Severe Weather: Tornadoes and damaging storms hit communities outside Chicago, knocking out power for hundreds of thousands and disrupting travel, with confirmed touchdowns reported in rural areas southwest of the city. Immigration Enforcement: Trump signed the Secure America Act, boosting ICE funding and expanding 287(g) agreements—raising fresh pressure on “sanctuary” cities. Public Housing Corruption: A former Chicago Housing Authority property director and a contractor executive face kickback allegations tied to $4.8M in CHA work. Rural Healthcare: Keokuk held a packed community forum on an upcoming rural emergency hospital, focusing on what services will be offered and how stabilization care will work. Ag & Markets: Soybeans slid on favorable crop weather and ample global supplies, while Illinois-area dairy producers were urged to cut heifer rearing costs without hurting performance. Manufacturing & Automation: John Deere plans hiring and callbacks in Iowa/Illinois, and Lake Superior State University’s robotics leader won a major automation teaching honor for work preparing students for real-world manufacturing. Tech & Courts: A Northern District of Illinois ruling dismissed Natsoft’s patent claims against Hexaware. Energy & Shipping: Ethanol is gaining traction as a marine fuel option as shippers look to diversify amid oil and shipping risks.