House Democrats say there’s little to no chance that Congress will take up President Trump’s replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) before the end of summer. With only three more weeks scheduled to be in session before the August recess, House Democrats from across the spectrum are demanding that the trade pact with Mexico and Canada be renegotiated, citing concerns with the implications for labor and environmental standards as well as drug prices. (The Hill)

The USDA is expecting more prevented planting claims. Undersecretary Bill Northey says, “We’ve seen those claims actually climb over the 100-million-dollar mark so far. We expect that probably to certainly pass the one billion-dollar mark.” Northey says crop insurance is the main tool for producers during unpredictable and challenging years, but some help might come from the recently-passed disaster funding bill. (Brownfield)

For the eighth year in a row, Illinois has set a new tourism record, according to annual figures released by the state Tuesday. Upward of 117 million visitors — 3 million more than in 2017 — traveled to Illinois last year during the state’s bicentennial. As usual, international travelers made up a fraction of the total at 2.5 million. (Peoria Journal Star)

– On average, heat kills more people each year than other weather-related hazards, such as tornadoes, floods and lightning. To increase awareness about the dangers of extreme heat, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the Illinois Department of Labor are offering heat safety tips to help people stay safe when temperatures rise: Ready Illinois

Rain. Hail. Then more rain. High winds in some areas, and even power outages. “It’s been a wild ride again,” said McDonough County farmer Colby Hunt. “That’s kind of been the theme of this year.” Through videos, photos and audio, farmers from across the state share the latest in their planting adventure of 2019. (FarmWeekNow)

USDA: 87% OF ILLINOIS SOYBEANS PLANTED – Illinois farmers have planted 87 percent of the state’s soybeans – up from 79 percent the week before, according to USDA’s Crop Progress report released Monday. Meanwhile, the report showed 89 percent of Illinois’ corn and 78 percent of the soybeans had emerged as of June 30. USDA Undersecretary of Agriculture Bill Northey Monday estimated prevented planting claims could exceed $1 billion nationwide. (FarmWeekNow)