AGP Executive Report

Chicago Budget: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed $17 billion budget would raise about $414 million through higher taxes and fees. Business groups are pushing back against a revived head tax and a proposed cloud-computing tax, while small-business owners warn the increases could add to rising costs. Jobs and Investment: Hyundai Translead is expanding its Illinois plans to $600 million and pledging 3,750 jobs, bringing a major manufacturing boost to Will County. Illinois Elections: With midterms nearing, the state elections board called a viral claim about voting machines a hoax, while the Illinois GOP chair questioned whether multilingual ballots make elections harder to monitor. Public Service Loans: Attorney General Kwame Raoul says the Trump administration has dropped its appeal of a ruling blocking restrictions on federal loan forgiveness for government and nonprofit workers.**

Manufacturing Jobs: Hyundai Translead is expanding its planned Illinois investment to $600 million and adding 1,250 jobs to its commitment, bringing the Joliet-area expansion to 3,750 positions. Chicago Taxes: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $17 billion budget plan includes $414 million in higher taxes and fees, including a proposed corporate head tax. Business groups say they’ll fight the plan, while shop owners warn new costs could squeeze them further. Energy Costs: A report says data centers could cost ComEd $3 billion; consumer advocates worry Illinois households may end up paying the bill. Election 2026: Gov. JB Pritzker, Republican Darren Bailey and independent candidate Scott Corbett faced off in a governor’s debate as voters weigh competing visions for the state. Trade and Tourism: Illinois exports to China fell 37.7% last year, amid a steep national decline. The state also has $2.4 million available in grants for tourism attractions, events and festivals.

Manufacturing Jobs: Hyundai Translead plans to invest $600 million in Will County and create 3,750 full-time jobs, expanding its Joliet-area operations with support from a new manufacturing training academy. Data Center Costs: ComEd projects more than $3 billion in grid upgrades for data centers, but consumer groups warn households could bear costs if projects fall through; the utility disputes that concern. Chicago Budget: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed budget includes $414 million in higher taxes and fees, drawing pushback from business groups over proposed corporate and cloud taxes. Worker Rules: Proposed Illinois rules would require temp workers who reach 720 hours in six months to receive full-time benefits or equivalent pay. A staffing industry leader says labor costs could jump 20% to 30%. Hotel Strike: The Chicago hotel walkout has expanded to eight hotels, with Hilton and Hyatt workers joining. Farm Economy: Red crown rot, a soybean disease first reported in Illinois in 2018, is now surging across the state and region, researchers say.

Chicago Budget: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $17.6 billion budget plan proposes new corporate and package taxes, including a cloud tax. Business groups say they’ll fight the measures, and the City Council has raised early objections. State Economy: Illinois’ unemployment rate fell to 4.6% in September, while a new fiscal-health report warns the state’s debt burden could mean future tax pressure. Campaign Trail: U.S. Senate candidates Juliana Stratton and Don Tracy clashed over affordability and Iran as the race heats up. Southern Illinois Investment: The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center will use a $17 million investment to expand its research capacity.

Chicago Budget: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $17.6 billion 2027 proposal seeks to close an $882 million deficit without property-tax hikes, reviving a corporate head tax. It includes $285 million for Chicago Public Schools, but the district’s finances remain shaky, with $150 million in expected state funding still unconfirmed. Senate Race: Democrat Juliana Stratton and Republican Don Tracy clashed over affordability and President Trump in their sole Illinois U.S. Senate forum. Jobs and Industry: Illinois’ unemployment rate fell to 4.6% in September, while Viakable plans a $55 million electrical-cable manufacturing expansion in the state. State Finances: A new report gives Illinois a failing grade for fiscal health, warning of continued pressure on taxpayers.

Illinois Senate: In the only faceoff between major-party candidates, Democrat Juliana Stratton pledged to check President Trump’s power while Republican Don Tracy defended his policies, including the Iran war. They also clashed over immigration and affordability. Chicago Budget: Mayor Brandon Johnson is reviving a corporate head tax proposal, drawing swift pushback ahead of his budget rollout. Economy: Illinois’ unemployment rate fell to 4.6% in September, but a new fiscal report gave the state a failing grade, citing its debt burden. Workers and Businesses: Chicago’s hotel strike has expanded to more major properties, disrupting meetings and events. On the Northwest Side, 19 businesses were targeted in smash-and-grab burglaries, adding repair and insurance costs for owners. Industry: Former workers at a Chicago Heights plant are fighting for unpaid retention bonuses after its closure.

