AGP Executive Report

Diesel Costs: Illinois’ competing state and federal relief orders have left farmers and truckers facing uncertainty, while rising fuel prices are squeezing Chicago restaurants and northern Illinois school budgets. Cook County & Chicago: Cook County is confronting a $550 million budget gap, and Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoed an aldermen-backed rule on city debt issuance. Hundreds of workers at six Chicago hotels also struck for better pay and benefits during marathon weekend. Disaster Aid: The Trump administration again denied Illinois’ request for federal help after summer storms; McLean County plans to appeal. Business & Housing: Bloomington proposed rules for data centers as Illinois weighs promised jobs against neighborhood concerns and potentially higher power bills. State Farm is raising Illinois homeowners’ insurance rates by 8%, citing severe weather. Politics: Gov. JB Pritzker says he has more to do as he seeks an unprecedented third term.

Chicago: Bears legend Mike Ditka died at 86, prompting tributes across the city. Cook County Budget: Board President Toni Preckwinkle proposed a $9.69 billion budget that closes a $550 million gap without tax increases, service cuts or layoffs. Data Center Rules: Bloomington proposed stricter reviews for large data centers, including distance buffers from homes and schools, independent impact studies and community-benefit agreements. City Hall: Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoed an aldermen-backed debt-issuance rule, setting up a possible override vote next week. Worker Protections: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul reached a $1.9 million settlement with Equinox over illegal noncompete clauses affecting more than 300 lower-paid workers; nearly $1 million is set aside for restitution. Disaster Aid: The federal government again denied Illinois’ request for summer-storm assistance, and McLean County plans to appeal. Hotel Labor: Workers at six Chicago hotels went on strike during marathon weekend, seeking better pay and benefits.

Disaster Aid: The Trump administration denied Illinois’ request for federal help after August storms. Gov. J.B. Pritzker says the state will appeal. Hotel Strike: Hundreds of workers at six Chicago hotels walked off the job as marathon visitors arrived, seeking better pay, benefits and safer workloads. Governor’s Race: Pritzker is seeking a rare third term, with former Illinois GOP leader Jim Durkin backing him and criticizing Republican nominee Darren Bailey. Farm Costs: Illinois farmers are still facing fuel-price pressure as Pritzker’s diesel relief moves forward; lawmakers say more help is needed. Chicago Business: McDonald’s faces an Illinois-filed lawsuit alleging its pricing system shares competitors’ data and pushes up menu prices. The company denies that its tools set prices.

Disaster Aid: The Trump administration denied Illinois’ request for federal help after summer storms, including damage in eight counties. Gov. JB Pritzker says the state may appeal; Illinois has recorded 212 tornadoes this year. AI and Data Centers: A proposed Illinois class action accuses Elon Musk’s Grok of collecting and storing users’ face scans without consent. State debate over data-center rules is also intensifying, with concerns about electricity costs and whether promised jobs will last. Election Watch: At a Peoria debate, challenger Paul Nolley attacked U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood over tariffs and corporate influence, while LaHood defended his record. Chicago Business: EPost Global tripled its Chicago-area facility near O’Hare, expanding its largest U.S. processing site as international shipping demand grows. Cannabis Industry: Illinois’ new annual report highlights regulatory changes and growth in the state’s cannabis market.

Data Center Debate: Labor and business groups are joining forces against Chicago’s data center ban, as state lawmakers weigh rules and Gov. JB Pritzker pushes the POWER Act. Supporters tout jobs and investment; critics question how many jobs will last and warn projects could raise electric bills. Chicago Budget: Mayor Brandon Johnson is signaling a push for corporate taxes as the city confronts a budget shortfall. Farm Costs: Pritzker declared a diesel disaster for Illinois and ordered relief for farmers, but fuel retailers are wary; farm groups warn growers to plan carefully around the rules for dyed diesel. Jobs: U.S. unemployment claims stayed near a 57-year low, but economists describe a low-hire, low-fire market. Illinois was among the few states with a notable rise in claims. Business and Technology: A proposed antitrust class action filed in Chicago accuses McDonald’s of pressuring franchisees to use AI pricing tools, potentially raising menu prices. The company says franchisees set prices independently and AI does not set menu prices.

