AGP Executive Report

2028 Politics: Gov. JB Pritzker criticized Democrats as “too dainty” during a South Carolina swing that renewed attention to his presidential ambitions. Illinois Elections: Senate nominee Juliana Stratton is shifting from fiery primary ads to a lower-key general-election campaign against Republican Don Tracy, while state Democrats aim to gain legislative seats. Chicago’s elected school board races are also testing competing visions for the district. Disaster Aid: The Trump administration has again denied Illinois’ request for summer-storm relief, the third rejection, drawing renewed criticism from Pritzker. Surveillance Debate: Flock Safety is defending its license-plate cameras as crime-fighting tools amid backlash: Elgin College says the company refused to remove cameras despite student concerns, and Chicago officials have raised questions about police access to its database. State Finances: Cook County is confronting a $550 million budget gap, with a proposed plan to close it without tax increases or layoffs. Farm Policy: Pritzker’s order allowing dyed diesel on roads for agricultural use through year-end offers farmers fuel-cost relief, but raises questions about enforcement and the policy’s reach.

Pritzker and 2028: Gov. J.B. Pritzker campaigned in South Carolina, urging Democrats to be less “dainty” in confronting Republicans as he seeks a third term in Illinois and draws 2028 attention. Disaster Aid: The Trump administration again denied Illinois’ request for federal help with summer storm damage, drawing sharp criticism from Pritzker. County Budget: Cook County is addressing a $550 million shortfall with a plan that avoids tax increases and layoffs. Election Oversight: A congressional panel is demanding answers from Champaign County over ballot errors and a voting suspension, adding pressure for greater election oversight ahead of the midterms. Chicago Governance: A City Council committee delayed a vote on the Divvy-Lyft contract but approved expanding camera enforcement.

Disaster Aid: FEMA again denied Illinois’ request for help recovering from August storms in eight counties. Gov. JB Pritzker says the damage exceeds the state’s capacity to respond. Federal Funding: Attorney General Kwame Raoul is suing the Trump administration over its termination of funding for unemployment-system upgrades. County Budgets: Cook County is facing a $550 million shortfall; its proposed budget aims to close the gap without tax increases or layoffs. Election Watch: Gov. Pritzker is seeking a rare third term, while Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has declined debates with Republican U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy. State Courts: A judge temporarily blocked Illinois from applying its assisted-suicide law to Catholic health providers who object.

Disaster Aid: Illinois was again denied FEMA assistance for damage from summer storms and a derecho, drawing criticism from state officials as communities continue recovery. Election Oversight: U.S. Rep. Mary Miller and a House committee chair are pressing Champaign County’s clerk for answers after errors affected at least 600 ballots, including details on audits and safeguards. Chicago Finances: Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoed an ordinance requiring broader City Council support to issue debt, setting up a likely override fight next week. Immigration Accountability: The family of Silverio Villegas González, shot and killed during an ICE operation in Franklin Park last year, filed a claim against the federal government alleging employee misconduct led to his death. Consumer Protection: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is seeking court approval of settlements with three drugmakers over alleged collusion to inflate generic medicine prices.

Disaster Aid: The Trump administration again denied Illinois’ request for federal help with storm damage, including losses in McLean County. Farm Costs: Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s order allows farmers to use dyed diesel on Illinois roads, offering some relief as fuel prices squeeze farm and school budgets; a proposed gas-tax suspension remains uncertain. Courts & Health Policy: A judge temporarily shielded religious health providers from Illinois’ assisted-suicide law, putting the law’s reach in question. County Budget: Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle proposed closing a $550 million deficit without tax increases or layoffs, relying on stopgap cuts. Election Watch: Chicago is recruiting election judges as voters prepare to choose school board members, including the board’s first elected president; Illinois Republicans are also asking the attorney general to oversee elections in Champaign County. Surveillance Oversight: Illinois colleges are facing calls to end contracts with Flock license-plate cameras amid fears that shared data can expose students to immigration enforcement, while former Illinois officers face charges over alleged camera misuse.

