AGP Executive Report

Reproductive Rights: Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act, sealing reproductive medical records from being accessed out of state without patient consent, as Illinois also expanded access to contraception through an updated IDPH standing order that lets trained pharmacists dispense more birth control options. Prediction Markets: Kalshi sued Illinois officials over a new state law requiring prediction market platforms to be licensed to offer sports event contracts, arguing it conflicts with federal CFTC authority; the CFTC also challenged similar state efforts elsewhere. Illinois Politics & Public Safety: In Chicago, lawmakers and Democrats rejected President Trump’s offer of National Guard help for crime, while the city continues to face weekend violence and political pressure over its emergency response. Local Government & Housing: Chicago approved $42.5 million in grants for neighborhood projects, including mixed-income housing and nonprofit upgrades. Economy & Agriculture: Pritzker joined a ribbon-cutting for Incobrasa’s expanded soybean processing plant and solar array, touting new jobs and increased capacity. Courts & Elections: A federal judge permanently blocked key parts of Trump’s 2025 anti-voting executive order, keeping protections for states challenging the plan. Business/Real Estate: A Chicago hotel-to-apartments conversion hit a $28M foreclosure, underscoring ongoing stress in the lodging market.

Bears Stadium Talks: Illinois lawmakers say a special session is still possible, but only if the Bears bring a detailed, viable package after Gov. JB Pritzker says they’re trying to blend provisions from two prior bills. Short-Term Rental Crackdown: Chicago filed suit against Airbnb and high-volume hosts, alleging repeated violations of the city’s Shared Housing Ordinance, including registration and licensing problems. Immigration Courts: A federal judge blocked ICE from making arrests at immigration courthouses nationwide, dealing a major blow to the Trump administration’s courthouse-arrest approach. SNAP Pressure on Illinois: Federal SNAP changes are expected to cut off benefits for hundreds of thousands in Illinois and shift more administrative costs to the state, with knock-on effects for small farmers. Diaper Ingredient Transparency: A bill requiring ingredient lists on diaper packaging is headed to Gov. Pritzker after passing the legislature. Chicago Abuse Claims Fight: The Archdiocese of Chicago won permission to proceed with a countersuit targeting alleged abuse settlement fraud. Elections & Voters: An Illinois poll finds taxes and the economy top concerns, and a separate note highlights Democrats’ succession plans as retiring members pass the torch to former aides. Phone-Free Trend: A Chicago-area story spotlights people ditching social apps for “phone-free” life, reflecting a broader push against excessive screen time.

Gun Violence Policy: Mayor Brandon Johnson is backing a long-sought stand-alone Chicago Department of Gun Violence Reduction after a Juneteenth weekend marked by deadly shootings, with a coalition calling for a $100 million annual budget to coordinate city efforts. Housing & Local Governance: Chicago filed suit against Airbnb and a host, alleging repeated short-term rental ordinance violations and “prioritizing profit over compliance,” while a separate Park City proposal heads to a planning panel amid controversy over a large workforce housing development. Courts & Criminal Justice: A new Illinois measure (SB0248) lets some people convicted of felonies before age 21 file successive post-conviction petitions without showing cause, and Illinois also moved on other civil-rights and privacy-related bills. Healthcare & Fraud: DOJ announced a major health care fraud takedown involving 455 defendants and $6.5 billion in alleged false claims, while Illinois also saw charges tied to an Oak Lawn methadone clinic fraud scheme. Food Assistance: Federal cuts are hitting Illinois SNAP recipients, raising concerns for both families and the farmers who supply them. State Budget & Costs: Illinois’ minimum wage won’t rise statewide next week, but it will increase in Chicago and Cook County. Libraries: Illinois awarded more than $27M in grants to expand library access, books, tech, and security upgrades.

Violent Crime & Federal Pressure: President Trump urged Gov. JB Pritzker to “call” for help after a Juneteenth weekend in Chicago left 39 shot and six dead, renewing calls for a federal or military response. Corrections Policy: Pritzker received a bill to stop Illinois Department of Corrections from charging families “unreasonable” mail and scanning fees beyond standard postage, with annual reporting on rates and spending. SNAP & Medicaid Fallout: Federal changes tied to H.R. 1 are set to cut SNAP for hundreds of thousands in Illinois and shift more administrative costs to the state, while separate coverage rules threaten older immigrants’ Medicaid and Medicare access starting in 2026. Disability Protections: Springfield moved to create a new Illinois Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship to help shield services as Medicaid pressure mounts. Immigration Enforcement in Chicago: DHS says a former Chicago-area teacher is in custody awaiting deportation for allegedly helping gunmen tied to Tren de Aragua after a 2024 Southwest Side mass shooting. Utilities & Local Impact: Neighbors in Lincoln Park challenged a proposed ComEd substation plan near homes and schools, arguing oversight and zoning impacts remain unclear. Transportation/Ports: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy toured Ports of Indiana–Burns Harbor, highlighting Great Lakes-to-inland freight connections. Independence Day Planning: Chicago-area communities are gearing up for America250-themed July 4 celebrations and fireworks lists.

