Political Aftermath: Gov. JB Pritzker spoke in Washington amid speculation about a 2028 presidential bid, while Illinois Republicans face calls to rethink their message after midterm losses. Six new Democrats are headed to Congress, Saba Haider made history with her state House win, and Chris Welch’s planned exit opens a race that could produce Illinois’ first woman House speaker. Pritzker is also appealing FEMA’s denial of disaster aid. Bears Stadium: The team says talks with Illinois leaders are productive, but Indiana remains in the mix as lawmakers consider stadium legislation. AI & Industry: Data-center growth is becoming a political flashpoint over power demand and local impacts; Pritzker wants federal AI rules. IBM’s new Chicago quantum computer and a UChicago–Tohoku research partnership reflect the state’s ambitions in advanced technology. Hemp Business: Illinois hemp companies are suing to block restrictions on intoxicating products set to take effect Nov. 12, arguing the rules threaten their businesses. Household Economy: Comptroller Susana Mendoza reported more than 373,000 Bank On Illinois accounts and $11 billion in deposits, while a new national index placed Illinois among eight states where at least 75% of bachelor’s graduates recoup college costs within a decade.