Chicago Budget: Mayor Brandon Johnson is reviving his proposed corporate head tax, charging large employers $25 a month per worker. The plan renews a fight with aldermen who rejected it last year. Bears Stadium: Indiana Gov. Mike Braun says the Bears remain focused on Hammond, while Gov. JB Pritzker says he expects the team to build in Illinois. Stadium legislation remains active in Springfield. State Finances: Illinois again received a failing grade for fiscal health, raising concerns about debt and future taxpayer costs. Worker Fight: Chicago hotel workers are pressing for better conditions as their strike continues at a smaller group of hotels. Privacy Lawsuits: Two customers say delivery robots in Chicago scanned their faces and hands without consent, violating Illinois’ biometric privacy law; the city’s pilot program is due to expire in 2027 unless extended. Rail Link: Wisconsin secured $218 million in federal funding to extend passenger service from Chicago to Madison.

Chicago Politics: Mayoral hopefuls filed petitions for the February ballot as early voting expanded; a new poll puts Mayor Brandon Johnson’s approval at 22%. Big spending is also shaping school board contests, with more than $12.8 million flowing into the races. Statewide Stakes: Taxes and state spending are key issues in closely watched Illinois races, while Gov. JB Pritzker’s campaign is outspending Republican challenger Darren Bailey. Illinois SNAP enrollment has fallen to a 13-year low, and Ameren announced $10 million in energy-bill assistance. Business & Industry: A federal judge’s ruling could open the door to unsealing Cubs financial records as the team’s rooftop dispute unfolds ahead of a potentially costly MLB labor fight. Separately, questions continue over data-center development in Jersey County, and a new study says Illinois’ displaced energy workers’ protections fall short. Public Safety: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi called for stronger federal action against domestic extremism after an alleged plot to attack a Hindu temple in Aurora.

Chicago Tech: Chicago-based Zerohash launched a tool for transferring crypto without copying wallet addresses. Its narrower application for a national trust bank charter is still pending. Governor’s Race: Gov. JB Pritzker is outspending Republican challenger Darren Bailey by 25 to 1. Bailey is making property taxes a central campaign issue, proposing a 1% cap on increases. Household Costs: Illinois regulators approved an $81 million Nicor rate hike, while Ameren added $10 million to customer assistance programs in Illinois and Missouri. Chicago Business: Zara founder Amancio Ortega bought a 51-story downtown office tower for $550 million. Labor: Chicago hotel workers entered a second week of strikes, and City Colleges faculty and staff voted overwhelmingly to walk out.

Illinois Election: Gov. JB Pritzker is outspending Republican Darren Bailey by 25 to 1 in the governor’s race, while Democrats lead fundraising across Illinois and federal contests. Political Security: The FBI is investigating suspicious letters sent to several Illinois congressional offices amid a wider wave of threats. Household Costs: The Illinois Commerce Commission approved an $81 million Nicor rate increase; Pritzker is also appealing FEMA’s denial of disaster aid after the state reported $27.6 million in damage. Chicago Business: Zara founder Amancio Ortega bought a 51-story Chicago office tower for $550 million, while hotel workers entered a second week of strikes at several city properties.

Election Watch: Chicago early voting expands Monday as No Kings rallies encourage turnout ahead of the midterms. Suspicious mail sent to five Chicago-area members of Congress is under FBI investigation. Gov. JB Pritzker is appealing FEMA’s denial of Illinois disaster aid, saying storm damage topped the $27.6 million threshold. Household Costs: Illinois regulators approved an $81 million Nicor rate hike, adding pressure to gas bills. Chicago Business: Hotel workers are entering a second week on strike, while Zara founder Amancio Ortega bought a 51-story Chicago office tower for $550 million. Governor’s Race: Pritzker is outspending Republican challenger Darren Bailey 25 to 1 as Democrats lead fundraising in Illinois races.

