AGP Executive Report

Hemp Oversight: State Rep. Barbara Hernandez’s bill (SB 3222) strengthening Illinois hemp and cannabis licensing, testing, labeling, and enforcement was signed into law by Gov. Pritzker. Local Media: Paddock Publications abruptly closed at least 13 Illinois newspapers, expanding news deserts by adding five more counties. State Library Access: Illinois launched a statewide digital library service through the Illinois State Library/EBSCO partnership, expanding free e-books, journals, newspapers, and research databases for residents. Pharmacy Relief: Pritzker announced the first $25M distribution under the Illinois Pharmacy Support Program, sending nearly $25M to 434 pharmacies at risk of closure. Storm Impacts: Water service issues hit Tuscola, Arcola, and West Prairie after Thursday’s storm, with residents asked to conserve. Prediction Markets: A group of 16 Senate Democrats urged the CFTC to tighten rules on prediction markets, citing insider trading and retail consumer harms. Chicago Parking Meter Sale: Aldermen pressed Stonepeak for more details as the city weighs its leverage and concerns about the privatization deal. Bears Stadium Push: The Bears advanced stadium development toward Hammond, Indiana, renewing the Illinois-vs.-Indiana political fight over costs and regional impact. Public Safety & Courts: Section 702 of FISA faces expiration amid Congress’s inaction, with lawmakers warning it underpins a large share of daily intelligence briefings. Social Security: Sen. Dick Durbin warned Social Security needs action as trustees project insolvency in 2032.

Severe Weather & Power Restoration: Tornadoes hit communities near Chicago and in Streator, with heavy damage reported, Route 18 closed, and families directed to city hall reunification points as ComEd worked to restore power after outages reached hundreds of thousands. Immigration Enforcement Funding: The new Secure America Act boosts ICE funding dramatically, raising pressure on “sanctuary” cities and signaling more arrests and targeting. Chicago Housing Corruption Case: A former CHA property director and a construction executive were indicted in a $4.8M kickback scheme tied to fraudulently steered contracts. Peoria Schools Turmoil: Peoria Unified officials allegedly forced an interim superintendent to resign amid a scandal involving alleged mishandling of sexual misconduct complaints. Public Health Access: Peoria and PUSD are offering free summer meals across 24 schools, with no registration required. Assisted Suicide in Court: Disability advocates filed federal lawsuits challenging Illinois’ right-to-die law as the legal fight heads toward September. Flags at Half-Staff: Gov. Pritzker ordered U.S. flags lowered statewide Friday to honor Calvin Holley, killed while working on I-294. Local Nonprofits Funding: A community reinvestment fund backed by a law firm highlighted ongoing support for Illinois-area nonprofits. Sports & Community: The Bears announced 2026 home game themes, while Rock Island’s Second Saturdays returns June 13 with free family events downtown.

Assisted Suicide Lawsuits: Disability advocates and patient-rights groups filed new federal suits in New York and Illinois challenging “medical aid in dying,” arguing the laws create a discriminatory system that pressures people with disabilities toward death. AG in the Hot Seat: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is again in the spotlight as his office continues pushing back on federal policies through lawsuits and coalition work. Ticket Fraud Crackdown: Illinois lawmakers advanced a bipartisan push to stop ticket scams—banning sales of tickets sellers don’t yet possess and targeting bot-driven ticket scalping. Public Safety in Transit: Durbin, Duckworth and Rep. Eric Sorensen urged federal officials to extend funding for the Chicago–Quad Cities Amtrak line before a July 31 deadline. Chicago Governance & Pensions: Mayoral challenger Susana Mendoza says she’ll use her comptroller experience to confront Chicago’s $36B pension crisis, warning funds are near insolvency. Local Business & Jobs: Rural King broke ground on a $75M Mattoon headquarters expansion, creating 100 jobs and retaining 719. Consumer Protection: Raoul led an enforcement action against an alternative electric supplier, alleging deceptive practices that led customers to pay double rates. Community & Inclusion: Illinois LGBTQ+ leaders marked the 10th anniversary of Pulse with a joint statement calling Pride both remembrance and resistance.

