An ordinance seeking to put in place more strict regulations, fines and fees for urban farmers and residents that keep chickens, goats, pigs and other livestock, would threaten the existence of longtime urban farmers such as the GlennArt goat dairy. The owners say the move would have grave unintended consequences for those who are already working to educate residents about livestock cultivation to improve animal welfare in the city. (Block Club Chicago)

U.S. stocks rose on Thursday after President Donald Trump confirmed he would meet Chinese Vice Premier Liu He on Friday for further trade talks, adding to optimism following a report that China was willing to reach a deal. (Reuters)

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has proclaimed this week as Illinois Fire Prevention week, marking the 148th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 and providing state fire officials with the opportunity to remind all Illinoisans about preventing residential fires. The Office of the State Fire Marshal is encouraging residents to “learn, prepare, and practice for fire emergencies.” State Fire Marshal spokesman JC Fultz said families should take time this week to practice a fire drill at home. (Illinois Radio Network)

Investors’ heads are spinning because of a slew of conflicting headlines related to the U.S.-China trade talks. CNBC gives a breakdown at the link. (CNBC

Even though it’s been a few weeks since National Farm Safety and Health Week, the Illinois Department of Agriculture director hopes the message to heed cautiously during harvest season has not been lost. It’s been a deadly start in Illinois with two fatalities last week, one involving a grain bin and another involving a tractor. (FarmWeekNow)

Up and down the mid-Atlantic coast, sea levels are rising rapidly, creating stands of dead trees known as ghost forests. The water is gaining as much as 5 millimeters per year in some places, above the global average of 3.1 millimeters, driven by environmental shifts. Increasingly powerful storms push seawater inland. More intense dry spells reduce freshwater flowing outward. All of this allows seawater to claim new territory, killing trees from the roots up. (New York Times)