Bed Bug Watch: Orkin’s 2026 list again puts Chicago at the top for bed bugs for the sixth straight year, with Springfield and Peoria also ranking among the worst. AI Oversight & Courts: New York-area news outlets ask a federal judge to sanction OpenAI in a copyright fight, while Illinois continues pushing AI accountability with a law requiring third-party safety audits for major developers. Right-to-Repair: The FTC and multiple state attorneys general secured a Deere settlement that expands diagnostic and repair access for owners and independent shops. Data Centers vs. Water: Illinois is weighing whether to require more water-efficient cooling as residents question data centers’ water use and cities weigh higher rates to fund infrastructure. State Infrastructure: Illinois opened a $63M materials testing and research center in Springfield to support IDOT road and bridge work statewide. Politics & Grants: Federal prosecutors indicted state Rep. Carol Ammons over alleged kickbacks tied to state grants routed through nonprofits. Trade & Markets: CME Group plans “Treasury Link” to streamline spread trading between U.S. Treasury futures and cash. Agriculture: Chicago corn and soybeans edged up ahead of USDA data, while cattle futures slipped on softer beef demand. Community & Business: The Obama Presidential Center hosts WNBA All-Star events, adding a major sports-and-tourism draw to Chicago’s economy.