AGP Executive Report

Inflation Watch: U.S. inflation held at 3.4% in August, but prices stayed stubbornly elevated as gas costs jumped amid the Iran conflict—keeping affordability front and center for Illinois voters. 9/11 Remembered in Chicago: Chicago Fire Department marked the 25th anniversary at Navy Pier with a solemn ceremony, including bagpipers and Taps, as leaders and firefighters reflected on the day and the response that followed. Medical Aid in Dying: Illinois’ “Deb’s Law” is set to take effect Sept. 12, letting some terminally ill adults seek lethal medication, while opponents continue to raise concerns. Public Health: Naloxone is now available in generic form in Illinois, helping stretch overdose-prevention funds without changing how the nasal spray works. Local Housing & Food Access: Gov. Pritzker announced a $26M Illinois Grocery Initiative push, including a new $4.5M Grocery Rescue Program to help reopen recently closed stores. Chicago Crime: A woman was shot and killed while driving in Back of the Yards early Friday; police say no arrests have been made. Schools & Pay: New state salary rankings show several Illinois districts with administrators among the lowest in the state, including Lick Creek CUSD 16 and Monticello CUSD 25.

Chicago Politics: Illinois Democrats and Republicans are leaning on big-name events and national figures to energize voters ahead of midterms, with Democrats spotlighting cost pressures and Republicans pushing contrasts from their Dallas convention. Public Safety: Will County confirmed its first 2026 human West Nile case; the state reports 24 cases statewide this year, with two deaths. Local Government: Ald. Matt O’Shea says he won’t seek re-election in 2027, endorsing his chief of staff as his likely successor. City Services: A South Side 70-year-old says a broken elevator and other building problems have left her relying on stairs, prompting city response after years of complaints. Community & Culture: Patti Smith returned to Chicago to receive the Harold Washington Literary Award, and Mayor Brandon Johnson declared Sept. 10 “Patti Smith Day.” Sports: The Pirates completed a three-game sweep of the White Sox with a 2-0 win behind Jared Jones’ one-hit pitching. Health & Policy: A new study on “healthy checkout” rules links them to lower soda and small candy sales, but says enforcement matters.

Corn & Soybeans: Illinois farmers are dealing with a third straight year of corn leaf aphids, which can interfere with kernel formation; University of Illinois research urges scouting about two weeks before pollination and considering different hybrids. Farm Economics: Higher wheat prices are making double-crop soybeans look more profitable in warmer parts of the state, with one estimate topping $309 per acre. Public Safety (Chicago): A Bronzeville woman says she was shot nearly a dozen times outside her home as she prepared to take her daughter to school, with security video capturing the ambush. Courts: Circuit Judge Heidi A. Benson was elected chief judge of the 9th Judicial Circuit, becoming the first woman to lead the circuit. Business/Industry (Chicago): Hiperbaric will showcase hot isostatic pressing systems at IMTS 2026 at McCormick Place. Health: A new WHO-linked report says treating hearing loss can help prevent some dementia cases. Sports: The Brewers swept the Cubs, and Milwaukee sent Brandon Sproat back to Triple-A after ninth-inning trouble. Higher Costs: Gas prices remain elevated for Illinois drivers, with commuters urged to compare stations.

MLS Spotlight: Lionel Messi set up Carlos Casemiro for the equalizer as Inter Miami battled the Chicago Fire to a 1-1 draw at Soldier Field, with a record crowd of 63,094 watching. Chicago Sports: The Brewers completed a sweep of the Cubs, 8-6, extending Milwaukee’s NL Central lead; in another matchup, Pittsburgh beat the White Sox 4-2. NFL Watch: Week 1 injury updates are rolling in, with several key players trending toward playing while others are limited. Public Safety: A 14-year-old girl was sexually abused after a Chicago photographer allegedly picked her up and drove her to a Harvard park; prosecutors say he met her through his work. Health Alert: Illinois officials reported a measles exposure tied to an Amtrak train route heading to Chicago. State Politics: Gov. JB Pritzker renewed calls for AI limits after a whistleblower resignation, urging action from Big Tech and Washington. Utilities: Nicor Gas reached a settlement to cut its proposed rate increase by about $140 million. Local Life: MapQuest posted a Lake Ontario billboard in Chicago, pushing back on a “Lake America” renaming effort.

