AGP Executive Report

Rockford Leadership Shake-Up: Mayor Tom McNamara says he’ll resign Aug. 31 to become CEO of the Illinois Municipal League, with a city council pick to serve as acting mayor until a new election in April 2027. Statehouse Watch: Gov. JB Pritzker signed a package of new laws, including making July 25 Emmett Till Day and requiring home-service providers to give at least one hour notice before arrival when the appointment window is more than two hours. Public Health & Safety: Illinois recognized gambling disorder as an addiction under SB 2749, expanding state behavioral health support for compulsive gamblers and families. Elections Under Fire: The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to let a Trump mail-voting executive order take effect while lawsuits proceed, as justices weigh disputes over voter eligibility lists and ballot delivery. Local Accountability: A Sangamon County board member is pushing a recall referendum for the Nov. 4 ballot, aiming to give voters a way to remove county officers. Accessibility: A Chicago disability rights group is suing the city over allegedly inaccessible sidewalks, arguing the city failed to maintain routes for people with mobility disabilities.

Election Integrity & Voting Access: Illinois officials say noncitizen voting is “extremely rare” as DOJ sues for access to the state’s full voter registration database, raising concerns about sensitive data. Local Elections & Taxes: A Cook County treasurer study finds turnout is low for binding property tax referendums, with about 1 in 5 voters deciding hundreds of millions in bonds and new taxes. Springfield Liquor Enforcement: Illinois Liquor Control Commission checks found 10 of 13 Springfield businesses failed underage alcohol sales rules. AI Governance in Illinois: Gov. JB Pritzker’s AI Safety Measures Act requires third-party audits of major AI developers starting in 2028, with Illinois pushing beyond other states’ reporting-only approach. Education Policy: A new Illinois law expands service-animal training for school staff, effective Jan. 1. Public Safety & Health: A Chicago police shooting left a dog injured after an attack on a teen girl and a woman in North Lawndale. Healthcare Delivery Experiment: Town Square Health is launching a Medicare-focused primary care model in Rochester, aiming to reduce hospital use via negotiated flat fees. Energy & Land Use: Residents in Galena and beyond are weighing data center impacts as Illinois hosts more town halls on power, costs, and resources. State Economy Snapshot: Metro job growth is uneven across Illinois, with gains in Chicago, Lake County, Champaign-Urbana and Peoria, while unemployment rose in most metro areas. Remembering a Lobbyist: Thomas Nolan, a longtime Springfield social service lobbyist, died at 83.

Immigration & Education: A federal judge struck down Illinois’ in-state tuition and financial aid rules for illegal immigrants, ruling the RISE Act and Illinois DREAM Act “unconstitutional and invalid,” with a short stay while Illinois appeals. Election Integrity Fight: The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a block on Trump’s federal voter list and mail-in voting restrictions in 23 states and D.C., keeping the injunction in place as the administration weighs next steps. Public Safety & Courts: Illinois election officials say noncitizen voting is extremely rare, while a DOJ lawsuit seeks access to Illinois’ voter database; meanwhile, a separate appeals ruling kept parts of Trump’s election-integrity approach alive but may still be blocked where it matters most. Traffic Stop Accessibility: Illinois is rolling out a “Blue Envelope Program” for neurodivergent drivers and passengers, starting Jan. 1, 2027, to help officers communicate more effectively during stops. Food Access in Chicago: Seven Save A Lot stores closed on the South and West sides after the chain ended its deal with operator Yellow Banana, raising fresh concerns about grocery deserts and SNAP-related pressures. Policing & Accountability: Chicago police warned of cellphone-sale robberies on the West Side, and a Wisconsin police killing of Corey Ruiz sparked fresh national scrutiny of use-of-force decisions.

Immigration & Education: A federal judge ruled Illinois can’t offer in-state tuition, financial aid, or scholarships to illegal immigrants, permanently blocking key parts of the RISE Act and Illinois DREAM Act and dealing another blow to Gov. JB Pritzker’s sanctuary-state agenda. Courts & Elections: The First Circuit refused to lift an injunction tied to Trump election-integrity efforts in 23 states, keeping limits on DHS citizenship-list distribution and USPS mail-ballot requirements for the 2026 cycle. State Tax Policy: Illinois’ 10-day back-to-school sales tax holiday returns Aug. 7, with clothing/footwear under $125 per item eligible and school supplies generally included without a price cap. Local Government & Public Safety: Illinois State University approved millions for storm repairs after June flooding damaged multiple buildings, while Peoria County reported a missing 84-year-old woman was found safe after confusion about where she was going. Tech & Liability: A lawsuit filed after a delivery robot allegedly injured a 73-year-old woman in Arizona highlights growing legal fights over automated delivery systems. Community & Culture: Chicago’s International Museum of Surgical Science is hosting an exhibit on Filipino nurses in America, spotlighting stories that shaped local healthcare.

