AI for materials discovery: Argonne National Laboratory researchers, with U.S. partners including the University of Illinois Chicago, showed an AI-driven system that automates atomistic simulations—aiming to cut materials discovery from months/years to days. Public safety tech and transparency: ICE is rolling out body cameras but says it can withhold footage when release isn’t in the agency’s “best interests,” raising accountability concerns. Illinois policy for women’s safety: Gov. JB Pritzker signed laws expanding menopause education for healthcare providers and strengthening protections for domestic violence survivors against tech-facilitated abuse. Energy and infrastructure in Illinois: Lockport received $119,000 in state funds to prep the STAR Innovation industrial site, including surveying and a planned second entrance. Climate and health in cities: A Northwestern study tied more tree shade in Chicago to lower mortality, with bigger drops for respiratory and cardiovascular deaths. STEM in the Midwest: App State’s Team Sunergy won the American Solar Challenge multi-occupant category, underscoring the growing push for practical solar engineering. Sports meets tech culture: Chicago Sky’s DiJonai Carrington was ejected in a high-profile foul and posted “white privilege” after the incident, fueling another round of league debate.