Election Security: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi’s Schaumburg office received a suspicious package containing unknown substances. Emergency crews removed it as federal investigators probe similar mailings nationwide. Farm Costs: A federal order expands access to tax-exempt red-dyed diesel through year-end. Illinois soybean growers say the move offers harvest relief as fuel and other costs climb. Utility Bills: Illinois regulators approved an $81 million Nicor rate increase. Disaster Aid: Gov. JB Pritzker is appealing FEMA’s denial of Illinois storm aid, arguing $27.6 million in damage met the agency’s threshold. Labor: Stellantis workers began a two-day vote on authorizing a strike, Chicago hotel workers entered a second week on the picket line, and City Colleges faculty set a walkout for Monday after 96% voted to strike.

Courts: The Illinois Supreme Court approved rule changes to make consumer debt cases easier to navigate, including clearer asset-discovery and exemption procedures. Downtown Business: Zara founder Amancio Ortega’s family office bought the 51-story One North Wacker tower for about $550 million, adding to its Chicago property holdings. Transit Accountability: State Sen. Don DeWitte criticized interim transit chief Jamie Rhee’s $350,000 salary while she receives a city pension above $213,000; together, the payments exceed $563,000 a year. Development: Cook County is seeking ideas for an innovation district near Stroger Hospital and proposals for mixed-use affordable housing in Logan Square. Health Care: Rush and Endeavor Health plan to combine operations, creating a system with 12 hospitals, more than 400 care sites and over 46,000 employees. Labor & Costs: City Colleges of Chicago employees voted 96% to authorize a strike starting Oct. 19, while state regulators approved an $81 million Nicor rate hike.

Labor: City Colleges of Chicago faculty and professional staff voted 96% to authorize a strike, with a walkout set for Monday, Oct. 19. Hundreds of hotel workers are also entering a second week on picket lines at six downtown hotels. Governor’s Race: New campaign filings show Gov. JB Pritzker had $44.4 million on hand at the end of September, compared with $431,787 for Republican challenger Darren Bailey. Chicago Politics: Outside groups have outraised the Chicago Teachers Union five to one in school board races, with much of their spending aimed at opposing board president candidate Hilario Dominguez. Energy Costs: The Illinois Commerce Commission approved an $81 million Nicor rate increase. Clean Energy: A $20 million solar center with nearly 5,000 panels and battery storage is now operating in northwest Peoria. Business: Zara founder Amancio Ortega bought a Chicago skyscraper for $550 million.

Utility Bills: Illinois regulators approved an $81.6 million Nicor Gas rate increase, adding about $26 a year to the average residential bill while lowering the monthly fixed charge. Data Center Rules: Gov. JB Pritzker says negotiations remain unsettled, but he expects a bill during next month’s veto session to require data centers to supply their own clean energy and protect customers from higher costs. Chicago Politics: Mayor Brandon Johnson raised $123,000 in the third quarter and ended September with $379,500 on hand, far behind rival Alexi Giannoulias, who reported $19.2 million. Business: Rush and Endeavor Health have unveiled plans to merge across the Chicago area; separately, Chicago-based CCC Intelligent Solutions agreed to a $6.1 billion take-private deal. Disaster Aid: State records show Illinois’ request for federal help after August storms met FEMA’s statewide threshold, though the agency denied it; Pritzker is appealing.

Statehouse: Gov. JB Pritzker says Illinois’ housing plan may have to wait, but bills on a Bears stadium and data centers are still in play. Campaign 2026: Pritzker and Republican challenger Darren Bailey clashed over taxes and the state budget in their only governor debate. Taxes & Finances: Cook County voters will weigh a proposed tax on millionaires; a separate report gave Illinois an F for financial health. Utilities: State regulators approved a reduced $82 million Nicor Gas rate increase under a settlement with the attorney general. Chicago Governance: Mayor Brandon Johnson narrowly won a city debt vote, while school board president candidates debated school closures and the district’s finances. Business: Illinois’ new crypto tax has been delayed until July 2027 as legal challenges grow.