World Cup & Immigration: As the 2026 World Cup kicks off, U.S. visa denials and hardline border policy are drawing fresh scrutiny, including reports that some officials tied to teams were blocked from entering. Chicago Public Schools Under Federal Fire: CPS CEO Macquline King faced a GOP-led congressional hearing grilling transgender and sex-education policies, while King said the district follows state and federal law. Domestic Violence Protections: Illinois lawmakers advanced a bill to expand protections against digital harassment, including doxxing, electronic tracking, and remote order-of-protection hearings. Public Safety & Weather: Severe storms battered the Chicago area with damaging winds, power outages, and flight disruptions. Racial Hate Investigation: Chicago police are investigating a burning cross found in Grant Park, with a public alert seeking information about a person seen leaving the scene. Corrections Health Leadership: Former Illinois Sen. Dale Fowler began a new role leading University Correctional Health Care Solutions, focused on improving healthcare in juvenile justice facilities. Special Olympics Torch Run: Law enforcement officers carried the Flame of Hope through Springfield ahead of the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games in Normal.

Hate Crime Investigation: Chicago police are asking for tips after a burning cross was found at Grant Park, with the Fire Department confirming it was a cross and investigators looking into motive and who fled the scene. Public Safety & Justice: A Chicago officer-killing suspect, Alphanso Talley, entered a plea after being charged in the death of Officer John Bartholomew, as the FOP criticized Illinois’ no-cash bail law. Immigration Enforcement: Rep. Nikki Budzinski says ICE detained three Collinsville residents, including a 16-year-old, while they were on their way to work. Health Crisis: A Telangana student remains in critical condition after a nearly 25-foot fall at a Chicago-area transit station. State Budget & Legal Capacity: Illinois AG Kwame Raoul says his office was shorted about $10 million, warning it could hamper legal fights against the Trump administration. Hunger Relief: Treasurer Michael Frerichs launched a Charitable Trust Hunger Relief grant program for volunteer food pantries and soup kitchens, offering up to $5,000 per group. Clean Water: Duckworth and Durbin announced $22.1M for Chicago lead service line replacements in Austin. Sports Politics: Illinois Republicans unveiled new proposals to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois as the team’s focus shifts toward Hammond, Indiana. Weather Alert: Heat indices are expected to push past 100 degrees across Illinois into midweek.

Labor & Courts: Teamsters say Ascend Cannabis workers in Illinois voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike after more than a year of bargaining for a first contract. Education Funding Fight: Nonprofit ACT Now sues the Illinois Department of Education after U.S. Education cuts hit after-school and summer services for about 19,000 students. Privacy & Tech: A federal judge cleared an Illinois biometrics class action against Apple over face-scanning in Photos, potentially expanding the case to millions. Public Safety: Chicago police are investigating a burning cross found in Grant Park, with authorities probing motive and circumstances. Immigration & Federal Policy: Illinois lawmakers and advocates are watching a broader federal push on immigration enforcement and local cooperation, as cities and states fight back in court. Statehouse Politics: Gov. JB Pritzker defended his Bears strategy and floated a special session, while lawmakers’ stalled bills and “fumbles” keep the stadium fight alive. Corrections: Illinois plans to rebuild both Logan and Stateville prisons in Crest Hill, ending hopes of keeping Logan in Lincoln. Elections & Democracy: Commentary and reporting highlight how redistricting battles are reshaping the 2026 midterm map ahead of Election Day.

Bears Stadium Fight: Rep. Dan Ugaste says he’ll draft a PILOT-style proposal to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois after the team advanced a potential Hammond, Indiana stadium plan, arguing Illinois’ tax system is driving away major business. Spring Session Reality Check: Gov. JB Pritzker’s spring wins came with caveats—BUILD and a megaproject bill stalled, while lawmakers also failed to approve a data center tax credit pause, prompting the governor’s executive freeze. Insurance Regulation: State Sen. Dave Koehler’s “down coding” measure would stop insurers from underpaying diagnostic tests by requiring payment for the full cost of care when the final diagnosis differs from early suspicions. Local Elections: In Lake County, nearly half of candidates for the Nov. 3 election are running unopposed, leaving voters with fewer contested races. CTA Service: The CTA defended shortening some weekend “L” trains to save money, reduce wear, and allow deeper cleaning, after riders complained about crowding. State Library Access: Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and the Illinois State Library expanded statewide digital resources via a new contract with EBSCO.

Bears Stadium Fallout: Illinois lawmakers are scrambling as the Chicago Bears push ahead with a new stadium plan in Hammond, Indiana, with a suburban GOP lawmaker drafting the Taxpayer Investment Protection Act to set benchmarks and safeguards if the team stays in the Prairie State. City Hall Watch: Chicago aldermen are demanding transparency over the parking meter deal after a planned transfer of the remaining contract years, arguing the city can’t “rubber-stamp” another version of the privatization. Healthcare Staffing Fight: Nurses at Joliet’s St. Joseph Medical Center filed a class action alleging unsafe understaffing under Prime Healthcare and Ascension, while a separate CPS clerk faces layoff amid claims of disability accommodation discrimination. Credit Union “Swipe Fee” Clash: The National Credit Union Administration moved to preempt Illinois’ swipe-fee limits for credit unions, escalating the state-federal fight over interchange rules. Kids & Schools: A new Kids Count report says Illinois ranks high on youth well-being overall, but reading and math outcomes remain worse than pre-pandemic levels. Public Safety: Chicago police reported a fatal Austin shooting that left one dead and three injured, and arrested a 13-year-old in a Bronzeville attack that injured four children.

