AGP Executive Report

Chicago Crime & Safety: Chicago reported 45 class C misdemeanors arrests in Q2 2026, while homicides in 2025 fell to 416 (down 29% from 2024), with mixed trends continuing into July. Mayoral Politics: Mayor Brandon Johnson teased a Sept. 13 “announcement” about his future, as the city heads toward a reelection decision. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data put Harvey among 155 Illinois cities tied for 128th in July 2026, with one reported scam loss; Chatham also logged two scam reports. Courts & Accountability: A Central Illinois lawmaker and her husband asked to delay their federal trial until after the November election. Religion & Health Policy: Catholic nuns and Chicago’s archbishop sued Illinois over the state’s end-of-life law, arguing it violates religious beliefs. Local Business & Development: Joliet approved additional sales and hotel taxes tied to the Rock Run Collection project, aimed at funding infrastructure. Education Paychecks: Illinois school administrator salary rankings highlighted wide gaps, including Grass Lake SD 36 and Northwestern CUSD 2.

Illinois & Chicago Crime/Politics: A string of overnight burglaries hit multiple businesses across Chicago’s Southport Corridor and nearby neighborhoods, with police warning residents and sharing video as thieves struck at least 17 locations in about an hour. Labor & Local Economy: Hotel workers staged protests outside the Chicago Hyatt Regency during the Socialism 2026 conference, as thousands of workers reportedly remain without a contract after agreements expired. State Government & Policy: Illinois lawmakers are pushing ahead on worker protections and other changes, including new laws expanding protections for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. Business & Housing: Home prices are cooling in major U.S. markets, with Realtor.com reporting year-over-year declines in most of the largest metros—an important backdrop for Illinois renters and buyers. Sports (Chicago): Javier Assad battled through five walks to help the Cubs beat the Marlins 6-5, keeping Chicago in the NL wild-card race. Tech/Research (national, with Illinois relevance): New studies highlight AI’s growing role in everything from transportation weight estimates to tomato disease detection and fraud detection.

Local Governance & Elections: A Danville Election Commission meeting cancellation over a broken air conditioner is under attorney general review under the Illinois Open Meetings Act, and a letter argues the bigger issue is whether Danville even needs a separate election commission. Education Spending: South Holland School District 150 administrators averaged $119,850 in 2025 (317th highest statewide), while LaSalle-Peru Township High School District 120 averaged $113,599 (410th highest). Public Safety & Crime: Chicago reported 34 arrests for Class 1 felonies in Q2 2026, the fourth least common arrest category, as overall arrests dropped sharply quarter to quarter. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker put Chicago at the top in July 2026 with 92 reports; Lebanon logged two reports and reported losses of $1,044.43. State Policy & Courts: A solar-farm fight in Will County continues after appellate rulings limited county authority, with opponents challenging the scale and impact of approved projects. City Budget Pressure: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson faces an $882M budget gap heading into 2027.

Illinois Politics & Courts: Illinois is suing the Trump administration and other officials over attempts to cut off youth gender-affirming care funding, arguing the latest move is a workaround after a prior court win. Catholic leaders and nuns also sued to block Illinois’ assisted-suicide law, saying it violates religious freedom and would force referrals for lethal drugs. Consumer & Business Regulation: Illinois Attorney General Raoul sued ABC Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric over alleged deceptive practices, while a separate Illinois court fight upheld a BIPA exemption for a home care provider. Local Government & Public Safety: Chicago’s 75th Street overnight parking ban is sparking backlash from businesses that say it hurts late-night customers, even as an alderman frames it as a gun-reduction strategy. Economy & Jobs: SIU Carbondale hit its highest overall enrollment in eight years, topping 12,000 students. Community & Education: Illinois Valley Community College launched its Ag Forward Campaign to raise $2.5M for a new agricultural education center. Sports: Lincoln-Way East beat Homewood-Flossmoor 38-7 in Week 3.

