AGP Executive Report

Illinois Ethics & Oversight: Illinois House Republicans are pushing ethics changes after Legislative Inspector General Michael McCuskey’s planned exit, including stronger subpoena powers and limits on campaign funds for certain legal defenses. Legal Fight Over Tech Taxes: NetChoice sued to block Illinois’ new taxes on targeted ads and social-media platforms, arguing First Amendment and federal internet-tax limits are violated; Maryland is also appealing a similar digital ad tax ruling. Illinois Politics: President Trump endorsed Darren Bailey for Illinois governor, a move that could reshape the race heading into 2026. Chicago Parking Deal: Chicago aldermen say they’re close to sweetening the city’s parking meter privatization deal, seeking a $75 million upfront payout plus a share of future profits. Manufacturing & AI on the Ground: Universal Robots unveiled its Gen 7 platform at IMTS in Chicago, while LG CNS pitched AI smart-factory tools through its Factova system. Local Business & Community: DeKalb City Council approved vacating part of Challenger Drive for Nehring Electric’s expansion, and Chicago’s food prices story spotlights how canned soup is becoming a bigger budget staple. Health & Rights: A new SMFM statement urges abortion care systems for high-risk pregnancy patients even in states with restrictions. Housing for Disabled Adults: Garden Center Services opened its first permanent supportive housing facility in Worth, giving 20 residents a new start.

Gun Violence Costs: Illinois lawmakers are pushing a first-in-the-nation plan that would require gun manufacturers to help fund a gun-violence cost and victim-services program, with fees tied to how often guns are recovered in Illinois. Immigration Court Fight: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition suing to block the Trump administration’s “public charge” rule, which would let officials deny green cards based on use of public benefits. Local Courts, Big Pharma: An Illinois appeals court ruled a Florida mother can’t sue Abbott in Cook County over a baby formula case, saying it would open the floodgates for unrelated lawsuits. Food Access Funding: Illinois is awarding $26M in grants aimed at tackling food deserts and helping independent grocers upgrade or open stores. Storm Recovery: McLean County is seeking federal aid after an August microburst caused an estimated $42.5M in damage, with cleanup costs still climbing. AI Safety Push: Gov. JB Pritzker is urging immediate federal action on AI safety as Trump dismisses restrictions as a “sick conspiracy.” Tech & Industry: Universal Robots unveiled its Gen 7 platform at IMTS in Chicago, and Meritz Securities connected to Bruce Markets’ overnight U.S. equities data feed. Sports & Politics: Trump’s surprise endorsement of Darren Bailey reshaped Illinois’ governor’s race, while the Bears’ win fueled fresh debate over stadium funding.

Illinois Politics: President Trump endorsed Darren Bailey as the next Illinois governor, praising him as “a very good candidate” and citing the 2025 helicopter tragedy that killed part of Bailey’s family, while also attacking Gov. J.B. Pritzker over crime. Immigration & Courts: Illinois AG William Tong joined a multi-state lawsuit to block the Trump administration’s expanded “public charge” rule, arguing it lets immigration officials punish lawful use of public benefits and could deter families from seeking help. State Economic Development: Illinois announced $26 million for grocery access in underserved areas, including grants for new stores in food deserts, a Grocery Rescue Program to reopen recently closed stores, and upgrades for existing locations. Tech & Energy: UL Solutions launched a vehicle-to-grid certification program to help EVs support the power grid, aiming to reduce peak strain as demand rises. Healthcare Business: Artisight acquired TMG Global to speed smart-hospital deployments, bringing more of the installation and site-readiness work in-house. Chicago Local: Brandon Johnson officially kicked off his reelection campaign for Chicago mayor. Education & Staffing: A report on Salt Creek School District 48 ranked administrators’ average pay at $135,601, 146th highest in Illinois.

Illinois Climate Policy: The Illinois EPA released its Illinois Comprehensive Climate Action Plan, laying out a roadmap to cut emissions 72% by 2050 and projecting $21B in annual net benefits, building on CEJA and a $430M federal grant. Mental Health in Schools: A debate is heating up over Illinois’ universal mental health screening requirement, with critics arguing schools are being pushed beyond teaching into clinic-like roles. LGBTQ+ Crisis Support: Chicago-area advocates renewed pressure to reinstate the “Press 3” option for LGBTQ+ youth on the 988 lifeline, saying funding exists but the service still isn’t back. Local Governance & Public Safety: A new push highlights how Illinois’ SAFE-T Act cashless-bail system is failing in practice, after a Chicago officer’s death tied to a judge’s release decision. Tech & Industry: At IMTS 2026 in Chicago, Grenzebach Additive Solutions is debuting end-to-end automation for additive manufacturing, while a watchdog warns universities are embedding DEI concepts into AI programs. Sports & Culture: The Bears opened the NFL season with a 59-37 rout of Carolina, and Chicago’s Mexican Independence Day parade returned to Little Village with big crowds and a “United We Ride” theme.