Farm Relief: Gov. JB Pritzker’s order lets Illinois farmers use dyed diesel on roads to ease fuel costs, while a new low-interest loan program would help them build grain storage. The state also announced $1.8 million in grants for local food infrastructure. Election Watch: Illinois Republicans are urging Attorney General Kwame Raoul to oversee Champaign County elections after ballot errors. Senate candidate Juliana Stratton has declined debates with Don Tracy. Local Budgets: Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle proposed stop-gap measures to address a $550 million shortfall, as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson weighs corporate taxes to close the city’s budget gap. Schools: Chicago’s elected school board finally launched its required committees, nearly two years after members took office and weeks before all 21 seats go before voters. State Policy: Raoul joined other attorneys general in challenging federal changes to Head Start standards. Separately, a court order temporarily shields most Illinois Catholic health institutions from enforcement of the state’s aid-in-dying law.

Governor’s Race: Independent candidate Collin Corbett, a former Republican strategist, is betting moderate voters will consider his long-shot bid; former GOP leader Jim Durkin has endorsed Gov. JB Pritzker over Republican Darren Bailey. Farm Relief: Pritzker’s order allows dyed diesel on Illinois roads to ease rising fuel costs for farmers, though fuel retailers have raised concerns. Budgets and Taxes: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is pressing for corporate taxes as the city faces a budget gap, while Cook County’s proposed stop-gap plan addresses a $550 million shortfall. Election Watch: Early voting is underway, and Chicago voters are preparing to choose the city’s first fully elected school board; Illinois Republicans are also seeking an attorney general review of ballot errors in Champaign County. Surveillance: A federal lawsuit over Illinois police use of Flock license-plate cameras is drawing attention as nearby municipalities face similar legal challenges and scrutiny over access to camera data. Data Centers: Pritzker is pushing the POWER Act as lawmakers weigh how to manage data-center growth and its potential effects on jobs and electric bills.

Diesel Relief: Gov. JB Pritzker declared Illinois a disaster area over soaring diesel costs and ordered state agencies to suspend penalties for using or selling dyed diesel through Dec. 31. Fuel retailers questioned whether the move will lower prices. Campaign 2026: Former Illinois House Republican leader Jim Durkin endorsed Pritzker for governor, breaking with his party’s nominee, Darren Bailey. Election Oversight: Illinois Republicans asked Attorney General Kwame Raoul to intervene after Champaign County mailed ballots with mislabeled legislative races; the clerk says some voters have already cast affected ballots. Police Surveillance: A former Joliet police lieutenant faces charges accusing him of misusing the Flock license-plate reader system, adding to a series of Illinois cases involving alleged unauthorized searches. Utility Bills: Illinois Commerce Commission judges recommended cutting by more than half a proposed $144 million Peoples Gas rate increase. Education: A new federal scholarship tax credit could help families pay for tutoring and disability-related services, but Illinois has not yet opted into the program.

Illinois Politics & Elections: Melissa Bean is trying to stage a comeback in the state’s 8th Congressional District, facing first-time GOP challenger Jennifer Davis in a race Democrats rate solidly favorable. Chicago Public Schools: Chicago’s school board election is drawing little buzz, but it will decide the CPS budget agenda and leadership—an issue that could shape taxes and priorities citywide. Public Safety & Immigration: A year after ICE officer involvement in the death of Silverio Villegas González in Franklin Park, his family is still pressing for accountability and legal options for his children. Environment & Transportation Costs: Diesel prices are squeezing northern Illinois school transportation budgets, with some districts facing fuel-spend timelines that could blow past normal planning. Consumer/Tech & Law: Illinois AG Raoul is tied to major antitrust litigation involving RealPage, while separate lawsuits target McDonald’s over alleged AI-driven pricing. Local Government & Infrastructure: East Peoria is moving to add more Flock cameras despite public backlash. Historic Preservation: Chinatown’s Pui Tak Center won a $750,000 restoration grant to repair key building features.