WNBA Legal Fight: Enes Kanter Freedom has filed suit in federal court against the Chicago Sky, Wintrust Arena, and the city, saying his First Amendment rights were violated after he was ejected and banned over a “WOMAN” shirt incident. Local Arts & Community: Roseland’s new “cop house” is getting a teen-painted mural meant to deter crime and connect residents with community services. Elections & Voting Rules: Illinois election officials say they’ll follow state and federal law as courts weigh federal involvement in vote-by-mail, including USPS barcode requirements. Education Pay Transparency: Illinois Report Card data highlights administrator pay gaps, including McHenry District 156 and other small districts ranking near the bottom statewide. Travel & Business: United is ending connecting flights from Rochester to Chicago O’Hare, trimming options for travelers. State Economy & Tourism: Illinois tourism hit record spending, topping $50B in visitor spend and $88B in total economic impact in 2025. Sports Culture: Kanye West and Big Sean reunited onstage at Soldier Field, signaling a thaw after years of public feud.

WNBA Court Fight: Enes Kanter Freedom has filed a federal lawsuit in Chicago against the Chicago Sky, Wintrust Arena and the city, saying his First Amendment rights were violated after a dispute with Natasha Cloud led to his removal and a ban from attending games. Local Appointments: Charleston City Council appointed Eastern Illinois University business professor Darlene Greathouse to fill the remainder of Amber May’s term. Public Safety & Surveillance: Flock’s AI camera network is becoming a major election issue nationwide, with candidates pushing bans, funding limits or warrant requirements over concerns about mass surveillance. Chicago Crime & Community Impact: Police say a 37-year-old man was killed in a South Shore shooting; residents at Shoreline Plaza reported years of fear after hundreds of police calls before a mass shooting. State Budget Pressure: Chicago Public Schools board president candidates clashed at a forum over competing plans, with the district’s looming budget gap and uncertain state funding front and center. Trade & Enforcement: U.S. Customs in Chicago seized 13,683 prohibited agriculture items in a shipment from China, including soil, seeds and peyote. Infrastructure Win: Decatur celebrated completion of a $93 million overpass project aimed at reducing dangerous, long railroad delays.

Chicago Budget Fight: Mayor Brandon Johnson unveiled a projected $882.4 million gap in the 2027 budget, teeing up another clash with aldermen over how to close it without “balanc[ing] this budget on the backs of working people,” while leaving open the possibility of property tax hikes. Fraud Watch: Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker data put Harwood Heights among 155 Illinois cities tied for 128th in July scam reports, with one reported scam tied to an online purchase loss. Cybersecurity: The FBI is reportedly investigating a suspected IDScan.net data breach, tied to claims of 153 million stolen U.S. and Canadian driver’s license records for sale. Local Education Pay: Illinois State Board of Education figures show Crystal Lake CUSD 47 administrators averaging $118,978 (328th highest statewide) and Pleasant Plains CUSD 8 averaging $105,217 (299th lowest). Agriculture & Trade: New U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods raise concerns for Illinois farmers, even as some ag exports like corn and ethanol are exempt.

Energy Assistance (LIHEAP): Clay County’s CEFS Economic Opportunity Corp says applications for natural gas, propane, and electric bill help plus furnace assistance open Oct. 1 for seniors (60+), people with disabilities, families with kids 5 and under, and households disconnected or facing shutoff; other eligible households can apply Nov. 2, with funding first-come through Aug. 13, 2027. Employment Discrimination: The EEOC sued Dentsu after alleging it refused to hire a pregnant applicant for an alcohol-promotions role in favor of a less-qualified man, calling it a violation of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and Title VII. School Connectivity: Chicago is extending its “Chicago Connected” program, giving 28,000 CPS students free home internet this year, with most gains on the South and West Sides. Public Safety & Courts: Du Quoin State Fair stop for Lt. Gov. candidate Aaron Del Mar, who tied Illinois affordability to taxes and utility costs. Community Health: A benefit is planned Sept. 26 for former South Beloit police officer Sandy Messenger, recovering from throat cancer. Local Business Regulation: La Crosse liquor-permit hearings spotlight underage-serving violations at Del’s Bar and Bennett O’Riley’s, with possible suspensions discussed. Tech & Policy: Chicago’s AI-in-schools debate continues as New York City imposes a one-year student-facing generative AI moratorium through eighth grade.

