AGP Executive Report

Election Watch: Chicago mayoral hopefuls turned in nominating petitions Monday, with the race potentially reaching 12 candidates. Early-voting rallies also drew crowds across the area, 10 days before the midterms. Transportation: The first I-490 interchange has opened, linking the new O’Hare-area toll road with I-294 and Franklin Park. Cost of Living: Illinois gas prices climbed nearly 23 cents in a week to an average $4.87 a gallon. Downstate: Another 11 counties will vote on exploring separation from Illinois, bringing the number that have considered the move to 45 of 102; any split would require state and federal approval. Public Safety: State and local agencies will conduct an emergency-response drill Tuesday near the Braidwood nuclear plant, with federal evaluators and a public briefing scheduled for Friday in Joliet. Sports: Illinois football stunned No. 5 Oregon, 21-10, behind a strong defensive effort and freshman quarterback Michael Clayton II.

Public Safety: A Chicago gas-station shooting left one man dead and two wounded Saturday night. Separately, a pregnant woman was seriously wounded in a Lawndale drive-by, and a man was critically injured in a Little Village shooting Sunday. Transit: Lake Street Bridge work will keep Green and Pink Line service disrupted through 4 a.m. Wednesday; Brown, Orange and Purple lines are set to resume normal Loop service Monday. Illinois Politics: Eleven more counties will vote on nonbinding measures exploring separation from Cook County. Thirty-three counties have already voted in favor, though any split would require major legal and political steps. Illini Football: Illinois upset No. 2 Oregon 21-10, and the Ducks fired offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer Sunday after the loss. Southern Illinois: A $25.1 million federal grant will fund track, equipment and facility upgrades along a 124-mile freight rail line from Evansville to Okawville.

Public Safety: One man was killed and two wounded when gunmen opened fire at a Garfield Park gas station Saturday night. Police said three attackers fled in a white SUV; no arrests were reported. Illinois Football: The Illini upset Oregon 21-10, as freshman quarterback Michael Clayton II threw two touchdown passes and Aidan Laughery ran for 123 yards and a score. Chicago Ballot: Voters will weigh a nonbinding question on whether the city should seek federal compensation for costs and business losses tied to the 2025 Operation Midway Blitz. Jobs and Manufacturing: Hyundai Translead is expanding its Joliet operations, with the project expected to create about 1,250 jobs. Schools: Mold problems have disrupted classes at schools across the Chicago area, as heavier storms and damp buildings add to concerns about indoor air quality.

Illini Upset: Illinois rallied from a 10-point deficit to beat Oregon 21-10 in Champaign, with freshman quarterback Michael Clayton II throwing two touchdowns and the defense shutting out the Ducks after halftime. Chicago Fire: Chicago rallied for a 3-2 win at Atlanta, reaching 50 points for a second straight season. Public Health: Will County is investigating five E. coli cases potentially linked to Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen; the farm has closed its petting zoo while the investigation continues. Local Taxes: More than 80 Illinois local tax referendums are on the Nov. 3 ballot, seeking a combined $2.4 billion in borrowing and about $217 million in annual spending. Transportation: IDOT is developing a statewide intercity bus plan as the new I-490 tollway connection opens in the Chicago suburbs. Chicago Safety: An 18-year-old man was seriously wounded in a Little Village shooting Saturday; police are investigating.

Transportation: A 1.5-mile stretch of the new I-490 tollway opened Saturday between I-294 and Franklin Avenue, beginning a long-awaited connection near O’Hare. The $4.3 billion project is expected to improve freight and suburban travel; further construction continues toward a planned 2029 opening. State Government: State Rep. Dan Ugaste proposed a constitutional amendment allowing voters to recall elected officials beyond the governor, with petition thresholds varying by office. Public Safety: A 34-year-old woman was seriously wounded in a drive-by shooting Friday night in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood. No arrests have been announced. Higher Education: Illinois State University trustees approved a $105 million FY2028 operating budget request and $412.5 million in capital funding, along with storm-repair contracts. Southern Illinois: Drought conditions are expanding, with the region south of a Springfield-Decatur-Champaign line at least abnormally dry. Meanwhile, the Lincoln Memorial Bridge between Illinois and Indiana is set to close Nov. 16 through March 2027 for repairs.

Chicago Bears: Chicago beat New England 30-24, but tight end Cole Kmet will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. Illinois Basketball: No. 3 Illinois fell 95-91 to Baylor after trailing by 19 at halftime; the comeback came amid defensive communication problems and several player injuries. Gambling Oversight: Illinois regulators proposed bringing video gambling terminals into the state’s self-exclusion program for people seeking to avoid gambling. Chicago Politics: Mayor Brandon Johnson filed for reelection, facing a crowded field and weak poll numbers. South Side Funeral Home: City officials connected families affected by the discovery of 55 decaying bodies with support services as questions about their loved ones’ remains persist. Higher Education: The University of Illinois Foundation reported record giving of $748.3 million in fiscal 2026. Public Safety: Palatine police are seeking help finding 79-year-old Harold Harkavy, last seen driving east on I-94 in Wisconsin.