Chicago Politics: Mayor Brandon Johnson says he’ll seek reelection, ending speculation and pitching a second term as the best path to keep his progressive agenda moving, with a crowded 2027 field already lining up. Immigration Enforcement: City officials are monitoring reports of law violations by federal immigration agents during ongoing celebrations tied to Mexican Independence Day, as Chicago continues to push back on how ICE operates locally. Mayoral Race Watch: A roster of mayoral candidates is taking shape ahead of the Oct. 26 filing deadline, with petition challenges expected to narrow the field. Public Safety Drill: CITGO’s Lemont refinery ran a multi-agency emergency response drill involving federal, state, and local partners to test readiness for simulated incidents. State Finances: Illinois ended FY26 with $1B in excess, but other data suggests the state still “lags” on key indicators. Schools & Pay: New Illinois Report Card rankings highlight administrator pay gaps, including Greenview CUSD 200 and other districts placing low or high in statewide salary comparisons. Business & Crime: A Batavia woman faces charges alleging she stole more than $1.5 million from two former employers. Local Culture: El Grito Chicago returned to Grant Park after last year’s cancellation tied to security concerns, with organizers emphasizing community resilience while authorities keep an eye on potential disruptions.

Civic Unity in Rockford: The League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford hosted a “Concert for a Cause: Democracy” at Rockford University, using live Americana and sing-alongs to draw people across political lines into voter education and participation. Illinois Service & Community: Illinois State University’s Center for Civic Engagement held “Redbirds Remember” for 9/11, with 110+ students volunteering across hunger relief, emergency management, and environmental sites. Muslim Civic Coalition: Registration opened for the 2026 State of the Coalition Brunch, previewing 2027 legislative priorities and pushing civic engagement among Illinois Muslims and allies. Local Politics Watch: A Charlie Kirk vigil and remembrance drew about 150 people in Arlington Heights, reflecting continued national influence in Chicago-area conservative circles. Illinois Sports Spotlight: Week 4 high school football results highlighted top performers in the Springfield area, including Southeast’s Tony Boyd Jr. and Jacksonville’s Terrion Jackson. AI Safety Push: Lawmakers renewed calls for federal oversight after Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warned AI progress is outpacing safety measures.

College Watch: Forbes put the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign at No. 7 on its Top 25 Public Colleges list for 2027, citing graduation, debt, and alumni outcomes. Local Schools (Pay): Illinois State Board of Education data show Lombard School District 44 administrators averaging $136,688 (138th in the state), while Oakland CUSD 5 averages $97,810 (162nd) and Posen-Robbins Elementary 143-5 averages $136,121 (143rd). Chicago Sports & Business: Arlington Heights renewed a $5,000-a-month lobbyist contract tied to keeping the Chicago Bears in Illinois as the team weighs options. NFL Health Note: Myles Garrett said he didn’t feel like himself after a Week 1 knee issue, a situation to monitor heading into the next game. Arts & Community: Reeling’s LGBTQ+ film festival opens Sept. 17 with the Midwest premiere of “La Bola Negra.” Food & Dining: Noble 33 plans two Chicago openings—Mr. Noble in River North and Coba Maya in Fulton Market—targeting 2027. Public Safety (Chicago): Chicago’s Data Portal reports 375 arrests for Class 4 felonies in Q2 2026, down sharply from the prior quarter.

Illinois Courts & Tech Taxes: A federal fight is brewing over Illinois’ “social media tax,” with a lawsuit arguing the state’s per-user fees target online speech and violate the First Amendment and federal internet tax rules. Public Records: The U.S. National Archives plans to close its San Francisco and Chicago facilities, raising new burdens for historians and preservation work. Public Health & Access: Illinois’ medical cannabis market keeps expanding, with new licenses issued to existing dispensaries and more access for patients. State Funding for Food Deserts: Gov. Pritzker announced $26M in grants to support independent grocery stores and reopen options in underserved areas. Energy Costs: Diesel prices in the U.S. hit a new record above $6 a gallon, adding pressure to freight and everyday goods. Local Business & Health Care: Coldwater Direct Primary Care in Michigan holds a ribbon cutting for a new direct-to-patient clinic model—an approach that’s drawing attention beyond Illinois.