Public Safety & Courts: Two former officers—an Itasca cop and a West Chicago cop—face felony charges for allegedly running unauthorized searches of Flock license plate reader databases, part of a broader pattern of alleged mass-surveillance misuse. Violence in Chicago: Reports say at least 22 people were shot over the weekend, with two deaths, underscoring how fast gun violence continues to move through the city. Election & Campaign Finance: Illinois Democrats accuse Gov. candidate Darren Bailey of failing to disclose a rent-free Chicago apartment, alleging an in-kind contribution violation. Housing Policy: McHenry is moving to allow accessory dwelling units in its updated development ordinance, aiming to add more housing options. Local Government: East Dundee censured its village president after he invited Darren Bailey to speak at a taxpayer-funded Oktoberfest event. Business & Antitrust: A DeKalb man sued McDonald’s in federal court in Chicago, alleging its AI pricing tool helped coordinate prices with franchisees. Energy & Jobs: A new Illinois study projects data centers could bring major job and property-tax gains, while critics question whether benefits will outweigh energy and environmental burdens.

Illinois Comptroller Race: Susanna Mendoza won’t be on the ballot this fall as she runs for Chicago mayor; WSIU profiles her rivals, State Rep. Margaret Croke and lawyer Bryan Drew, on what they’d do with the state’s central fiscal accounts. Public Safety Funding: Illinois lawmakers are pushing $4 million for ballistics investigations, aiming to expand Illinois State Police grants that keep NIBIN cartridge-casing systems running and improve coverage in “NIBIN deserts.” Chicago School Oversight: CPS inspector general Philip Wagenknecht’s office has reopened a sexual harassment probe involving Hilario Dominguez, after a complainant alleged the investigation was mishandled and closed without interviewing her. Elections & Voting Access: A Serbian election rule ties overseas voting hours to local time, raising concerns for voters in Chicago and other far-flung communities. Energy Politics: With midterms near, Trump signed an order easing limits on tax-free red-dyed diesel, arguing it will cut costs for farmers and truckers. Tech & AI in Finance: AVANA IQ Screen launches to pre-screen loan inquiries against a lender’s credit policy, targeting time savings for originators.

Chicago Police Misconduct Payout: Chicago City Council finance committee advanced a record $260.8M settlement tied to former CPD detective Reynaldo Guevara, resolving claims from 17 plaintiffs whose murder convictions were later vacated over alleged false confessions. Urbana Data Center Fight: Urbana Mayor Bill Bean unveiled a proposed settlement framework in the city’s $1B data center dispute with Thor Equities, after court-ordered mediation and a confidential process. Supreme Court Climate Liability: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could determine whether local governments can sue oil and gas firms over climate-related harms, with major ripple effects for similar lawsuits. McDonald’s Antitrust Case: A federal class action in Chicago alleges McDonald’s used AI to coordinate menu prices with franchisees, violating antitrust law. Illinois Courts & Ethics: Cook County Judge D’Anthony “Tony” Thedford is releasing accused felons at nearly twice the rate of other pretrial judges, raising scrutiny of pretrial practices. Election & Schools: CPS school board president candidate Hilario Dominguez says he’ll stay in the race as CPS OIG reopens a sexual harassment investigation; meanwhile, super PAC spending is surging in the school board contest. State Policy: State Farm filed another nearly 8% homeowners insurance rate increase for Illinois, citing extreme weather losses. Local Politics: Outgoing state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit plans to run for Oswego Village Board. Public Safety: A DeSoto man pleaded guilty to murder after prosecutors say he struck an 8-year-old boy and the boy’s mother at least 117 times with a bat.