Housing & Development: Chicago leaders cut the ribbon on The Bellwether Residences, a $64.2 million office-to-home conversion at 79 W. Monroe St. that turns 11 floors into 117 mixed-income units, with 41 affordable homes, under Mayor Brandon Johnson’s LaSalle Street Reimagined push. Public Safety & Health: A national study of 230,000+ pediatric trauma patients finds common blood-pressure cutoffs may miss early circulatory trouble, suggesting clinicians may need to act at higher levels than current references. Immigration Oversight: Illinois Democrats in Congress are urging a federal probe into DHS agents’ alleged excessive force during the Operation Midway Blitz, citing a pattern of misconduct and misleading public statements. Road & Crash Updates: Illinois State Police reported injuries after a semi jackknifed on I-74 in Peoria, blocking the left lane; in the south suburbs, a Hazel Crest woman faces felony charges after an I-57 rollover killed an infant and injured four toddlers. State Legal Fight: Attorney General Kwame Raoul says he won relief in a lawsuit challenging Trump administration conditions tied to Fair Housing Assistance Program funding. Sports: White Sox starter Davis Martin aims for a bounce-back win vs. the Pirates, while the Cubs send Kevin Gausman to try to avoid a Brewers sweep.

Medical Aid in Dying Fight: A federal judge is weighing whether to halt Illinois’ End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act as disability-rights groups argue it discriminates and could pressure patients. State Watchdog Shakeup: Illinois’ Legislative Inspector General Michael McCuskey is resigning amid criticism, leaving the post in flux again. Chicago Safety & Crime: A 6-year-old student died after being hit by a school bus in Frankfort; in Chicago, prosecutors say a mother charged with murder was in a psychotic state when her 2-year-old son was strangled. Courts & Rights: Catholic leaders and a pharmacist are suing over the assisted-suicide law, while disability groups press their federal challenge. Tech & Public Space: Delivery robots in Chicago reportedly swarmed sidewalks after a glitch, adding to safety concerns. Sports: The Cubs lost 4-3 to the Brewers in 10 innings; the Pirates crushed the White Sox 9-3; and the Bears named Caleb Williams, Joe Thuney, TJ Edwards, Grady Jarrett and Cairo Santos as 2026 captains. Science & Economy: SIU researchers say they’ve converted plastic into protein for food, and Illinois tourism topped $88B in economic impact last year.

Little Calumet River Crash: A car with five people went into the Little Calumet River early Tuesday; one man died after being rescued, and a 26-year-old woman is missing while the driver was cited for speeding. Court Watch: Corie Walsh, accused of killing her 2-year-old son, is set to appear in Frankfort court Tuesday on three first-degree murder counts; prosecutors say she was “very invested” in the Lindsay Clancy case. Chicago Public Safety & Events: Chicago officials plan for Mexican Independence Day events, including El Grito in Grant Park and the 26th Street parade in Little Village, amid lingering community concerns about immigration enforcement. Gaming Help for Problem Gamblers: Illinois regulators advanced proposed changes to self-exclusion rules, adding shorter ban options (six months, one year, three years) for people seeking help. Local Business & Jobs: Limerick engineering firm DECI will open a Chicago office and create 250 jobs. Tech & Education: Mark Cuban Foundation and Perficient are bringing a free AI bootcamp to Chicago teens this fall. Sports: Brewers host the Cubs Tuesday with Jacob Misiorowski on the mound in a rematch. Tourism Record: Illinois tourism hit new highs in 2025, with 115M visitors spending $50.2B.

CTA Transit Safety: A man died after jumping from a moving CTA Red Line train near 69th Street, landing on the electrified third rail and being struck by another train; Red Line delays followed while police investigate. Workforce Funding: Gov. JB Pritzker announced $11.4 million for workforce development through a Job Training and Economic Development Program, including $504,306 for Johnson County. Violence in Chicago: Two boys, ages 14 and 17, were critically injured in a Grand Boulevard shooting; police also reported a 16-year-old girl seriously hurt in Little Village. Labor Day in Southern Illinois: Unions gathered for a long-running Labor Day picnic in Du Quoin, celebrating skilled trades and community ties. Sports & Community: The Bears’ 1985 Super Bowl fullback Matt Suhey died at 68; and Illinois announced Memorial Stadium is sold out for the Duke game. Local Research: UI and the University of Chicago collaborated on nanodiamond sensor research to study conditions inside single cells.

