AGP Executive Report

Illinois Online Safety: Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Children’s Social Media Safety Act (HB5511), aiming to curb the most addictive features and better protect Illinois kids online. Social Security Crunch: A new push from senators would force Congress to take action as the Social Security trust fund is projected to run out in about six years, threatening benefit cuts for retirees. Gas Prices: AAA says Illinois gas is up to about $4.34 a gallon, 30 cents higher than a month ago and 90 cents higher than a year ago. Local Crime Update: Illinois State Police say no foul play is suspected in the death of a woman found near an Anna business. Workplace & Cannabis: Ascend Wellness cultivation workers in Barry ratified their first Teamsters contract after a 30-day strike, winning higher wages and improved protections. Tech & Training: The U.S. Air Force extended Enduvo’s contract through 2028 to modernize aircraft maintenance and technical training.

MLB Trade Deadline: The Toronto Blue Jays dealt fan-favourite Kevin Gausman to the Chicago Cubs, sending infielder Ty Southisene and outfielder Brett Bateman to Toronto as the Cubs reshape their rotation for a playoff push. MLB—More Deadline Shockwaves: In a separate blockbuster, the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired ace Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers for prospects Zyhir Hope, River Ryan and Brady Smith, triggering fresh debate about baseball’s spending power. Chicago Politics: The race for Chicago mayor is heating up as Alexi Giannoulias enters the field with a major war chest, setting up a new scramble among Democrats. Power & Safety: After late-July storms left many Chicago-area residents in the dark, officials are warning about portable generator dangers, especially carbon monoxide risks. Illinois Business & Jobs: Illinois Agri-Women named Legacy Farm Family Award winners, spotlighting multi-generational leadership across dairy and livestock. Global Trade: Chinese and U.S. business groups met in Washington to push closer cooperation and “win-win” economic ties.

Chicago Politics: Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says he’ll run for Chicago mayor in 2027, pitching himself as a coalition builder and promising 1,000 more police officers by 2030 and a return of ShotSpotter, setting up a fresh contrast with Mayor Brandon Johnson. Great Lakes Infrastructure: Gov. JB Pritzker urged the Trump administration to reverse a work stoppage on the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, warning delays could threaten drinking water for 40 million people and a $52 billion regional economy. Food Access Debate: Chicago’s Save A Lot closures on the South and West sides have reignited arguments over whether taxpayer-funded grocery subsidies can fix affordability and safety issues—or whether the problem is deeper than public spending. MLB Deadline Shock: The Dodgers landed Tarik Skubal from the Tigers for three prospects, a blockbuster that reshapes the playoff picture and leaves Chicago’s division rivals recalculating their own deadline plans. Local Culture: Lollapalooza’s third day in Grant Park was delayed by heavy rain and flooding, with some acts cut and fans still finding ways to turn mud into a moment.

Chicago Sports: The White Sox made a deadline move, acquiring veteran right-hander Luis Castillo from the Mariners for Seranthony Domínguez, Nolan Jones and catcher prospect Boston Smith—boosting Chicago’s rotation as it chases the AL Central. Climate & Families: In Chicago, more young adults are delaying or skipping kids, citing climate change and the fear of a lifetime of “impending doom.” Illinois Health & Safety: Illinois lawmakers advanced a privacy bill for biomarker testing, while a separate update highlights a health app privacy measure clearing a Senate panel—though full protections may take time. Consumer Protection: Lifespark Management Services is facing a major data breach investigation, with personal and medical details potentially exposed. Local Community & Civic Life: A major MLK anniversary march returned to Marquette Park, drawing crowds despite heavy summer weather. Tech & Policy: AI regulation is heating up as cybersecurity incidents and U.S. politics push frontier labs toward clearer oversight. Arts & Culture: Lollapalooza kept rolling through the weekend, with Geese winning over skeptics at Grant Park.