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is back for a new term with major fights ahead of the Nov. midterms, including cases on climate lawsuits, gun rights, election rules, and immigration detention—so Illinois political fallout could come fast. Illinois Early Childhood: Gov. JB Pritzker’s new Illinois Department of Early Childhood is now operating under Secretary Teresa Ramos, consolidating preschool, early intervention, and child care licensing to measure results more tightly for families. Mental Health in the Legal Profession: A new Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program survey finds many attorneys struggling with mental health and substance use, with a notable share reporting suicidal thoughts. Chicago Tech & Enforcement: A Chicago Sun-Times review finds late fees drive nearly half of red-light camera revenue, keeping the cost burden high for drivers who don’t pay on time. Bronzeville Investment: A Bronzeville Legacy Collective says it raised $75 million to build or redevelop major arts and cultural sites, aiming for a $250 million long-term push. ICE Abolition Debate: Amnesty International renews calls to abolish ICE after documenting alleged rights abuses during immigration enforcement operations.

Bears Stadium Talks: Gov. JB Pritzker met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as lawmakers continue weighing what it would take to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois. Election Security & Midterms: With Nov. 3 approaching, Chicago election officials are ramping up security amid threats of ICE/FBI presence at polling sites, while Illinois voters also face a busy mix of in-person and mail voting logistics. Statehouse Ethics: Illinois’ acting legislative ethics watchdog warned lawmakers about sexual harassment risk, stressing that “someone always knows.” Housing & Rent Policy: A federal judge refused to dismiss antitrust claims against RealPage and landlords, keeping alive allegations that pricing software and confidential data helped push rents higher. Campus Press Freedom: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s student newspaper The Alestle is fighting back after claims of interference with interviews, with advocates citing Illinois’ campus press protections. Public Safety Funding: The Justice Department announced more than $14.8M in federal grants, including $2.85M for Peoria, aimed at strengthening local criminal justice systems and supporting victims. ICE Detention Fight: San Antonio officials are exploring litigation over a planned ICE detention center, arguing NEPA environmental review steps weren’t followed—an approach that could resonate in other detention disputes.

Bears Stadium Talks: Gov. J.B. Pritzker met NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell with Illinois legislative leaders, saying the goal is keeping the Chicago Bears in Illinois and protecting taxpayers; the General Assembly is eyeing a fall veto session (Nov. 17-19, Dec. 1-3) after lawmakers previously considered but didn’t pass stadium bills. Election Politics: A long-shot Illinois Senate bid is taking shape as Republican Don Tracy, once a Democrat and former GOP chair, challenges Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton for Dick Durbin’s seat. Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court’s new term is set to tackle major fights over voting rights, the Second Amendment, and climate-change lawsuits. Immigration Enforcement: A fresh push by ICE is drawing alarm after reports of aggressive, violent encounters with people mistaken for immigrants, including an Illinois case involving a U.S. citizen. Higher Ed & Privacy: A class-action lawsuit in Illinois targets Anthropic/Claude over biometric ID scans under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act. Environment: EPA removed a DuPage County radioactive creek cleanup site from the Superfund list after decades of contamination tied to a former rare-earths facility.

Housing & Cost of Living: A new Reuters report ties Trump-era tariffs to sharply higher building-material costs, with NAHB estimating it now costs about $10,900 more to build a home—an affordability theme that’s driving attention ahead of Illinois’ Nov. 3 midterms. Illinois Tax Policy: The Illinois Department of Revenue has opened a public comment period on draft rules for the state’s Digital Asset Tax Act, aiming to clarify how the tax applies to digital asset brokers and Illinois customers. Elections & Voting Access: Trump released a fresh push for Republicans to vote early and by mail, continuing his long-running fight over mail ballots as Illinois voters head into the final stretch. Public Safety & Courts: A federal jury in Benton convicted a New Jersey man of attempting to solicit child pornography after he messaged an undercover agent posing as a 12-year-old; sentencing is set for January 2027. Local Government & Schools: Illinois health officials shut down an unlicensed home-based caterer after a Rock Island high school football team dinner sickened at least 45 people and forced a homecoming postponement. State Politics: GOP gubernatorial hopeful Darren Bailey campaigned in DeKalb, focusing on cost-of-living pressure and diesel fuel prices. Surveillance Oversight: A Washington Post investigation highlights misuse of Flock automated license plate readers by some officers nationwide, fueling renewed calls for guardrails on surveillance tech.