Illinois Politics & Ethics: Capitol News Illinois obtained emails showing the Chicago Bears kept talking with Illinois officials about a possible stadium project last month, even as the team says it’s focused on Indiana. Chicago Mayor & Community Tensions: The Jewish United Fund of Chicago accused Mayor Brandon Johnson of “singling out” Jews after his reelection launch referenced a Jewish donor and AIPAC, saying it targets local and national Jewish influence. State Government & Health: UIC trustees approved a $232 million drug-discovery and cancer research pavilion in the Illinois Medical District, aiming to expand research and health equity. Courts & Fraud: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a former Clay Transportation owner was sentenced to four years for Medicaid vendor fraud, stealing about $179,455. Business & Cost Pressures: Gas prices are spiking again in the Midwest, with a Joliet refinery issue cited as part of the reason—hurting small businesses that rely on fuel. Labor & Safety: A Smithfield Foods pork plant walkout in Monmouth followed the death of a maintenance worker, underscoring ongoing workplace safety concerns. Local Economy & Growth: Illinois unemployment fell to 4.7% in August, though payrolls decreased. Sports: The Bears’ stadium talks and playoff-season headlines kept fans focused, while the Braves clinched a playoff berth with a 6-2 win over the Astros.