Labor Day violence in Chicago: Chicago police report at least 6 people killed and 18 others wounded in shootings over the Labor Day weekend, with most incidents on the South and West sides. Court case update: A woman charged in a South Side shooting that killed a man is set to appear in court Monday, according to CBS Chicago. Child-murder case: Illinois prosecutors say Corie Walsh was “very invested” in the Lindsay Clancy trial before she allegedly killed her 2-year-old son; her lawyer argues she was in a “psychotic episode.” Statehouse & policy: Illinois regulators are proposing changes to make gambling self-exclusion easier, including expanding access beyond the state’s current lottery-only list. Sports & local culture: Bears legend Matt Suhey, a 1985 Super Bowl champion, died at 68; and Chicagoans marked Gloria Steinem’s legacy with reflections on her ties to the LGBTQ+ community. Education & money: New Illinois Report Card data shows Rome CUSD 2 administrators rank among the lowest in average salary statewide, while other districts like Morrison CUSD 6 and Huntley CUSD 158 fall at different points on the pay scale.

Chicago Sports: The White Sox kept rolling in the AL Central, crushing the Twins 10-1 as Sam Antonacci went off with three doubles and the bullpen held Minnesota to four hits. Wrigley Field Spotlight: Nebraska’s volleyball match at Wrigley Field against Missouri was repeatedly delayed by moisture on the court, with officials resetting play after slips and using a moisture-absorbing solution to get the match going again. Big Ten/SEC History: Kentucky made its own Wrigley debut moment, beating Penn State 3-1 in the first-ever collegiate volleyball match at the ballpark. Public Health: West Nile Virus has been confirmed in 17 Illinois counties this year, with officials urging residents to use repellent and protect themselves from mosquito bites. Local Life & Safety: Joliet’s Chicago Street ramps to westbound I-80 are set to close starting Tuesday night as part of interchange rebuild work. Community: A free Friendly Visiting Program is offering in-person and virtual social connection for seniors in Kankakee, Will, and Grundy counties.

Gun Violence Update: Chicago police are investigating a triple shooting on the West Side Sunday morning, with three people wounded after shots were fired from a car in the 600 block of South Independence Boulevard; no arrests were reported. Southwest Side Fatality: A 28-year-old man was shot and killed after an argument on Kedzie Avenue; he drove himself to Holy Cross Hospital before dying, and detectives are still seeking a suspect. Labor Day Mail-Voting Fight: A federal court battle over President Trump’s mail-voting order could reshape how Illinois ballots move through the Postal Service, with Illinois voters watching as the legal fight heads toward the Nov. 3 midterms. End-of-Life Law Challenge: Catholic religious sisters and leaders sued in federal court to block Illinois’ assisted-suicide law, arguing it forces objecting providers to inform and refer patients. Local Data Watch: Chicago reported 45 class C misdemeanor arrests in Q2 2026, and the city’s broader violence trends remain a key concern heading into the holiday weekend. Road Work: Illinois Route 2 bridge repairs over the Rock River begin Sept. 8, with one lane open and temporary signals during the project.

Chicago Violence: At least two people were killed and three hurt in shootings across Chicago during Labor Day weekend, according to CPD. Labor & Politics: While the Socialism 2026 conference drew big names inside the Hyatt Regency, hotel workers protested outside over expired contracts and pay. Courts & Civil Rights: A Chicago-area attorney filed a civil lawsuit against a federal agent over a 2025 Brookfield incident, arguing the agent should have faced felony charges. Assisted Suicide Fight: Catholic nuns and the Chicago archbishop renewed legal action against Illinois’ medical aid-in-dying law on religious grounds. Local Business & Community: A Black orthodontist opened a Chicago practice aimed at closing representation gaps in the field. Sports—Chicago Fire: Toronto FC rallied late for a 4-4 draw with Chicago Fire, with Josh Sargent scoring a hat trick. Sports—White Sox: Munetaka Murakami hit his 30th homer, but Chicago fell 6-4 to Minnesota after squandering an early lead. Sports—College Football (Illinois fans): No. 22 Iowa routed Northern Illinois 40-0 in the season opener, powered by Kamari Moulton’s 183 rushing yards and two TDs. Agriculture: Farm Credit Illinois reports farmland values across central and southern Illinois were basically flat year over year.