Transportation: The first 1.5-mile stretch of the $4.3 billion I-490 tollway opens overnight Friday, linking I-294 with Franklin Avenue and giving suburban commuters and freight traffic a route around Rosemont. Bears: Chicago beat New England 30–24 to improve to 5–2, but tight end Cole Kmet is believed to have a serious, potentially season-ending knee injury; testing is underway. City Budget: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed $17.6 billion budget includes $427 million in higher taxes and fees, drawing opposition from aldermen and business leaders. Mayor’s Race: Alexi Giannoulias, Mike Quigley and other hopefuls have filed petitions for Chicago’s February election, with Brandon Johnson expected to join them. Transit Safety: The CTA has launched a pilot sending mental health, crisis-response and community violence specialists to stations and terminals on the Blue, Green and Red lines.

Bears: Chicago beat New England 30-24 as Caleb Williams threw for 308 yards and two touchdowns, while Cairo Santos sealed it with a 58-yard field goal. Tight end Cole Kmet left late with a knee injury. Ditka Tribute: Soldier Field honored the late coach with mustache giveaways, sweater-inspired headbands and a moment of silence. Illinois Politics: Republican secretary of state candidate Diane Harris criticized incumbent Alexi Giannoulias for also running for Chicago mayor, raising questions about voters’ choices next month. Public Safety: U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi says anti-Indian hostility is turning violent and is pressing the FBI for answers about an alleged plot targeting a Hindu temple near Chicago. Energy Costs: Consumer groups warn Illinois households could bear some of the $3 billion cost of ComEd data-center upgrades. Roads: New lanes have opened on I-294 between I-55 and Ogden Avenue as construction continues. Tourism: The state is offering $2.4 million in grants to improve attractions, festivals and events.

Data Center Costs: ComEd expects to spend $3.1 billion connecting data centers to its grid, but developers have committed only about $721 million so far. Consumer groups warn Illinois households and small businesses could face the bill if projects fall through; ComEd disputes that risk. Jobs and Investment: Hyundai Translead is raising its planned Will County investment to $600 million and its job commitment to 3,750, adding a third production shift. Chicago Budget: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed budget calls for $427 million in higher taxes and fees plus $231 million in one-time revenue, drawing opposition from aldermen. Transit Safety: The CTA’s yearlong, $9.6 million Safe Riders pilot puts trained specialists on parts of the Blue, Green and Red lines to help de-escalate conflicts and connect riders with services. Autonomous Vehicles: State Rep. Kam Buckner wants the Northern Illinois Transit Authority to study how driverless vehicles could connect riders to mass transit; his pilot bill remains stalled. Federal Charges: A Schaumburg lab co-owner was indicted in an alleged $66 million COVID-testing fraud scheme involving tests that prosecutors say were never performed.

Temple Attack Probe: 105 members of Congress, led by Illinois Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, urged the FBI to investigate an attempted shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora as a potential hate crime. Chicago Budget: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $17 billion spending plan faces early resistance, including over proposed corporate and package-delivery taxes. Big Ten: Oregon visits Illinois on Saturday without quarterback Dante Moore, who remains out with a concussion, or top receiver Evan Stewart. Bulls: Toronto routed Chicago 135-92 in the season opener, forcing 27 turnovers; rookie Caleb Wilson scored 16 points but gave the ball away nine times. Public Health: Advocate Illinois Masonic’s cafeteria was shut after inspectors found about 200 live roaches and black slime. Food Access: A Northern Illinois Food Bank giveaway in Belvidere served about 200 families and ran out of food. State Services: Illinois State Police opened a FOID and concealed-carry license help kiosk in Ullin.

Chicago Budget: Mayor Brandon Johnson is making his case for a 2027 budget to address the city’s $882 million shortfall, with a corporate head tax among the proposals likely to draw debate. Public Health: DuPage County reported a measles case in a vaccinated resident after international travel and warned of possible exposure at O’Hare Terminal 5 on Oct. 15. Temple Attack Probe: A bipartisan group of 105 lawmakers is urging the FBI to investigate an alleged plot against an Aurora Hindu temple as a possible hate crime. Southern Illinois: The state withdrew its application to close Choate’s 75-bed psychiatric unit, but still plans to cut capacity to 25 beds, raising concerns about access to care. Privacy: Two lawsuits allege Chicago delivery-robot companies collected customers’ facial and hand measurements without consent, violating Illinois’ biometric privacy law. Bears: Caleb Williams earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 305 yards and a touchdown in his return from injury.