Prison Plan: Illinois Department of Corrections says it will rebuild both Stateville and Logan prisons in Crest Hill, a move that’s already drawing backlash from Republicans and raising concerns for Lincoln-area workers and families. Bears Stadium Fallout: With Illinois stadium financing stalled, the Chicago Bears board voted to advance a multi-billion stadium project in Hammond, Indiana—keeping the team’s future in flux while Illinois lawmakers and local leaders argue over whether a deal can still be reached. Gun Violence Focus: Geneva approved a proclamation naming June Gun Violence Awareness Month, while Chicago saw a deadly weekend surge with multiple shootings leaving four dead, including teens. City Hall Politics: Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza launched a bid for Chicago mayor, pitching herself as a steady hand on the taxpayer dollar amid ongoing city credit and budget tensions. Legal & Courts: A federal jury convicted a Norcross man in a $400,000 fake tax refund scheme, and Illinois’s interchange fee law was permanently enjoined for many entities after a court ruling and legislative delay. Energy & Environment: Ameren Illinois picked Taylorville for its Energize Your Town efficiency pilot, and Illinois AG Raoul backed EPA efforts to expand research and monitoring on microplastics in drinking water. Healthcare Policy: Illinois lawmakers advanced bills tied to the federal 340B drug pricing program, including an audit requirement for how hospitals and clinics benefit.

Data Center Tax Pause: Gov. JB Pritzker is pausing new Illinois data center tax incentives starting July 1, citing electricity-rate pressure after lawmakers failed to pass guardrails. Public Safety Funding: The Illinois State Fire Marshal awarded $6 million in small equipment grants to 260 fire and EMS agencies statewide. Child Well-Being Watch: A new Kids Count report says Illinois ranks relatively well on youth support, but reading and math proficiency remain below pre-pandemic levels and child/teen death rates are rising. Procurement & Construction: State lawmakers approved a bill to clarify oversight of construction procurement and extend design-build authority through 2030. Consumer Tech Rules: Another measure approved by the General Assembly sets limits on how loud ads can be on video streaming services, aligning with federal CALM standards. Chicago Violence: Separate South Side shootings left multiple young people injured, including a 12-year-old. Community Legal Help: “Lawyer in the Library” sessions are scheduled across Southern Illinois, offering free 20-minute attorney advice by pre-registration.

Illinois Policy Watch: Illinois lawmakers are moving on a cellphone “bell to bell” ban for elementary and middle school students starting in the 2027-28 school year, with high school phone use left to district discretion—drawing both praise and pushback from school communities. Health Insurance: State Rep. Katie Stuart’s HB5492 would require most major insurers to cover up to a 12-month supply of prescription hormone therapy and supplies for self-administration, with the bill now cleared through the General Assembly. Veterans & Lottery Oversight: HB4911 would shift the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund’s scratch-off oversight committee to meet twice a year instead of quarterly. Chicago Governance: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration named Antonio King as Chicago’s first director of LGBTQ+ Affairs, with priorities including youth mental health and support for aging LGBTQ residents. Courts & Federal Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to rule on major gun and transgender-athlete cases, plus disputes tied to a federal gun ban for people using illegal drugs. Public Safety: Chicago saw another deadly night of gun violence, including multiple teen victims.

Data Center Tax Pause: Gov. JB Pritzker is pausing Illinois’ data center tax incentives after lawmakers didn’t advance a plan to raise electricity rates for the facilities, aiming to prevent utility bill hikes; deals signed before July 1, 2026 are protected. Food Assistance Court Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump USDA from enforcing new conditions tying billions in nutrition funding to compliance with immigration and “gender ideology” related policies, pausing the effort while a 20-state lawsuit proceeds. Bears Stadium Fallout: As the Chicago Bears move forward on a Hammond, Indiana stadium plan, Illinois lawmakers say the door isn’t fully closed for Arlington Heights and keep pushing for a deal in-state. Public Safety & Streets: Chicago mourns CDOT bike infrastructure leader Riley O’Neil, killed after a dooring crash in Bridgeport; the incident renews calls for safer protected bike lanes. Gun Violence Response: Chicago community groups are responding to persistent gun violence even as overall crime trends improve, focusing on what works locally. Mobility Rules: Illinois approved new rules for e-bikes, scooters, and high-powered electric motorcycles, with registration and safety requirements.