Labor Day Safety: Illinois State Police, IDOT, and local agencies are stepping up enforcement through Sept. 8, warning drivers that impaired driving is “Not a Game” after last year’s holiday weekend saw nine road deaths, including alcohol-related crashes. School Performance Scrutiny: State Rep. Regan Deering is calling for more accountability after concerns about Hillcrest High School’s academics, citing low proficiency figures and urging clearer oversight. Public Safety & Crime: A 19-year-old pleaded guilty in a McHenry crash that killed two teenage siblings; prosecutors say the driver hit speeds near 100 mph and had a .28 blood alcohol level. Chicago Tragedy: A Frankfort mother, Corie Walsh, was charged with murder after her 2-year-old son was found hanging in a basement; reports say she had been closely following the Lindsay Clancy trial. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows several Illinois cities, including Jonesboro and Benton, tied for low but active scam reporting in July. Sports & Local Life: Illinois and Northern Illinois kick off the weekend’s college football slate, while Chicago’s Labor Day parade and weekend events bring extra attention to safety planning.

Assisted-Suicide Court Fight: Cardinal Blase Cupich, Catholic nuns, and a pharmacist filed a federal lawsuit to block Illinois’ medically assisted dying law, arguing it violates religious rights and would force participation in suicide-related care. Family Tragedy in Suburbs: In Frankfort, a suburban mother, Corie A. Walsh, was charged with murder after her 2-year-old son was found dead in a basement; prosecutors say she had been following the Lindsay Clancy trial closely. Chicago Violence Update: Chicago police said a 9-year-old shot a 13-year-old in Fuller Park; the teen was taken to a hospital and initially listed in critical condition. Animal Rescue Fallout: Shedd Aquarium reported a second beluga death after Marineland transfers, with Rain dying weeks after arriving; Shedd is investigating multiple beluga deaths in the relocation effort. Sports & Local Life: The Chicago Sky’s owner called Enes Kanter Freedom’s federal lawsuit “meritless and frivolous” after his ejection; meanwhile, Week 3 high school football scores rolled in statewide. Public Safety Over Labor Day: Chicago’s Labor Day plan focuses on preventing violence, managing events, and protecting the lake and waterways.

WNBA Legal Fight: Enes Kanter Freedom filed a federal lawsuit in Illinois after he says the Chicago Sky, the arena authority and the City of Chicago booted him from Wintrust Arena on Aug. 23, arguing the shirt message and his conduct were wrongly treated as grounds for removal. Public Safety & Health: Chicago Public Schools custodian Josue Pire Hidalgo was released from ICE detention after 42 days and returned to his family, who say the stop happened during a long-awaited asylum appointment. Healthcare Access: Illinois Rep. Lauren Underwood criticized Prime Healthcare after it announced it will suspend OB/GYN, labor and delivery, and maternity services at three Chicago-area hospitals, pointing to “broken promises” and lack of answers for patients. Tourism Boost: Illinois tourism hit record highs in 2025, with $50.2B in visitor spending and $88B in total economic impact. Local Culture: WTTW’s “Chicago Stories” returns this fall with four new documentaries, including a focus on the 1893 World’s Fair and Chicago’s immigrant communities. Weather Watch: A heat advisory remains in effect as the Chicago area faces another dangerous day of high temperatures and humidity.

Assisted Dying Fight: Cardinal Blase Cupich, Catholic nuns, and a downstate pharmacist joined a federal lawsuit to block Illinois’ Medical Aid in Dying law, set to take effect Sept. 12, arguing it undermines human dignity and forces opponents to participate. WNBA Legal Clash: Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom sued the Chicago Sky, Wintrust Arena operator MPEA, and the city after an Aug. 23 ejection and an indefinite ban, saying it violated his First Amendment rights. Chicago Budget Pressure: Mayor Brandon Johnson is facing an $882 million gap heading into 2027, with deficit-reduction plans and layoffs/tax questions looming. Bridge Problems in Heat: NBC 5 reported inspection records show the DuSable Lake Shore Drive bridge was “structurally deficient” and “functionally obsolete” after it jammed during extreme heat, with other Loop bridges flagged too. Cubs vs. Brewers: Pete Crow-Armstrong hit his 39th homer and Kevin Gausman went seven strong as the Cubs beat the Brewers 2-1 to salvage a series split. Bears Injury Watch: Rome Odunze and D’Andre Swift left practice with apparent injuries as Week 1 approaches.