Illinois Politics & Oversight: The Legislative Inspector General is back in the spotlight, with fresh attention on long-running investigations tied to state lawmakers’ conduct. Public Safety & Crime: Chicago police are dealing with a staffing crisis as weekend violence spikes, while separate reports highlight a rash of burglaries hitting the Southport Corridor and nearby North Side areas. Energy & Utilities: A heat wave is raising blackout risk across major U.S. grids, and Illinois residents are being warned to prepare for power disruptions. Schools & Pay: Crete-Monee Community Unit School District 201-U administrators earned an average $125,862 in 2025, ranking 234th statewide. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Chicago leads Illinois with 92 scam reports in July, followed by Springfield with 19. Business & Tech: University Health in Illinois cut provider callback wait times from 45 minutes to seconds after deploying Zebra mobile devices. Sports & Culture: Ye’s “Bully” tour brings two sold-out Soldier Field shows to Chicago on Sept. 3-4, with remaining tickets only via resale.

O’Hare Idling Crackdown: Illinois is restarting a long-stalled plan to curb idling near O’Hare by installing enforcement cameras after lawmakers accidentally left IDOT out of the original bill, with Illinois State Police, IDOT and the tollway now working on the rollout. City Licensing Fight: A South Loop restaurant faces potential license loss after noise complaints and a brawl caught on camera, with the city ordering it to stop live music and charging entry fees. Car Theft Crackdown: Illinois State Police say a grant-backed operation is helping recover hundreds of stolen vehicles and make arrests using planes, cameras and other tools. Truck Fraud Enforcement: Federal agencies launched a major crackdown on fraud in the trucking industry, pairing enforcement with safety-focused actions. Local Business Pressure: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is pushing contractors to disclose ICE ties and leadership “diversity,” drawing backlash from business owners. Health Access: Marion opened a new pediatric dental center that accepts Medicaid, funded by a $2.5M state award. Construction Disruption: Guilford Road in Chicago is closing for water main work starting Thursday, with detours and access maintained for nearby homes and businesses.

Amazon Ad Lawsuit: Acting Attorney General Cori Mills announced a multi-agency lawsuit against Amazon over alleged deceptive ad auctions that overcharge about 1.2 million advertisers, with claims that higher ad costs can flow to consumers. Chicago Education Funding Fight: After Illinois is set to receive $768 million from the Meta settlement, the Illinois Federation of Teachers and CTU are pushing for the money to plug the school funding crisis and prevent Chicago Public Schools layoffs. City Hall Shakeup: Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Commissioner Ivan Capifali is stepping down as Mayor Brandon Johnson faces more senior departures. Local Business Boost: Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia’s “Shopping in Solidarity” tour is driving purchases for small businesses in Beverly, tying local spending to neighborhood resilience. School Consolidation: St. Walter-St. Benedict merged campuses so all students now learn together at the Chicago location, aiming for stronger stability and collaboration. Tech & Safety: China tightened lithium power-bank rules, leading to confiscations at airports over missing/incorrect safety marks. Real Estate Expansion: RE/MAX Future grew in Elmhurst after transitioning from an independent brokerage, now topping 20 brokers.

Amazon Ad Lawsuit: The FTC and 22 states, including Illinois, sued Amazon over alleged “secret ad surcharge” practices that allegedly inflated ad prices for more than 1.2 million businesses, with Amazon denying wrongdoing. Illinois Infrastructure: IDOT announced $91.8 million in Will County road work across nine projects, with several slated for completion this year and others stretching to 2030. Transportation & Access: The Cave-In-Rock Ferry in southern Illinois remains closed nearly two months after its contract expired, as funding talks between the operator and state agencies hit a stalemate. Local Government Calendar: South Cook County officials have a packed September schedule of committee and board meetings, from public safety to zoning and finance. Education Pay Watch: Illinois school administrator salary rankings highlighted wide variation, including Tuscola CUSD 301 and Bradley SD 61 among the lower-paid districts statewide. Business & Courts: A federal judge allowed Smucker’s Uncrustables trademark case against Trader Joe’s to proceed, setting up a fight over sandwich shape and packaging. Chicago Culture: Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is set to receive two belugas moved from Marineland in Canada as the last captive whales leave.