Chicago Violence & Federal Response: Acting AG Todd Blanche says federal agents can’t fix Chicago crime without local political buy-in, after a Juneteenth weekend that left at least 8 dead and dozens wounded and renewed Trump’s calls for military intervention. Public Safety Crackdowns: Illinois agencies are gearing up for the July 4 holiday with traffic enforcement in Madison County and broader statewide DUI and seat-belt efforts. Illinois Courts & Taxes: A “half-baked” Illinois social media fee/tax is headed back to court, with tech and internet freedom advocates challenging the new charge on large platforms. Housing & Zoning: Chicago City Council approved a Fulton Market high-density apartment project that could set a new density precedent. Transit Expansion: IDOT celebrated Henderson County’s start of on-demand public transit via Warren County Public Transportation, extending service to all 102 Illinois counties. Local Grants: The Harambee Neighborhood Improvement District is taking applications for home repair grants up to $10,000. State Economic Development: Gov. Pritzker joined Incobrasa for a $250M soybean processing expansion in Gilman, adding jobs and solar capacity.

Budget & Taxes: Gabby Shanahan told the Plainfield Village Council that Illinois’ record budget—backed by $800 million in new taxes—means “more taxes, more spending, and no meaningful relief,” while she pressed for full funding of the Local Government Distributive Fund. Public Safety & Federal Pressure: Chicago’s weekend shootings left at least 7 dead and dozens injured, as President Trump renewed calls for federal “military intervention” and questioned why Gov. JB Pritzker isn’t seeking help. Traffic Tech Regulation: Illinois is moving toward becoming the first state to ban smart glasses while driving, with fines and possible criminal exposure after serious crashes. Courts & Legal Ethics: A Chicago-area disability case is drawing attention after a claimant used ChatGPT to challenge a settlement, raising fresh questions about “practicing law” and AI-assisted filings. Civic Spotlight: Gov. Pritzker proclaimed June 25 as Indian-American Veterans Appreciation Day statewide. Democracy & Civic Life: The Obama Presidential Center opened to the public in Chicago, drawing major political and celebrity attention amid ongoing debate over costs and community impact.

Chicago Violence and Federal Pressure: A weekend of shootings left at least 7 dead and dozens injured, including a Juneteenth drive-by that drew President Trump’s renewed attacks on Gov. J.B. Pritzker and calls for federal help. West Side Shooting Update: Police say three teens were shot at a North Lawndale gathering near S. Christiana Ave.; detectives are investigating and no gunman description was released. Another North Lawndale Incident: Authorities also reported additional teen victims from a separate Lawndale shooting at a large gathering. Obama Presidential Center Spotlight: The Obamas dedicated the new Chicago presidential center over the weekend, pitching it as a civic hub for democracy and community service while drawing major national attention. Housing Market Oversight: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a $7 million settlement tied to an antitrust case alleging rent-setting software helped landlords keep prices higher. Election Integrity Warning: An Illinois congressman warned DHS against placing immigration enforcement near polling sites, saying it could chill lawful voting. State Policy Watch: Utah joined Illinois and others with safeguards for children featured in social media content, requiring parent compensation and deletion pathways. Local Infrastructure: A section of West Illinois Street in one Illinois city will close for about 30 days starting June 22 for stormwater improvements.

Illinois Quantum Push: Gov. JB Pritzker is pitching a “right to win” strategy for quantum computing, touting a $500M investment and a Chicago hub anchored by PsiQuantum. Local Public Safety: Peoria is weighing hiring six unarmed community service officers for downtown security, a plan that would cost about $508,000 a year and rely on non-sworn staff for minor incidents and event support. Chicago Crime Watch: Chicago police warned of a burglary pattern hitting Loop, Lake View, and Uptown businesses, with suspects allegedly removing window or door inserts to steal cash, alcohol, and tobacco. Medicaid Dollars in Motion: New federal spending data shows Medicaid reimbursements rising in multiple Illinois communities, including Oak Lawn (+6.6% in 2024 for a major service category) and Champaign (+2.5% for “National Codes Established for State Medicaid Agencies”). Obama Center Scrutiny: Lara Trump faced backlash after claiming the Obama Presidential Center was taxpayer-funded, with reports citing private donations instead. Juneteenth in Evanston: Evanston kicked off Juneteenth with Opal’s Walk for Freedom, a 2.5-mile lakefront march honoring Opal Lee and the push for equality.