Illinois Housing & Development: Oak Park Regional Housing Center’s Austin United Alliance Apartments opened on Chicago Avenue, adding 78 mixed-income units (50 affordable) with move-ins starting Sept. 25. School Finance Watch: Illinois school administrator pay varies sharply—Carlyle CUSD 1 ranks 320th lowest (avg. $106,507), while Burnham SD 154-5 ranks 140th highest (avg. $136,475). Energy Costs & Data Centers: A bipartisan House push, the Ratepayer Protection Act, would require regulators to ensure data centers cover the full incremental cost of grid upgrades—aimed at preventing electricity bill spikes for ratepayers. Inflation & Gas Prices: Inflation held at 3.4% in August, but core prices stayed elevated and gas costs rose, keeping affordability front and center ahead of midterms. Food & Farming Economics: Chicago-based Margin Watch says dairy margins deteriorated in late August as milk prices fell and feed costs surged. Tech & Labor in the Midwest: A Wall Street Journal report says fast-food chains are rebalancing automation as diners increasingly want human interaction. Chicago Culture: Mayor Brandon Johnson named Rachel Cohen—an attorney and progressive activist—as communications director. Sports & Local Spotlight: Chief Keef kicks off his headlining tour in Chicago.

FCC Watch: The FCC is set to decide whether ABC’s owned-and-operated stations can keep their broadcast licenses after an early renewal push tied to alleged discriminatory hiring at Disney—ABC and the stations are suing, arguing it’s unconstitutional retaliation. Stadium Food & Tech: Ryan Field’s new concessions plan for Northwestern’s home opener leans into speed and value, with Levy Restaurants running the food program and a “$5 menu” plus AI-assisted ordering at in-stadium markets. Local Politics: Chicago Ald. Matt O’Shea says he won’t seek re-election in 2027, backing his chief of staff, Erin Ross, as his preferred successor. Public Safety & Community: Mexican Independence Day festivities are back in Chicago with El Grito Chicago at Grant Park and other neighborhood events, while OEMC and police plan for caravan-related access changes downtown. Education Costs: Illinois school district salary reports keep rolling out, including Reed Custer CUSD 255U and District 50 Schools, both showing administrator pay levels far from the state average. Sports & Culture: The Museum of Science and Industry won approval to overhaul its North Portico entrance and reopen its south entry as part of a major facelift. Crime: Former NFL RB LeShon Johnson was sentenced to five years in federal prison for running a dogfighting ring, with prosecutors saying it led to death and serious injury for hundreds of pit bulls.

AI Safety Alarm: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker urged “time to sound the alarm” on AI after an Anthropic researcher resigned over safety concerns, warning Washington and industry to act. Kratom Lawsuit: A Chicago-area family sued after a woman reportedly died in her sleep after taking a kratom product, with claims pointing to mitragynine intoxication and calls for tighter regulation. Immigration & Census Fight: The Trump administration proposed excluding millions of non-citizens from the 2030 census, a move that could reshape federal funding and political representation. ICE Crackdown Claims: A federal roundup highlights ICE arrests of people convicted of serious crimes, including a case involving an Illinois conviction. Chicago Tech & Education: Illinois Tech announced $76M in philanthropic commitments for student success and a new academic model, while a separate report flags AI illiteracy efforts at a writers’ college. Local Business/Jobs: Expedia says travel is holding up despite high gas prices, with searches shifting toward cities like Chicago. Public Safety Data: Cook County reported 38 public-order bookings for the week ending Sept. 6.

Illinois Politics & Economy: Gov. JB Pritzker hit the Dallas midterm convention circuit, arguing Republicans are “clinically deranged” and out of touch while focusing on how tariffs and election administration are squeezing Texans and consumers. Higher Ed: New University of Illinois enrollment figures show growth driven by more online graduate students and shifting international recruitment, even as international undergrad and grad enrollment softened. Chicago Budget Watch: Ald. Daniel La Spata questioned the city’s 2027 budget forecast, saying the document reads like a narrative that lowers expectations, especially around projected settlement costs. AI Oversight: Pritzker renewed calls for AI safety after an Anthropic researcher’s resignation, urging Congress and Washington to act as whistleblowers raise existential concerns. Workplace Privacy: A new employer-focused guide warns that smart glasses can quietly capture audio, video, and data—pushing companies toward risk-based, technology-neutral rules. Business & Industry: Motorola Solutions approved a $2B boost to its share repurchase plan; Omnicom Advertising named Andrew Robertson CEO as Troy Ruhanen retires. Sports: The Fire drew a franchise-record crowd for a 1-1 tie with Inter Miami, with Lewandowski scoring.

