlights farmers’ ongoing right-to-repair progress tied to John Deere. Business Moves: I Squared Capital agreed to sell a 25% minority stake in TIP Group to IMCO and GCM Grosvenor, underscoring continued investment activity in transportation equipment leasing.