Immigration & Courts: A federal judge struck down Illinois’ in-state tuition and state aid rules for undocumented students under the RISE Act and Illinois DREAM Act, ruling the benefits are “unconstitutional and invalid,” dealing another blow to Gov. JB Pritzker’s immigration policy. Election Integrity Fight: A Biden-appointed majority on the First Circuit kept in place an injunction blocking key Trump election-integrity provisions in 23 states and D.C., including limits tied to DHS citizenship lists and mail-ballot requirements. Food Access in Chicago: Seven Save A Lot stores on Chicago’s South and West sides permanently closed after the operator lost its licensing deal, despite millions in city grant funding—sparking anger over food desert impacts. Public Safety & Youth “Takeovers”: Chicago and other cities are watching the spread of teen “takeovers,” after incidents nationwide tied to social media hype have led to shootings, arrests, and vandalism. AI Policy: Illinois signed an AI Safety Measures Act requiring independent third-party audits and transparency for major AI developers, positioning the state as a first mover on AI accountability. Local Governance: Champaign County Board tabled a motion calling for Clerk Aaron Ammons’ resignation for a year amid his federal indictment.

Statehouse Public Safety: Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law requiring fire departments to report and track firefighter deaths to the State Fire Marshal, including suicide and certain cancers, with an annual public report. Survivor Protections: A new Illinois law improves how police interview sexual assault survivors by requiring officers to inform survivors they can request an officer of their sex or gender and bring a support person; it takes effect Jan. 1. Disability & Driving: Illinois will launch a voluntary “Blue Envelope” program for drivers with autism spectrum disorder on Jan. 1, giving officers a quick communication cue during traffic stops. Courts & Immigration: A federal judge permanently barred Illinois from providing in-state tuition and education scholarships to unauthorized immigrants, striking down the RISE and Illinois DREAM acts. Food Access: Seven Chicago-area Save A Lot stores are set to close as SNAP cuts deepen pressure on already thin grocery margins. Southern Illinois Services: Lawmakers condemned DHS plans to scale back Choate Developmental Center operations, warning of job losses and care disruptions. Public Health: Southern 7 Health Department confirmed West Nile Virus in mosquitoes in Massac County, urging residents to reduce, repel, and report. Tech & Privacy Debate: Residents in Auburn and Grafton are debating automated license plate readers after local police signed Flock Safety contracts. Legal Liability in Health Care: An Illinois appellate ruling could reshape failure-to-warn claims in infant formula cases by extending the learned intermediary doctrine in NICU settings.

Federal Funding Fight: Wisconsin joined a 26-state lawsuit challenging Trump-era conditions on FEMA/DHS grants that would force states to change election practices and help enforce federal immigration law. State Government & Courts: Illinois also faces the same broader pressure as AGs push back on using emergency money as leverage. Energy & Reliability: Illinois is weighing where new nuclear plants could go after Pritzker lifted the long-standing ban, aiming for at least 2 gigawatts more power. Higher Ed Budgeting: Illinois State University’s board approved a $600.4M FY2027 operating budget with a small surplus and a new budget framework. Mental Health System Changes: IDHS plans layoffs and major program shifts at Choate Mental Health Center in Anna, including ending general residential units and phasing down beds. Local Government Watch: Flossmoor says federal flood-relief funds are stuck on administrative hold, delaying a viaduct flooding project. Public Health: Kane County reports a surge in cyclosporiasis cases as the national outbreak expands. Education Tech: ISBE released K-12 AI guidance, noting it was drafted with help from major AI tools. Community Safety: Dundee Township is struggling to stop illegal use of e-vehicles on trails despite a local ban. Weather Alert: Extreme heat returns next week, with heat indexes near 110 in parts of Illinois.

Federal Funding Fight: Illinois and other states sued the Trump administration over FEMA/DHS disaster and counterterrorism grants, arguing election and immigration conditions exceed federal authority and violate the Spending Clause. Illinois Courts & Taxes: The Digital Chamber challenged Illinois’ first-in-the-nation 0.2% crypto transfer tax as unconstitutional, saying it unfairly targets digital assets. CPS Budget Pressure: Chicago Public Schools says Cook County’s delayed property tax collections are shorting it about $250M, driving borrowing costs and adding to a $700M+ deficit as the district weighs layoffs and furloughs. Local Governance: Champaign County Board tabled a resolution calling for Clerk Aaron Ammons’ resignation amid his federal fraud/obstruction case. Public Safety: A Champaign man was arrested after a traffic stop and foot chase; deputies found a loaded handgun. Immigration Enforcement Scrutiny: An ACLU report on ICE/CBP enforcement in 2025 cites hundreds of misconduct incidents, with Illinois accounting for nearly half. Tech & AI Oversight: Trump expanded a pledge with governors and utilities/data-center operators to limit consumer utility bill increases tied to AI buildout.