Bears Stadium Fallout: The Chicago Bears’ board voted to advance a new stadium project in Hammond, Indiana, keeping Illinois lawmakers in the dark on whether the team’s future is truly leaving the state. Local Government & Taxes: Gov. JB Pritzker paused Illinois data center tax credits, arguing the move won’t cut clean-energy progress while critics say it’s a jobs hit. Transportation Policy: Illinois approved new rules for electric bicycles, scooters, and high-powered e-motorcycles, including bans on sidewalk riding and new licensing/insurance and age requirements starting Jan. 1. Public Safety: Illinois State Police reported results from recent occupant restraint enforcement patrols, issuing 55 safety-belt citations and 2 child restraint citations. Health Care Costs: Chicago Medicaid claims for medical and surgical supplies rose to $1,411,908 in 2024, up 13.7% from 2023. Justice & Courts: The Justice Department moved to defend Chicago’s U.S. attorney amid weeks of turmoil. Gun Violence Impact: A new study highlights how the South Side trauma center reduced transport time for gunshot victims, estimating 79 lives saved per 2,000 injuries.

Bears Stadium Fallout: The Chicago Bears’ board voted to advance a new stadium project in Hammond, Indiana, with the exact site still to be selected—prompting fresh reactions from Illinois leaders, fans, and lawmakers as the team’s move reignites the fight over tax breaks and whether Illinois can still act fast enough. Statehouse Consumer Protection: Illinois lawmakers unanimously approved a ticket resale bill requiring resellers to have the tickets in hand before listing, aiming to curb misleading sales and inflated prices. Reproductive Privacy: Democrats sent the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, which would block electronic health networks from exporting abortion and gender-related medical codes without patient approval. Crypto Crackdown: Illinois advanced a FY2027 budget measure creating a 0.2% tax on crypto transactions and new registration rules for digital asset brokers, with felony penalties for unregistered activity. Public Safety Funding: Gov. Pritzker announced $6 million in small equipment grants for Illinois fire and EMS agencies. Data Center Pause: Pritzker paused processing tax incentive agreements for new data centers starting July 1 while Illinois works on a broader framework. Courts & Rights: A federal judge blocked a USDA policy that would have tied federal food grants to political conditions, and a separate ruling raised questions about whether the Illinois Supreme Court overstepped in ousting a Cook County judge.

Chicago Bears Stadium Fallout: The Bears’ board voted to “advance” a new stadium project in Hammond, Indiana, with the exact site still to be selected—after Illinois lawmakers adjourned without passing a last-minute plan to keep the team in Arlington Heights. Gov. JB Pritzker Data Center Pause: Pritzker ordered a pause on new Illinois data-center tax incentive agreements starting July 1, citing rising energy and water impacts, and urged lawmakers to pass reforms in the fall. Federal Justice Leadership: Gregory M. Gilmore was sworn in as U.S. attorney for the Central District of Illinois, confirmed after a Trump nomination. Behavioral Health 9-1-1 Upgrade: A Peters-backed bill approved by both Illinois chambers will require 9-1-1 call centers to screen for behavioral health crises and route callers to appropriate professionals. Court Compliance Text Reminders: Cassidy’s measure clearing both chambers would require circuit clerks to send defendants text reminders for court hearings. Public Safety: An explosion on I-290 in the west suburbs killed a man and shut down the highway for hours as federal and state investigators responded.

Public Safety & Courts: The Illinois Supreme Court announced a new transparency policy aimed at improving public access to court operations and decisions. Fire/EMS Funding: The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal awarded $6 million in small equipment grants to 260 fire departments and EMS providers statewide. E-Bike/E-Scooter Rules: New Illinois laws set safety requirements taking effect in 2027, including restrictions on where riders can operate and age/licensing rules for higher-speed devices. Transportation: Metra Electric will add more frequent weekday stops in Hyde Park starting June 15, and authorities are investigating an explosion on a Chicago expressway. Education Politics: A public letter exchange between CTU President Stacy Davis Gates and financier Michael Sacks escalated debate over money and influence in Chicago’s school board election. Local Government/Enforcement: Joliet prosecutors dropped a forfeiture case after an attorney challenged the law, mooting the Illinois AG’s constitutional review. Health/Consumer: Abbott must defend a class-action lawsuit over PediaSure “clinically proven” growth claims. Crime/Justice: Lil Durk faces expanded federal racketeering counts tied to alleged murder-for-hire activity.