Energy and Data Centers: Illinois lawmakers are weighing data-center rules as Gov. J.B. Pritzker pushes the POWER Act. The debate pits promised investment against concerns over water use, electricity demand and lasting jobs; a proposed project near Mahomet was dropped after residents raised concerns about the aquifer. Farm Costs: Pritzker declared a diesel disaster for Illinois farmers and ordered steps to ease fuel costs, but fuel retailers question how much relief the move will deliver. Chicago Budget: Mayor Brandon Johnson is renewing his call for higher taxes on wealthy residents and corporations as the city faces a budget shortfall and a looming deadline. Manufacturing: Viakable plans a $55 million expansion in La Salle, adding 50 jobs and retaining 65, with state tax-credit support. Household Costs: State Farm will raise Illinois homeowners’ rates by another 8%, following last year’s 27% increase.

Farm Costs: Gov. JB Pritzker ordered diesel-cost relief for Illinois farmers, blaming Trump policies as fuel prices squeeze rural budgets. Data Centers: A new report projects more than 120,000 Illinois jobs from data-center growth, but most would be temporary; critics warn the expansion could add $150 a year to electric bills. Energy Investment: Constellation and Google’s 20-year agreement will support upgrades adding 890 megawatts at nuclear plants, including in Illinois. Separately, a state senator says a major nuclear investment will bring 4,200 construction jobs. Household Costs: State Farm plans another 8% homeowners’ insurance increase in Illinois, following last year’s 27% hike. Politics: Former Illinois House Republican leader Jim Durkin endorsed Pritzker over Republican challenger Darren Bailey. State Finances: Illinois revenue rose 8.2% in the first quarter, though forecasters cautioned that offsetting pressures lie ahead. The state also collected $2.66 billion in gambling taxes in fiscal 2026, up 19.2%.

Energy & AI: Google and Constellation Energy struck a major nuclear deal, with Google securing 890 megawatts via a 20-year power purchase and a separate 15-year supply agreement for 2,700 megawatts across the PJM grid—Constellation says upgrades to 11 nuclear units include Illinois work. Healthcare M&A: McKesson and Clayton Dubilier & Rice agreed to buy Option Care Health for $5.8 billion, with Option Care headquartered in suburban Chicago. Local Education Oversight: Chicago Public Schools’ internal watchdog reopened an investigation into school board president candidate Hilario Dominguez over an almost decade-old allegation tied to a Pilsen nonprofit. Illinois Courts & Consumer/Business: A federal judge ruled dentists can’t dodge an Illinois antitrust MDL targeting Delta Dental’s market-splitting practices. Public Safety & Crime: Chicago police are investigating the fatal stabbing of a 7-year-old girl, with new details emerging about what happened before the attack. Local Governance: In Turtle, a recall election unseated board chair Roger Anclam, with data-center and bridge votes cited in the backlash. Business Growth: The Joint Chiropractic reacquired development territories including Chicago, adding to a 2026 push that also covers Texas and other states.

Gubernatorial Shake-Up: Former Illinois House GOP leader Jim Durkin is endorsing Gov. JB Pritzker over Republican Darren Bailey, calling Bailey too divisive and saying the state GOP has moved too far right. South Side Crime: Chicago police are investigating early-morning break-ins along 75th Street, including Soul Veg City, where a suspect took a cash register and a slice of cake; an alderman called an emergency meeting with business owners. Cremation Investigation: A Chicago-area family is questioning whether the cremated remains they received are actually their mother’s as investigations expand around the Glenwood cremation company that handled the arrangements. Illinois Politics & Courts: A federal judge blocked new Illinois rules on prediction markets, while Illinois continues to face legal fights over election-related and economic policy. Energy & Business: Google signed major nuclear power deals tied to Constellation, with Illinois investment and jobs tied to new equipment and uprates. Media Industry: Skydance completed its $81 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, reshaping Hollywood’s biggest studio landscape.