Federal Funding Fight: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and a coalition of states sued the Trump administration over FEMA/DHS conditions that would withhold disaster and counterterrorism money unless states change election practices and assist immigration enforcement, including voter-roll data sharing and hand-marked paper ballot requirements. Local Policing & Civil Rights: Oak Park moved to restrict pretextual traffic stops after the May police killing of Christian Wallace, while the 7th Circuit upheld Chicago’s tenant relocation payout ordinance. Ethics & Statehouse Watch: Illinois’ Legislative Ethics Commission voted to release the inspector general’s report on former Rep. Harry Benton’s harassment case, with redactions likely before publication. AI Governance: Gov. Pritzker’s new Illinois AI Safety Measures Act sets independent third-party audits and transparency rules for frontier AI developers. Public Safety: Kane County recalled some one-year rabies shots due to lost potency and offered free replacements. Food Safety: A Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce has renewed scrutiny of Taylor Farms and related recalls. Economy Snapshot: New BLS/DES data shows mixed job growth across Illinois metro areas, with Lake County and parts of Chicago, Peoria, and Champaign-Urbana posting gains.

Public Safety: A new Council on Criminal Justice report says 2026 is on track for the lowest homicide levels in more than a century, with a reported 18% drop in homicide rates across 30 U.S. cities. Church & Accountability: The Archdiocese of Chicago opened a new investigation into decades-old allegations against Rev. Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina, with Pfleger removed from active ministry while an independent review board probes the claim. Courts & Local Government: A federal judge dismissed Gary Hamm’s lawsuit against Massac County, saying he failed to follow court orders and prosecute the case. State Policy & Small Business: Illinois’ swipe-fee implementation is delayed until 2027, and some central Illinois shops are going cash-only anyway while lawmakers consider limits on rejecting cash. Elections & Voting Systems: States are reviewing whether a software flaw in New Jersey’s DMV-linked voter registrations could happen elsewhere after noncitizens were reportedly registered to vote. Immigration Hearings: A federal immigration court hearing in Chicago continued in the deportation case of Milwaukee mosque leader Salah Sarsour, with more testimony scheduled. Chicago Politics & Housing: Chicago City Council debates tenant protection ordinances as a rent-control ban looms. Crime & Justice: An Oswego man accused of punching a woman near the Illinois Prairie Path faces new charges after a judge revoked his pretrial release. Tech & Law: Illinois’ first-in-nation 0.2% crypto tax faces a new legal challenge from the Digital Chamber.

Illinois Ethics & Accountability: The Illinois Legislative Ethics Commission will decide whether to release a report tied to former Rep. Harry Benton’s resignation over alleged sexual harassment, while Gov. JB Pritzker demands “utter, complete” transparency. Chicago Politics: City Council approved a slate of non-binding referendums that deepen the fight between Mayor Brandon Johnson and aldermanic opponents, including a question on whether aldermen should have independent legal counsel. Opioid Litigation: An Illinois federal judge sanctioned an insurer in an opioid coverage case, saying the carrier intentionally destroyed key emails and underwriting records. Real Estate & Courts: Chicago landlord Jiazhao “Frank” Chen faces another foreclosure lawsuit as defaults near $100M, adding to a growing legal spiral. Downstate Air Service: A federal budget proposal could cut Essential Air Service funding that supports flights from O’Hare to Decatur, Quincy and Marion. Quantum Illinois: Gov. Pritzker announced Zero Point Cryogenics will set up its first U.S. location at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park with about $1.8M in tax credits. Public Safety & Justice: A Chicago man was sentenced to 10 years for selling fentanyl-laced drugs across Cook and DuPage counties. Higher Ed: Illinois State University hit a record $52M in private giving in the last budget year.

Law Enforcement & Public Safety: Gov. JB Pritzker signed bills to expand deputy sheriff hiring and to toughen penalties under Scott’s Law for drivers who violate the Move Over protections for emergency responders. State Policy & Transparency: Republican Darren Bailey’s campaign is pushing stalled legislation that would require outside groups receiving at least $10,000 in state grants to be covered by Illinois FOIA and open-meetings rules. Crypto & Courts: The Digital Chamber sued Illinois to block the state’s first-in-nation 0.2% digital asset transaction tax, arguing it targets blockchain activity in a way that violates the Constitution. Local Government: East Peoria advanced a plan to raise the mayor’s salary (with conditions tied to whether a city administrator is hired). Public Health & Schools: The American Lung Association launched a Clean Air School Challenge to help K-12 schools build indoor air quality management plans. Workforce & Emergency Response: Northern Illinois fire departments are facing a growing firefighter shortage as emergency calls surge. Criminal Justice: A Champaign man received a 12-year sentence tied to a 2024 apartment shootout.

