Local Tech & Policy: Chicago-area residents are pushing back against autonomous delivery robots after encounters that they say make sidewalks feel unsafe and intrusive, even as operators argue the vehicles can detect obstacles and navigate streets safely. Real Estate & Business: Lou Malnati’s is closing its longtime Gold Coast flagship on June 30 after the building owner declined to renew the lease, with the site slated for redevelopment into a large residential tower. Sports & Illinois Economy: Toronto’s Shane Bieber, who has been on the injured list, completed a rehab start and could be activated soon—an update that matters for Chicago-area fans and the broader MLB trade-and-rotation chatter. Community Investment: Carbondale wrapped about a $1 million upgrade to its Superblock recreational complex, adding a centralized concession and ADA restrooms to improve the youth-sports experience. Food & Innovation: Orchard Insights says it has productized its “in the wild” behavioral testing suite into three offerings—Seed, Shape and Activate—to help brands validate ideas before launch. Manufacturing & Automation: THRYVE Automation is launching its unified automation brand at Automate 2026 in Chicago, positioning end-to-end solutions for manufacturers facing labor and AI infrastructure pressures.