Illinois Politics & Courts: Illinois Attorney General Nick Brown is co-leading a coalition of 21 AGs suing to block federal rollbacks to Endangered Species Act protections, arguing new rules would weaken habitat safeguards for listed species. Chicago Public Safety: Brown also joined a push for stronger robocall protections, urging the FCC to tighten how phone providers vet upstream partners and enforce caller-ID spoofing rules. Local Government & Elections: Bloomington’s Election Commission named Will Nesbitt as executive director, replacing Luke Stremlau ahead of early voting. Business & Finance: CME Group named Jack Tobin as CFO, setting up a leadership transition as the exchange navigates competition in derivatives and prediction markets. Illinois Economy & Tourism: A new report highlights Illinois tourism’s record run, with 2025 visitor spending topping $50B. Community & Health: The Field Foundation announced the fifth cycle of Healing Illinois, renewing grants for racial and community healing across the state.

Local Infrastructure & Safety: Danville’s City Council advanced next steps for vulnerable road user improvements around Bowman–Seminary and East Voorhees, with officials pointing to grant funding and a renewed push for an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program application. Downtown Revitalization: Arcola released a new “Vacancy to Vibrancy” strategy after a Main Street property inventory, flagging 17 vacant buildings and identifying which sites need reinvestment, stabilization, or are at risk. Retail Expansion: Costco is set to open multiple new warehouses across the U.S. and Canada, including locations in Missouri, Texas, New York, Kansas, and California, with more openings planned in November. Small Business Move: Sugar Creek Donuts announced a new Columbia City location in Indiana, relocating after a rent increase and aiming to reopen within weeks. Labor & Politics: A study ahead of Labor Day finds union membership growth continues nationwide, but the gains vary sharply by state politics. Sports: The Chicago Bears named 2026 team captains—Caleb Williams, Joe Thuney, TJ Edwards, Grady Jarrett, and Cairo Santos. Tourism Boost: Illinois tourism hit record highs in 2025, with 115 million visitors spending $50.2 billion and generating major tax revenue.

School AI Rules: New York City and Los Angeles moved to restrict generative AI in classrooms, with NYC pausing it for grades pre-K through 8 and requiring AI literacy modules for high schoolers—Chicago officials may consider similar steps. Death Care Accountability: Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is urging lawmakers to make mishandling of human remains a felony, arguing current oversight leaves dangerous gaps. Privacy vs. ER Data: Democrats are pushing the Trump administration to halt a surveillance effort that would pull identifiable patient health data from emergency rooms, calling it beyond the agency’s mission. EV Charging Shock Bills: A growing dispute over “roaming” EV charging pricing shows how drivers can get hit with surprise, dealership-set rates when app pricing doesn’t match what they see. Illinois Agriculture Watch: Illinois ag economists warn 2027 profits may improve only if corn and soybean prices hold, as input costs keep climbing. Local Business & Growth: Ace Hardware is expanding its retail media network, and Illinois tourism continues to draw big visitor spending. Chicago Budget Pressure: Mayor Brandon Johnson faces an $882M gap heading into 2027, raising pressure on city services and planning.

Trade War Fallout: President Trump says he’ll stop Bombardier from selling planes in the U.S. unless the company builds in America, escalating a Canada tariff fight; Bombardier fired back that it already supports tens of thousands of U.S. jobs and has a broad footprint, including Illinois. Illinois Workforce: Gov. JB Pritzker announced $11.4M for workforce development through 23 Illinois organizations, including $504,306 for Johnson County. Labor Day Politics: A Salute to Labor picnic in East Moline put cost-of-living pressure and “plan to vote” messaging front and center as November nears. Food Safety: USDA recalled 1,500+ pounds of imported ready-to-eat pork guanciale products over possible listeria contamination. Local Business/Design: Chicago-based Tangent Design Group built an Urban Safari Porsche 911 with a 3-inch lift and off-road gear. Health & Schools: Illinois public utilities sales taxes rose 0.3% in 2024, while separate reporting highlights how administrator pay varies widely across districts.