Quantum Funding: The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub won a $30M U.S. Economic Development Administration award, unlocking nearly $55M total to build a U.S. quantum supply chain and create thousands of jobs across the Illinois-Wisconsin-Indiana region. State Government Transparency: Republican Darren Bailey’s campaign backs stalled legislation to treat nonprofits receiving $10,000+ in state grants as “public bodies,” subjecting them to FOIA and open-meetings rules. Autism Traffic-Stop Tool: Illinois launched a statewide Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism, with free envelopes available starting Jan. 1, 2027. Elections & Ballot Access: The Illinois State Board of Elections kicked two independent candidates off the November ballot for Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García’s seat after signature shortfalls. Courts: A federal judge sealed dismissal of a serial plaintiff’s website accessibility ADA case against Sweet Candy Company for lack of standing. Local Justice: A judge dismissed Manteno trustees’ temporary restraining order bid because no complaint was filed. Public Safety: Illinois State Police said grant-funded efforts recovered 342 stolen or hijacked vehicles and made 28 arrests from April through June.

State Grants for Food and Housing: Illinois State Treasurer’s office is awarding nearly $200,000 in grants to 10 small nonprofits across the state to expand food and housing help, funded through nonprofit annual-report fees. Local Impact of Data Centers: A Galena community forum will take public questions on how data-center growth could affect electricity, water supply, utility bills, and infrastructure costs. Illinois Tollway Economic Boost: A new Illinois Economic Policy Institute study says Tollway modernization projects have supported nearly 150,000 jobs and delivered a $28 billion economic boost since 2012. CPS Budget Pressure: Chicago Public Schools leaders say the board must pass a budget to make September payroll, as layoffs and furloughs remain in the spotlight. Housing and Renter Protections in Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson and aldermen are advancing competing proposals on renter protections and evictions. Law Enforcement and Accountability: Illinois signed utility-bill changes clarifying charges and discounts, while separate coverage highlights ongoing scrutiny of state policing actions and ethics in Springfield.

CPS Budget Fight: Chicago Public Schools held public hearings after announcing a $732.5 million deficit plan that would cut 760 teachers, 801 aides, and 162 central office jobs, plus furlough days and a midyear spending freeze—sparking packed testimony from educators and local officials. Social Security Push: A bipartisan Senate bill would use the Social Security Advisory Board to draft a “base bill” to extend solvency, with a backup requirement that leaders introduce legislation if the board doesn’t act—coming as trust funds are projected to run out of full-benefit capacity in 2032. Election Access & Integrity: Illinois-linked debate continues as national proposals would tighten voter ID and mail-ballot rules; meanwhile, Illinois court action unsealed divorce records tied to a political candidate, arguing voters deserve a full chance to vet. Local Ballot Changes: Urbana voters will decide a mayoral recall and a charter amendment aimed at blocking data centers, after petition signatures cleared and a federal lawsuit is pending. Public Safety Tech: Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department says it’s using drones for event monitoring and perimeter checks, with required public notice. Courts & Consumer Law: A Seventh Circuit ruling says text messages aren’t “phone calls” under the TCPA, limiting class-action claims. Business & Jobs: Mars Wrigley signals hundreds of layoffs tied to relocating corporate operations to Chicago.

Ethics & Accountability: Gov. JB Pritzker is urging Illinois’ Legislative Ethics Commission to publicly release an inspector general report tied to disgraced former Rep. Harry Benton, as scrutiny grows over how House Speaker Chris Welch’s office handled prior harassment claims. Chicago Schools Budget Fight: CPS’ plan to cut 760 teachers and 801 support staff drew a sharp CTU backlash, with the union calling it “dead on arrival” amid ongoing debate over how to close a $732 million gap. Historic Preservation: West Chicago’s last operating one-room schoolhouse, the McAuley School, is getting a $1.6 million restoration after years of neglect, with state grant funding helping reopen it for educational use. Public Safety & Transparency: A federal DHS policy is refusing to name agents involved in certain killings, pushing local agencies and residents to demand more openness. Federal Contracting Corruption: An Illinois masonry contractor and owner agreed to a $7.2 million civil resolution over kickbacks in a 30th Street Station renovation tied to Amtrak contract changes. Environment & Health: New research and local reporting raise alarms about warehouse growth near homes and schools in Illinois, with residents citing elevated truck emissions and air-quality impacts.