AGP Executive Report

Data Centers & Energy: Wisconsin governor candidates spar over AI data center growth, with residents citing energy, water, and tax-exemption concerns and calls for tighter regulation or even a moratorium. Public Safety & Labor: A Downers Grove storm-sewer rescue ended in tragedy for an Illinois-area worker swept underground during a pipe rehabilitation project. Inflation & Markets: Fed Chair Kevin Warsh defended holding rates steady amid inflation debate, while markets watched for clearer signals. Student Debt: Nearly 1 in 5 Illinois federal student loan borrowers are now in default, raising worries about household budgets and broader economic drag. Food & Health: Illinois households are being asked to weigh in on food waste solutions, as hunger and landfill methane costs remain pressing. Sports Business: With MLB’s Aug. 3 trade deadline looming, teams—including the Yankees—are weighing injuries and pitching needs as rumor intensity rises. Fraud & Finance: A film producer tied to “Joker” faces federal wire fraud charges alleging a $100M Ponzi-style scheme involving Illinois investors. Local Economy: A new indoor farmers market is set to open in New Berlin, aiming to cut middlemen and boost local food access.

MLB Trade Deadline Watch: The Yankees’ Cam Schlittler takes the mound Wednesday vs. the White Sox, with New York’s lineup stacked by recent power hitters after a lopsided June meeting—another sign the club is hunting bullpen help as the deadline nears. Women’s Pro Baseball: The Women’s Pro Baseball League is set for its first season in nearly 30 years, with games in Springfield, Illinois, and marquee players like Mo’ne Davis and Kelsie Whitmore. Fraud & Finance: Federal prosecutors say Canadian film financier Jason Cloth defrauded Illinois investors of more than $100 million in an alleged Ponzi scheme tied to film projects, including “Joker.” Chicago Governance & Services: A city audit warns Chicago’s rat program is unlikely to deliver long-term control because it leans on reactive poisoning instead of proactive prevention. Health Insurance Admin: HCSC is requiring live phone calls for ABA prior authorizations, raising concerns about delays and bottlenecks for providers. State Legal Fight: Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan asks the U.S. Supreme Court to hear his corruption appeal.

MLB Deadline Watch: With Aug. 3 looming, experts floated blockbuster trade ideas centered on Detroit’s Tarik Skubal and other top names, underscoring how quickly contenders may need to swing. Illinois Energy Costs: A new analysis of Illinois electricity pricing and appliance usage found portable air conditioners, electric clothes dryers, and upright freezers are among the priciest everyday energy users for households in 2026. Corporate & Markets: Stocks posted modest gains even as chipmakers continued to slide, while Illinois Tool Works rose after reporting stronger-than-expected results. Higher Ed Legal Battle: A federal judge blocked Illinois’ in-state tuition and aid for undocumented students, dealing another blow to the state’s RISE and DREAM Act programs. Local Business & Community: Quincy’s planning commission heard more solar proposals tied to the JM Huber caves, with residents pushing back even as developers adjusted setbacks. Healthcare Access: Memorial Hospital and McDonough District Hospital announced a regional collaboration to expand obstetric and gynecologic care across west-central Illinois.

Education Policy: Gov. JB Pritzker signed a statewide bell-to-bell cellphone ban for Illinois classrooms, with limited exceptions, aiming to cut distractions and boost learning outcomes. Healthcare Access: Patients and advocates rallied to demand reopening of safety-net hospitals Weiss Memorial (Uptown) and West Suburban Medical Center (Austin), arguing closures are harming already vulnerable communities. Real Estate & Energy: Developers broke ground on Chicago’s first all-electric geothermal apartment tower at 410 N. Elizabeth, a 724-unit project with 77 affordable units backed by a $102M construction loan. Local Politics: A report raises questions about whether Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s office ever investigated older domestic violence and harassment allegations tied to his rise to speaker. Business & Courts: A federal class action was filed in Chicago against Wix.com over claims tied to how its AI product performance and costs were presented. Corporate Finance: Chicago-based Mondelez reported Q2 results, while multiple investor “alert” filings continued to target major public companies.