Chicago Politics: Mayor Brandon Johnson is teasing a “special announcement” Sept. 13, with political sources expecting he’ll signal a run for re-election, as his approval ratings remain low. City Procurement & Immigration: Johnson’s latest order would require city contractors to disclose ties to federal immigration authorities and board demographic metrics—raising legal questions about what Chicago can demand. Courts & Corruption: Federal prosecutors say they’re ready to re-try two ComEd Four defendants after appeals reversed their convictions, keeping the long-running Madigan-era case in motion. Business & Jobs: Illinois storm victims can now apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans covering multiple counties, including Cook and Will. Local Economy: A new Illinois farmland survey suggests cash rents may decline slightly this fall, though producers warn market shifts could change the outlook. Health & Policy: UNOS has made interim CEO Mark Johnson permanent, and the FDA approved ropeginterferon alfa-2b for essential thrombocythemia. Industry & Innovation: NMTA will debut RoboCam automated tool inspection at IMTS 2026 in Chicago.

Illinois Politics & Courts: Illinois ethics watchdog confidentiality breach allegations in the Harry Benton sexual harassment probe keep attention on state oversight and accountability. Chicago Housing & Development: Edgewater residents protested a proposed 600-unit lakefront high-rise, arguing it would violate lakefront protections and reshape access to Lake Michigan. Economy & Business: Tyson Foods’ immediate closure of its Joslin, Illinois beef plant is rippling through the cattle supply chain and local jobs, while Illinois producers brace for trade and import pressure. Education Watch: New Illinois Report Card data put Anna Jonesboro CUSD 81 administrators among the lowest-paid in the state, highlighting ongoing staffing and pay challenges. Public Safety & Privacy: A federal move to obtain journalists’ phone logs without notice is drawing fresh scrutiny of government surveillance. Sports (Chicago): The Reds beat the Cubs 7-5 at Wrigley to take the series, with Chicago’s home field still feeling the sting of late-season swings. Global Finance (Illinois ties via diaspora): Nirmala Sitharaman’s G20 trip includes meetings with U.S. business leaders and pitches India as a manufacturing hub.

Gun Violence & City Hall: Chicago Contrarian founder Florian Sohnke called Mayor Brandon Johnson’s new Office of Gun Violence Reduction an “empty political gesture,” arguing it won’t cut south and west side shootings without tougher enforcement. Illinois Economy & Trade: A new estimate says Trump-era tariffs have cost Illinois about $17B since Jan. 2025, with extra burdens hitting auto parts and metals and raising costs for households and producers. Illinois Business Watch: Chicago’s Meta settlement is expected to bring Illinois up to about $768M tied to child-safety claims, with the state saying it will steer money toward social media harms. Sports & Local Politics: Rahm Emanuel said Democratic Socialists of America aren’t part of the Democratic Party and won’t help Democrats in 2028—he’s weighing a 2028 run. Tech & Research: IBM and UChicago researchers tout a quantum computing demonstration using error correction that finished in about 15 minutes on a task classical machines can’t practically match. Healthcare: A VISION-FFR trial compares vFFR with optical coherence tomography for chronic coronary syndromes, aiming to better interpret intermediate blockages. Consumer Safety: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Chicago leads Illinois scam reports in July, while several suburbs land in the same tied rankings—another reminder to watch for phishing and online purchase fraud.

WNBA Culture Clash in Chicago: Natasha Cloud broke her silence on the Enes Kanter Freedom incident, calling him an “irrelevant person” and saying she’ll focus on issues affecting “women and children,” after the Aug. 23 altercation led to his ejection and a ban from Chicago Sky home games. Presidents Cup Spotlight: PGA Tour named President Donald Trump honorary chairman for the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club, with Trump also planning to attend—bringing major national attention to the Chicago-area event. PFAS Notification Fallout: Chillicothe residents are pressing for answers after elevated PFAS were found in a drinking-water well, with the mayor admitting the city’s notification approach fell short of what residents expected. Local Infrastructure Pressure: Joliet council member Juan Moreno is urging the state to replace aging drawbridges, pointing to the Ruby Street bridge closure and arguing emergency repairs are no longer enough. Great Lakes Invasive Species Warning: Illinois officials say juvenile invasive carp were found closer than ever to the Great Lakes, raising stakes for the Brandon Road project. Right to Repair Fight: Farmers are being notified about options under a settlement tied to a John Deere class-action over access to repair tools and software.