Antitrust & Big Tech-Style Pricing: A federal class-action filed in Chicago accuses McDonald’s of using an AI pricing system to coordinate menu prices across nearly 14,000 restaurants, arguing it violates antitrust law; McDonald’s denies the claims, saying AI only recommends and franchisees set final prices. Health & Research Access: In HIV-associated lymphoma research, clinicians say newer CAR T and bispecific therapies are finally being tested in people with HIV, pushing for no one to be excluded from trials. Local Courts & Accountability: A judge cleared the way for the next phase of a major Illinois PVC pipe price-fixing settlement case, after giving final approval to more than $200 million in consumer deals. Illinois Campus Speech: UIS faculty are urging suspension of the campus “expressive activity” policy, saying it was adopted without meaningful faculty input and may chill academic freedom. Food Industry Shakeup: Oprah-backed True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 and closed 12 locations, including Chicago, as it seeks a buyer.

Illinois Budget Watch: Illinois general funds revenue rose 8.2% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, but state forecasters warn offsetting factors could blunt the gains. Fuel Prices: Gas prices are easing after states suspended fuel taxes, with diesel down 13 cents and unleaded down 12 cents over the past week. Data Centers & Local Politics: Ballot measures tied to data centers are on the rise, with Illinois voters facing seven measures in 2026 as communities debate growth and power demand. Chicago Business & Transit: CTA is in settlement talks with federal officials in the Red Line Extension lawsuit, while Chicago City Council approved revised parking meter deal terms. Sports & Local Economy: The Bears’ stadium fight continues as Gov. JB Pritzker stays involved in negotiations with the NFL. Public Safety & Health: FDA released a plan to prevent future Cyclospora outbreaks, targeting surveillance, lab capacity, and food-safety training. Politics: Former Illinois House GOP leader Jim Durkin endorsed Pritzker over Darren Bailey, citing trust and party direction. National Legal/Policy: The Supreme Court begins a term with major cases on climate, immigration, and gun rights. Crime & Accountability: Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert died at 84 after a scandal that led to federal prison.

Public Safety: A 7-year-old girl was fatally stabbed in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood late Saturday morning; police say witnesses detained the woman attacker and she was arrested, with no clear motive released. County Oversight: Kane County’s auditor Penny Wegman is accused of not checking whether the Sheriff’s Office stays within its budget after the office spent more than $10M past approved limits, prompting questions about what the law requires. Local Development: Plainfield’s proposed Ridge Road warehouse project is back on the agenda Monday as developers seek annexation and address resident concerns about noise and truck traffic with added berms and building shields. Illinois Economy/Business: Illinois-based Sterling Pharmaceutical Services is behind a major Walgreens-branded eye-drop recall affecting more than 500,000 units over sterility concerns. Sports (Illinois): The Bears beat the Jets 23-12 at Soldier Field as Tyson Bagent delivered a standout performance in a “full-circle” home-state moment. Global/Policy: The U.S. is monitoring a suspected pneumonic plague case in Russia after a lab worker’s death, as some lawmakers push for travel restrictions.

