Illinois AI Oversight: Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order creating an Illinois AI Cabinet to assess AI risks and safety guardrails for residents and public infrastructure. Courts & Consumer Tech: The Illinois Supreme Court ruled Uber can’t force a widow into arbitration in a wrongful-death case tied to a Chicago-area expressway crash, a win for plaintiffs challenging arbitration clauses. Local Business Climate: Chicago City Council postponed a vote on the $2.53 billion parking meter sale, pushing the decision to next week as officials weigh timing and potential arbitration costs. Agriculture & Costs: Skyrocketing diesel prices are squeezing Illinois-area farmers and truckers, with fuel costs rising faster than crop prices. State Tax Snapshot: Illinois collected $11.6B in selective sales and gross receipts taxes in 2024, up from $11.1B the prior year. Workforce & Safety: Illinois officials are also dealing with labor and safety pressures, including reports of workers walking out after a co-worker’s death at a pork plant. Energy & Utilities: Ameren set new electricity prices as winter nears, adding to household cost pressures. Economic Development: USDA support is backing equipment upgrades at G.L. Beaumont Lumber Company in Ramsey, aimed at saving 25 jobs. Agriculture Research: The Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council will invest $4.8M in 29 projects to improve nutrient efficiency and reduce losses.