Illinois Hemp Crackdown: Gov. JB Pritzker says new rules for “intoxicating hemp” are long overdue, including an immediate ban on sales to people under 21 and tighter oversight under Illinois cannabis law. Storm Recovery Scams: Illinois AG Kwame Raoul warns “storm chasers” are targeting tornado-damaged homes and businesses with rushed, often unlicensed repair pitches and “free” inspection offers tied to insurance claims. Heat + City Response: Mayor Brandon Johnson toured Woodlawn as Chicago deals with extreme heat, using cooling sites and Operation ChiWorks to tackle quality-of-life issues alongside public safety. New Illinois Laws Take Effect: A slate of July 1 changes kicks in, including updates for senior driving tests, expanded school cyberbullying definitions, and making cocktails-to-go permanent. Gun Law Fight: Pritzker defends Illinois’ semiautomatic weapons ban after the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a Cook County challenge tied to the 2022 Highland Park parade shooting. Election Administration Clarity: A Madison County clerk says a Supreme Court vote-by-mail ruling confirms Illinois procedures for counting ballots postmarked by Election Day and received by the state deadline. Chicago Police Leadership: With Superintendent Larry Snelling set to step down, the search for a replacement is already colliding with expectations of a politically tense mayoral environment. ICE Accountability Lawsuits: Six Illinois-area residents sue federal immigration agents over alleged tear gas and unlawful detentions during last year’s Midway Blitz, seeking civil accountability after no federal criminal charges.