Obama Center Spotlight: The Obama Presidential Center opens in Chicago’s Jackson Park, tying the former president’s South Side roots to a new civic hub—while critics keep pressing questions about public costs and political messaging. Public Safety: Chicago police warned of a burglary spree hitting Loop, Lake View and Uptown businesses, using a method that removes window/door insert sealant to steal cash, liquor and tobacco. Gun Violence: A weekend surge left at least 12 people shot in a Roseland mass shooting, with police reporting multiple other shootings across the city. Legal & Civil Rights: The DOJ moved to block Evanston’s race-based reparations housing program, arguing it can’t survive constitutional scrutiny. Health Policy: Illinois unemployment held at 5.1% in May as payrolls rose, and the state announced nearly $25M for 434 at-risk pharmacies plus a new grant program for small volunteer food assistance groups. Economy Watch: Medicaid billing data highlighted sharp local increases in categories like “medicine services and procedures” and “temporary national codes,” underscoring shifting health spending patterns.

Distracted-Driving Felony Case: Lake County prosecutors say a Zion-area TikTok livestreamer ran a red light and struck a pedestrian in 2024, using Illinois’ 2021 distracted-driving felony law; the defendant is due back in court July 26. Consumer Privacy & Cybersecurity: A lawsuit targets MSG Entertainment after a claimed hack exposed records tied to 26 million consumers, including sensitive visitor data and biometric “threat assessment” profiles. Juneteenth in Chicago: The Obama Presidential Center opened to the public as Juneteenth celebrations drew crowds across the city and suburbs, with events focused on unity and the ongoing push for equality. SAFE-T Act Transparency Fight: Cook County advocates sued, arguing Illinois agencies haven’t published enough pretrial data outcomes under the SAFE-T Act. Illinois Budget & Taxes: Gov. JB Pritzker signed a nearly $56B FY27 budget with new business taxes, while lawmakers and critics spar over the cost and priorities. Data Center Regulation Push: Springfield lawmakers are negotiating summer guardrails after a spring session deadlock, following Pritzker’s executive pause on data center tax benefits. Public Safety: Champaign police arrested two teens in a Monday shooting that killed one teen and injured another.

Obama Presidential Center Opens Amid Voter-ID Fight: Chicago’s Obama Presidential Center opened to the public on Juneteenth, drawing the Obamas’ first on-site greetings and renewed debate over whether photo ID rules tied to access to parts of the campus could spill into voting rights. Civil Rights Push: Illinois AG Kwame Raoul marked Juneteenth by highlighting his office’s civil rights work and lawsuits aimed at stopping racial intimidation and discrimination. Data Center Clash in Urbana: Thor Equities filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Urbana over zoning and a proposed data center campus after local opposition and council action. Southern Illinois Health Watch: Alpha-gal syndrome concerns are rising in southern Illinois as tick populations expand, putting more residents at risk of severe allergic reactions. Illinois Jobs Snapshot: IDES reported May unemployment stayed at 5.1% while payrolls rose for a third straight month. Bears Stadium Politics: Brian Urlacher said he expects the Bears to stay in Illinois as lawmakers continue wrestling with the stadium tax certainty fight. Courtroom Labor Ruling: A federal appeals panel backed an arbitrator’s decision requiring a hotel to reinstate an employee after a “knife at work” firing dispute.

Obama Presidential Center Opening: Barack Obama formally opened his Chicago presidential museum and civic center with a message to defend democracy, praising “no kings or lords” and urging Americans to stay politically engaged amid “cruelty and bitterness,” while keeping President Donald Trump unmentioned despite his earlier “total disaster” jab. Star-Studded Ceremony: The dedication drew former presidents Joe Biden, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, and major entertainers including Bono, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Christina Aguilera and others, with the public opening set for Juneteenth. Illinois Politics & National Tensions: The event underscored the sharp national divide, with Obama’s remarks read as a pointed contrast to Trump-era politics. Social Security Pressure: Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth joined Warren and Blumenthal in pressing Trump for answers after the 2026 Trustees Report, questioning whether Republicans back raising the retirement age and whether benefit changes would be vetoed. Juneteenth Context: June 19 marked Juneteenth, and the day’s history also included the 1975 unsolved killing of Chicago mob boss Sam Giancana in Oak Park.