ICE Detention Support: A Wabash Valley editorial highlights community backing for Jose Fiscal Belli, a longtime Illinois resident held in ICE detention in Louisiana, with neighbors pointing to his family ties and local business work. Illinois Education Funding: Chicago Public Schools’ board approved a budget that reverses layoffs but leans on uncertain Springfield dollars, leaving payroll and staffing questions hanging. School Safety Law: Gov. JB Pritzker signed Illinois’ new “bell-to-bell” cellphone restrictions for public and charter schools, aiming to curb distractions during class time. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Lincolnwood and other Illinois cities clustered near the middle of scam-report rankings for June, underscoring ongoing consumer losses. Local Business & Jobs: Advanced Moving & Storage expanded its moving service to Des Plaines, adding crews based in nearby Bensenville to speed service along the O’Hare corridor. Transit Improvements: Fairview Heights unveiled a new bus bench and shelter upgrades at a MetroBus stop, including solar-powered lighting and better ADA access.

Chicago Public Schools Budget Fight: CPS board passed a nearly $10B budget that preserves jobs but leans on an extra $150M in state funding that may not arrive, raising fears about whether schools can open on time. School Board Ballot Challenges: Objectors are seeking judicial review of overruled petitions for multiple CPS board candidates, arguing a dual-circulation rule should not have been applied to nonpartisan races. Illinois Politics & Accountability: A legislative inspector general report says disgraced former Rep. Harry Benton violated state law with sexual harassment; responses from a former staffer and Speaker Chris Welch sharply diverged. Illinois Courts & Policy: Illinois regulators moved to make it easier for industry professionals to report misconduct, while Illinois also signed a school cellphone restrictions law. Business & Local Economy: United Airlines is rolling out Chef’s Table-inspired meals on select long flights, and a $15M deal is reported as helping a PVC pipe company exit a price-fixing case. Food Safety: USDA issued a public health alert for frozen Costco burritos sold in Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota due to an undeclared allergen.

Cook County Health: The county projects charity care will jump to about $485 million next year, driven by a sharp rise in uninsured patients—about 30% in 2027, up from 13% in 2023—raising pressure on hospitals and community health centers. Aviation & Local Politics: U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth question the FAA’s extended O’Hare flight caps, arguing construction shouldn’t be the only justification for limiting capacity through 2027. Public Safety: Chicago police say a smash-and-grab crew crashed into a Loop business, stole an ATM, and fled early Friday; no arrests reported. State Policy: Illinois launches a one-time $400 FRESH payment for people removed from SNAP, starting Saturday, while regulators also face new pressure over utility rate hikes. Business & Jobs: A Chicago business barometer rose in July, and ADM announced a major Decatur modernization plan tied to new jobs. Courts & Rights: Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady is suing over alleged First Amendment violations tied to a local caucus. Tech/Industry: PHC unveiled new CO₂ incubators aimed at tighter humidity control for research labs. Sports/Entertainment: Lollapalooza’s opening night featured a Charli xcx and Lorde duet, “Girl, So Confusing.”

Labor & Economy: Ascend Wellness cannabis grow-house workers in Barry, Illinois ended a 30-day strike after Teamsters Local 916 won a new contract; more than 300 workers ratified it, citing better wages, safety protections, and insurance. Local Education: The Chicago Board of Education approved an amended roughly $10B CPS budget that reverses more than 1,000 layoffs, but it hinges on an extra $150M in state funding that’s not yet committed—raising warnings about legality and possible midyear cuts. State Politics & Policy: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is pushing back on a Trump administration work stoppage on the Great Lakes Asian carp project near Joliet, calling it a political roadblock to a $1.15B effort protecting the region’s water and economy. Public Safety & Governance: Chicago-area storms confirmed at least 7 tornadoes, while CPS and other local agencies continue responding to power and damage impacts. Business & Industry: Caterpillar announced up to $10M in Illinois to strengthen the manufacturing workforce through its Building the Future Workforce Initiative.