Downstate Transit Funding: Illinois is taking applications through Oct. 30 for up to $100 million in IDOT grants for downstate transit capital projects, with awards announced by year’s end. Utility Affordability Fight: In Porter County, Indiana candidates debated NIPSCO oversight as bills rose about 92% since 2016, with lawmakers split over rate caps, disconnections, and whether private equity should be barred from owning utilities. Chicago Crime: A 7-year-old girl was fatally stabbed in broad daylight in Chicago’s East Chatham neighborhood; police say the suspect was unknown to the victim and remains in custody. Education Policy in Illinois: Gov. J.B. Pritzker is weighing whether to opt into a federal scholarship tax credit program, as teachers unions push back and supporters argue it could expand options. Chicago Politics: Rahm Emanuel urged Democrats to prioritize an ethics reform package over impeachment if they win the House. Tech & Immigration: Illinois employers in the Educational Services sector filed 1,213 H-1B petitions in 2025, with a 98.8% approval rate. Local History: Oswego’s former library director Sarah Skilton received a 2026 award for preserving local history. Sports Spotlight: Bears host the Jets at Soldier Field on Oct. 4.

Cook County Water Board Race: Republican candidate Michelle Pennington says Cook County is “heading in the wrong direction” and argues the MWRD’s $1.8 billion budget needs closer scrutiny as she campaigns for a Nov. 3 seat. CTA Safety Push: Mayoral contender John Kelly claims CTA transit police staffing has dropped from about 420 officers to 100, saying riders avoid trains and buses at night and pledging a “two-way ticket” approach to make service secure. Superfund Cleanup Milestone: The EPA removed the Kerr-McGee Kress Creek/West Branch DuPage River Superfund site from the National Priorities List after decades of radioactive contamination tied to a former West Chicago rare-earths facility. Illinois Business & Jobs: Whiteside County economic development director Gary Camarano won a national “Economic Development Director of the Year” award, citing broadband, workforce pipeline work, and film-industry growth. Local Education & Policy: Illinois lawmakers and agencies continue to weigh major budget and oversight issues, including scrutiny around public spending and school governance. Consumer/Travel: Amtrak plans to add a second daily Pittsburgh-to-New York trip on the Pennsylvanian route, with ticket sales expected to open this month.

PFAS Cleanup Expansion: Carus, based in the Illinois Valley, is partnering with Australian firm RemBind to bring new PFAS (“forever chemicals”) remediation tools to the U.S., expanding options for municipalities, consultants, contractors, and industry. Illinois Movie Tax Credits: Illinois is boosting its film, TV, and advertising incentives with more than $1 billion in credits issued over six years, but academics warn the deal could shift costs to taxpayers without clear local payoff. Data Center Jobs Debate: A new Illinois economic report projects $57B in data center investment through 2035 creating 121,000 jobs, while other industry groups tout manufacturing’s broader employment impact—fueling skepticism about what the numbers really mean. Chicago Bears Stadium Talks: Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois leaders met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as the Bears weigh staying in Illinois, with NFL issuing a statement after the meeting. Public Health & Food Safety: A frozen berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak expanded, with products shipped to stores including Illinois. Environment & Enforcement: Illinois AG Raoul asked a court to halt operations at a South Deering plant over excessive odors and alleged environmental law violations.

Northwestern Football: Northwestern opened its new Ryan Field in Evanston with a 34-13 rout of Penn State, powered by a 17-point first half lead and 413 rushing yards, as the Ryan family’s $875 million stadium investment took center stage. NFL Week 4: A preview of the rest of the week highlights early-season surprises and injury concerns, with Chicago’s Bears still a key storyline. India-U.S. Business: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told an Illinois audience that India plans a large, multi-sector business delegation to the U.S. in early 2027, with extra trade-fair push and startup ties, including remarks in Chicago tied to G20 discussions. Illinois Public Safety & Housing: Glen Ellyn residents pressed village leaders over downtown homeless threats and what they call insufficient police response, pushing for stronger enforcement. Health Costs: A KFF explainer says patients at nonprofit hospitals can ask for charity care screening and have a set window to apply, after many households are billed for amounts they likely didn’t owe. Local Environment: Vermilion County will host a free electronics recycling drop-off Oct. 3 at Danville Area Community College, including battery recycling rules. Tech & Power: A new report on data centers warns local backlash is growing as electricity demand and construction strain collide with AI ambitions.