Obama Presidential Center Opening: Chicago dedicated the $850M Obama Presidential Center on Thursday, with Michelle Obama delivering a tearful, values-focused tribute and a remark about “winning a peace prize” that drew cheers and was widely read as a jab at President Trump; the center opens to the public Friday for Juneteenth. CRE Antitrust: A commercial tenant sued major CRE brokers and CoStar in federal court, alleging a hub-and-spoke price-fixing scheme that inflated lease prices using nonpublic deal information. Illinois Budget & Taxes: Illinois House Republicans criticized the FY27 budget’s new taxes on digital sectors, including social media and crypto-related provisions, warning of likely legal fights. CME vs. CFTC: The Chicago Mercantile Exchange sued the CFTC over approval of Kalshi and Coinbase perpetual futures, arguing the regulator acted improperly. Public Safety & Courts: Wood River police concluded an undercover narcotics investigation with a June 12 early-morning raid; separately, the Illinois Supreme Court announced a transparency policy. Sports Governance: IHSA finalized 35-second shot clock rules for the 2026-27 basketball season. Local Government: Chicago aldermen voted down a ban on unregulated “sweepstakes machines,” leaving room for future taxation.

Violence Prevention Funding: Cook County is adding $5M now for nine community violence-intervention groups, with another $15M opening for applications July 1, as preliminary data shows gun homicides down more than 30% in 2025 and over 50% since 2021. Police Accountability: The family of Jack Murray, killed by Elk Grove Village police in 2023, reached a $10.5M settlement resolving a wrongful-death lawsuit over alleged failures in crisis response. Education & Community Tensions: Peoria Unified board member Janelle Bowles faces backlash after community members label her social media posts Islamophobic, with district leaders reiterating commitment to serving every student. State Education Policy: ISBE adopted a 192-page Comprehensive Numeracy Plan aimed at improving math instruction and boosting students’ “math identities.” Severe Weather: NWS confirmed tornadoes in Illinois and Iowa, including damage reported in Charleston, as storms swept the Midwest. Disability Rights: Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill creating a cabinet-level Illinois Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship. Tech & Data Center Politics: Lawmakers and stakeholders gear up for summer negotiations over data center policy, while Illinois continues moving on digital-asset and AI-related rules.

State Budget & Cost of Living: Gov. JB Pritzker signed Illinois’ roughly $55.9B FY27 budget, while Republicans and voters point to rising prices and new taxes as pressure mounts on family budgets. Local Government & Infrastructure: Champaign City Council approved phase II of its downtown plaza project, including a lighted fountain, kiosks, and major street work, with construction slated to start Aug. 3. Transportation & Housing Access: Chicago aldermen approved Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to buy the downtown Greyhound station for $19.2M, arguing it’s key to keeping bus service affordable. Courts & Civil Rights: The U.S. Justice Department asked a judge to halt Evanston’s $25,000-per-person reparations program, calling it unconstitutional and race-based. Public Safety & Schools: A Peoria school safety director’s social media comments drew criticism over whether officials should be held to viewpoint-neutral standards. Illinois Policy Watch: Illinois lawmakers advanced/are moving toward new rules affecting drivers and AI smart glasses, as well as other changes taking effect July 1. Community & Culture: The Obama Presidential Center heads toward its opening week, with major programming and local attention on the South Side.

Illinois Budget & Taxes: Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a roughly $55.9B state budget for FY27, including new business taxes tied to affordability goals, as Bears stadium talks continue to loom over Springfield. Chicago Reparations Fight: The U.S. Justice Department moved to intervene in a lawsuit challenging Evanston’s race-based reparations program, while the city and supporters argue the policy is lawful. Social Media Tax in Court: Chicago’s new Social Media Amusement and Responsibility Tax is projected to bring in $49.2M in 2026, even as a legal challenge continues. Housing Policy Tension: Sauk Village Mayor Marva Campbell-Pruitt criticized the Illinois BUILD Act for potentially expanding Springfield’s ability to override local zoning and land-use decisions. Public Safety Tech: Thornton Township High School District 205 rolled out ZeroEyes AI gun-detection to add to its layered campus security. Juneteenth Flags: Pritzker ordered Illinois flags lowered to half-staff statewide for Juneteenth, from sunrise Friday June 19 through sunset Saturday June 20. Food Assistance Pressure: Attorney General Dana Nessel urged Congress to restore SNAP benefits in the Farm Bill, warning recent cuts will increase hunger and shift costs to states.