Food Safety & Retail Impact: A cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce has hit restaurant sales, with Taco Bell reporting U.S. same-store sales down 2% in July–September as customers worry—after the chain removed Taylor Farms lettuce and the supplier recalled product. Illinois Labor Enforcement: The Illinois Department of Labor recovered more than $110,000 after finding prevailing wage violations on a Winnebago County solar project, including back pay and statutory penalties. Financial Oversight: Illinois launched a dedicated whistleblower complaint page for industry misconduct reports to the Division of Financial Institutions, aiming to make reporting easier and protect whistleblowers. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Flock Safety cameras are facing growing pushback nationwide, with cities canceling contracts or deactivating systems amid privacy and surveillance concerns. College Sports Policy: Congress is still negotiating the Protect College Sports Act’s final language, with Big Ten and SEC positions holding up a fast-moving deadline. Business & Real Estate: Cabot Properties completed the sale of a 2.5 million sq. ft. industrial portfolio across Greater Chicago and Minneapolis. Healthcare Systems: The American College of Surgeons released updated Level IV trauma center standards for 2026.

Illinois Courts & Business: The 7th Circuit reversed a district court’s decision to keep five out-of-state baby formula lawsuits in an Illinois MDL, criticizing the lower court’s “fraudulent joinder” reasoning. Chicago Politics: As Chicago mayoral nominating petitions circulate, LiUNA Local 1001 accused Mayor Brandon Johnson’s appointees of violating labor contracts, while Johnson also signed an order toughening city gun-buying standards. Public Safety: Freeport police say they’re fundraising for a third K-9 after a roughly 40% uptick in firearms and narcotics-related recoveries. Power & Storm Recovery: ComEd reported most power restored after severe storms, but thousands still lacked electricity in pockets across the Chicago area. Community & Crime: A University of Illinois police program called Community Connect lets residents register security cameras and share feeds during emergencies. Civic Engagement: The NAACP launched a $20 million voter registration push at its Chicago convention. Illinois Legal Watch: Ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review his corruption case.

Gun Violence Prevention: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order tightening city standards for buying guns, firearm accessories, and ammunition, aiming to keep public dollars from going to unvetted dealers. Illinois Mental Health Oversight: A new ProPublica-backed look at Illinois’ “culture of cruelty” highlights ongoing fallout from conditions at Choate Mental Health and Development Center, as the state prepares major layoffs. Local Business & Community: A Kenosha man with autism launched a “Free Blockbuster” DVD/VHS exchange honoring his grandfather’s early video-store legacy. Tech, Power & Environment: A report warns hyperscale data centers could drive U.S. electricity demand sharply higher by 2035, pushing for guardrails to protect local air, water, and household costs. Public Safety & Fraud: New York AG Letitia James urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Sports & Illinois Ties: The Women’s Pro Baseball League will play its inaugural season at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, marking a major milestone for the sport.

Illinois Education: Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law requiring Illinois schools to restrict students from using cellphones and other personal wireless devices during the school day, with rules for storage and limited exceptions; districts must comply by the 2027-28 school year. Illinois Courts: An Illinois judge questioned a construction rental antitrust case, probing whether the alleged benchmarking service includes the kind of enforcement that would stop companies from acting independently. Local Politics: A Republican candidate for Illinois attorney general asked the U.S. Justice Department for federal oversight of the November election in Champaign County, citing federal indictments involving the county clerk and recorder. Chicago Business & Consumer Life: ABC7’s I-Team tracked down a wedding photographer couples say no-showed and didn’t refund deposits. Chicago Community Dining: Sparrow Café plans a downtown pay-what-you-can model where diners can volunteer time or make a suggested donation. Aviation: Chicago Executive Airport briefly shut after a plane’s landing gear got stuck off the runway; no injuries reported. Sports & Culture: WNBA All-Star Weekend kicked off in Chicago with major events at McCormick Place.

