Public Safety: A new Council on Criminal Justice report says 2026 is on track for the lowest homicide levels in more than a century, with a reported 18% drop in homicide rates across 30 U.S. cities. Church & Accountability: The Archdiocese of Chicago opened a new investigation into decades-old allegations against Rev. Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina, with Pfleger removed from active ministry while an independent review board probes the claim. Courts & Local Government: A federal judge dismissed Gary Hamm’s lawsuit against Massac County, saying he failed to follow court orders and prosecute the case. State Policy & Small Business: Illinois’ swipe-fee implementation is delayed until 2027, and some central Illinois shops are going cash-only anyway while lawmakers consider limits on rejecting cash. Elections & Voting Systems: States are reviewing whether a software flaw in New Jersey’s DMV-linked voter registrations could happen elsewhere after noncitizens were reportedly registered to vote. Immigration Hearings: A federal immigration court hearing in Chicago continued in the deportation case of Milwaukee mosque leader Salah Sarsour, with more testimony scheduled. Chicago Politics & Housing: Chicago City Council debates tenant protection ordinances as a rent-control ban looms. Crime & Justice: An Oswego man accused of punching a woman near the Illinois Prairie Path faces new charges after a judge revoked his pretrial release. Tech & Law: Illinois’ first-in-nation 0.2% crypto tax faces a new legal challenge from the Digital Chamber.