U.S. Senate Race: Democrat Juliana Stratton and Republican Don Tracy clashed over Iran, immigration and affordability in their only scheduled face-to-face forum before Illinois’ Nov. 3 election. Hate-Crime Probe: 105 members of Congress urged the FBI to investigate the alleged attempted shooting at an Aurora Hindu temple as a potential federal hate crime. Biometrics Lawsuit: Apple must face a class-action trial over claims its Photos app unlawfully scanned faces under Illinois privacy law; the case could involve millions of people. Medical Debt: Illinois says it has erased $1.4 billion in medical debt for nearly 700,000 residents, surpassing its goal while spending less than $10 million in state funds. Public Health: Chicago suspended the cafeteria license at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center after inspectors found more than 200 live cockroaches and black slime in an ice machine. Household Costs: Regulators approved a reduced Nicor Gas rate increase expected to add about $2 a month to residential bills starting in November. Jobs: Illinois’ unemployment rate dipped to 4.6% in September, but the state lost 7,200 payroll jobs.

Public Safety: Five people were found shot dead in a Mundelein home in an apparent murder-suicide, police say. The FBI added Joseph Matos, accused in the 2021 killing of Illinois National Guardsman Chrys Carvajal, to its Ten Most Wanted list and raised the reward to $1 million. Chicago: Midway’s runway closure for repairs could cause delays and cancellations through mid-November. Advocate Illinois Masonic’s cafeteria was shut after inspectors found more than 200 live cockroaches and black slime contaminating ice; the hospital says alternative meals are available. Elections: Early voting is underway statewide ahead of Nov. 3, while Chicago mayoral candidates file petitions to get on the ballot. Housing: The Illinois Supreme Court is launching legal clinics at SIU, UIUC and NIU law schools to help residents facing eviction, foreclosure and other housing challenges. On the Roads: IDOT warns drivers to watch for deer through mating season; Illinois recorded 14,529 deer-related crashes in 2025.

Chicago Politics: Early voting is expanding across Chicago and Cook County as mayoral candidates file petitions; a new poll puts Mayor Brandon Johnson’s approval at 22%. Public Safety: Little Village leaders are calling for action after three shootings in recent days, including a fatal shooting and a drive-by that wounded four. Police have not confirmed a connection between the incidents. Transportation: IDOT is studying Route 15 through East St. Louis after years of safety concerns and a September crash that killed a Belleville West student. Separately, the state reports 14,529 deer-related crashes in 2025 and urges drivers to stay alert through the December rut. Health: Chicago suspended Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center’s cafeteria license after inspectors found more than 200 cockroaches and sanitation violations. Energy Bills: Ameren is adding $5 million for Illinois customer assistance, with eligible households able to receive up to $500. Education: City Colleges of Chicago and its faculty union reached a tentative contract deal, averting a strike. Illini Basketball: Illinois opens the season ranked No. 3 nationally, its second-highest preseason ranking.

Labor Deal: City Colleges of Chicago reached a tentative contract agreement with its union, averting a strike after faculty and staff had prepared to walk out. Election 2026: Early voting is expanding across Chicago and the suburbs, as school board races draw millions in campaign spending. Bears: Caleb Williams returned from injury to lead Chicago to a 31-23 win over Atlanta; Gov. JB Pritzker also signaled fresh optimism about a stadium deal that could keep the team in Chicago. Public Safety: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s Illinois office received a suspicious package amid nationwide threats. Illinois leaders and community groups also condemned an alleged plot to attack an Aurora Hindu temple; the 19-year-old suspect has been charged. City Concerns: At least 19 people were shot, three fatally, in Chicago over the weekend. More than 1,000 birds were injured or killed in building collisions during migration, renewing calls for bird-safe windows.

City Colleges: About 1,500 faculty and staff are preparing to strike Monday if negotiations fail; talks remain deadlocked over wages, benefits, AI protections and student access. Election 2026: Early voting expands Monday to all 50 Chicago wards and 56 suburban Cook County sites. The Nov. 3 ballot also includes 20 Chicago school board races, where campaign spending is surging. Public Safety: At least 19 people were shot and three killed in Chicago over the weekend, according to police. Bears: Caleb Williams returned from a hamstring injury to throw for 305 yards and a touchdown in Chicago’s 31-23 win over Atlanta. Kyler Gordon added three sacks and two forced fumbles in his season debut. High School Football: The IHSA set playoff pairings for a 384-team field, with the expanded format giving the top eight teams in each class a first-round bye.