Local Food Funding: Illinois awarded nearly $4 million through its FY26 Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program, backing projects that help producers store, process, package, and distribute locally grown food—highlighting grants for Jersey County’s Fritz Meat and Processing and Three Rivers Community Farm, plus Madison County’s Liberty Apple Orchard and Carrollton’s The Witty Farmer. Market Watch: Wall Street rose modestly Tuesday as earnings beat expectations, while chip stocks stayed under pressure and oil prices eased further from recent highs; Illinois Tool Works jumped after stronger results. Corporate/Jobs: The Illinois Business Journal is shutting down after 25-plus years, with Better Newspapers ending operations July 31. Housing: Case-Shiller data showed home prices up 1.6% year over year in May, with higher mortgage rates continuing to weigh on buyers—Chicago prices rose 6.9% year over year. Energy Policy: Illinois and other states urged FERC to reject a plan that would broaden gas pipeline permitting exemptions, warning it would reduce scrutiny of major projects. Sports & Culture: The WNBA’s All-Star weekend in Chicago drew record attention, with New York’s Jonquel Jones winning a rare quadruple of league honors.

Immigration & Courts: Illinois lawmakers are reacting to a federal ruling striking down state in-state tuition and aid for undocumented students, even as Gov. JB Pritzker signed a separate plan to keep college access open for undocumented and other students. Public Safety & Weather: Heavy storms again battered Chicago Monday, flooding basements, downing trees, and knocking out power across Cook County. Civil Rights: An Illinois federal judge certified a class of Black and Latino drivers in a Chicago traffic-stop bias case, finding drivers of color were stopped and searched at higher rates. Labor & Accountability: AT&T’s Illinois unit faces a proposed class action over claims that premises technicians aren’t paid for required pre- and post-shift work. Local Economy: Seven Save A Lot stores closed on Chicago’s South and West sides, with the company blaming SNAP cuts and financial strain. Business & Community: A new shopping center in Glen Carbon is set to bring 21 businesses, including the first Meijer in the Metro East area. ICE Oversight: Members of Congress launched an investigation into alleged healthcare delays for ICE detainees after the death of an Illinois resident in custody. Politics Watch: An ethics report expected this week could shape the political future of Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch over how harassment complaints were handled.

Illinois Quantum Push: Gov. JB Pritzker announced Ability Engineering Technology will expand in South Holland and at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago, aiming to strengthen advanced manufacturing and the state’s quantum ecosystem. Chicago Crime: Police say masked gunmen stole or tried to steal ATMs from businesses across the South and Southwest sides, with incidents reported in Burnside, Ashburn, Beverly, West Pullman and Roseland. Food Access Shock: WGN reports several Chicago Save A Lot stores abruptly closed on the West and South sides, despite earlier city financing tied to keeping locations open. State Policy & Health: A U.S. report flags mental health care deserts nationwide, noting long waits for treatment and severe provider shortages. Business & Investment: Luxfer Holdings agreed to be bought in an all-cash deal for $17.37 per share, while a class-action lawsuit was filed against EquipmentShare over alleged undisclosed related-party dealings. Local Economy & Logistics: MOOvers Chicago launched a public moving case-study series using real 2026 job data to show how crew size, truck capacity and access affect move timelines.

Illinois AI Oversight: Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Artificial Intelligence Safety Measures Act, adding an annual independent audit requirement starting in 2028—raising the key question of who will be qualified to perform those checks. Election Integrity & Transparency: A new look at election fraud claims argues the best response is straightforward transparency, after states have faced voter-roll and system errors that still need public fixes. Public Health: The FDA and CDC widened a cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, with cases now reported in nine states including Illinois. Local Government & Community: In La Grange, trustee Beth Augustine says she won’t seek a third term, choosing not to hand-pick a successor early. Illinois Consumer Fraud Watch: Wheaton logged two scam reports in June, tying it for 45th among Illinois cities in BBB Scam Tracker totals. Chicago Culture: Fiesta del Sol in Pilsen drew over a million visitors, with CALOR Chicago joining as a first-time official sponsor and earning a Chicago Proud Award for LGBTQ health advocacy.