MLB Trade Deadline Watch: With Aug. 3 looming, teams including the Cubs, White Sox, Mets, Dodgers, Brewers, Yankees and Tigers are weighing whether to buy or sell as many clubs hold talks until the last week. Illinois Energy & Jobs: Gov. JB Pritzker’s push to lift Illinois’ nuclear ban is moving from policy to siting, with state agencies exploring where new plants could go to avoid future power shortfalls. Local Real Estate: Oak Brook’s The Inland Real Estate Group added Matthew Beverly as head of asset management, signaling continued value-creation focus across its portfolio. Nuclear Development Interest: Nine Illinois communities are publicly signaling interest in hosting new nuclear reactors. Legal/Immigration: A federal court fight over Illinois in-state tuition for undocumented students continues after a judge struck down the program. Workplace Rights: Remote-work disability accommodation disputes are rising, with more return-to-office mandates triggering new lawsuits. Chicago Housing Market: Rent is ticking up, but more listings are offering concessions, keeping deal activity alive for renters. Tech & AI: New research says low-quality AI videos dominate TikTok feeds for new users and children. Business Mobility: TravelAI acquired the Sonder brand and relaunched Sonder.com as a consumer travel guide.

Illinois Politics & Governance: Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara announced he’s resigning mid-third term to lead the Illinois Municipal League, a leadership shift that could ripple through local priorities and budgets. Courts & Consumer/Business Risk: A federal class action was filed in Northern Illinois against Hub Group alleging misstatements tied to revenue recognition and internal controls; investors in the 2023-2026 window have until Aug. 28 to seek lead-plaintiff status. Food Safety & Supply Chains: A Lisle-based company recalled 12,000+ pounds of bacon due to lack of import reinspection, while Reuters reports retailers are pulling produce tied to Mexico’s expanding cyclosporiasis outbreak. Weather & Infrastructure Disruption: Severe storms hit the Chicago area again, with ComEd reporting power outages for 249,000+ customers, plus major airport delays and transit disruptions. Higher Ed & Workforce: Loyola University Chicago will sunset its Hispanic Studies master’s program after a program review, with current students able to finish. Business Finance & Lending: SBA chief Kelly Loeffler backs raising the $5 million SBA lending cap (7(a)/504) toward $10 million, and Midland States Bank received an SBA 504 lender award. Tech & Capital Markets: A new report warns AI-driven debt is rising fast for major tech “hyperscalers,” with investors getting nervous about longer-dated borrowing. Local Economy & Public Services: Illinois Secretary of State Giannoulias is bringing REAL ID, license/registration renewals, genealogy searches, and other services to an Illinois State Fair tent to reduce DMV trips.

MLB Trade Deadline Watch: With Aug. 3 looming, teams are weighing moves like Detroit’s Tarik Skubal, Boston’s Aroldis Chapman, and other contenders’ pitching and lineup needs as the Cubs and White Sox continue deadline planning. Chicago Sports Business: The Bears open training camp this week with Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson’s offense under the microscope, while Chicago’s sports calendar stays packed. Illinois Health & Compliance: Springfield liquor compliance checks found 10 of 13 businesses selling alcohol to underage people, a reminder that enforcement is active statewide. Illinois Economy & Jobs: New metro-area jobs data shows mixed results across Illinois—gains in Chicago-area, Lake County, Champaign-Urbana and Peoria, but losses in Rockford, Springfield and Elgin. AI Governance in Illinois: Illinois’ new AI safety measures and the broader U.S. debate over regulating AI without slowing innovation keep attention on how companies will be held accountable. Local Healthcare Model: Chicago-based Town Square Health is launching a Medicare-focused primary care practice in Rochester with a flat-fee approach aimed at reducing hospital use. Energy & Power Demand: Plans for an Illinois Sports Hall of Fame at Scheels Sports Park in Springfield are moving toward a 2028 opening, betting on sports tourism and foot traffic.

MLB Trade Deadline Watch: With Aug. 3 looming, teams are weighing what to add (or sell) before the 6 p.m. ET deadline, and names like Tigers ace Tarik Skubal are drawing heavy attention as contenders map out pitching and lineup upgrades. Chicago Business & Food Access: Save A Lot is closing seven South and West Side stores after ending its deal with operator Yellow Banana, leaving shoppers scrambling and raising fresh concerns about grocery options as SNAP cuts deepen pressure. Illinois Courts & Education: A federal judge struck down Illinois’ in-state tuition and financial aid rules for illegal immigrants, dealing a blow to Gov. JB Pritzker’s higher-ed approach and setting up a likely appeal. State Infrastructure: IDOT is starting a $1.4 million resurfacing project on Illinois Route 53 in Joliet (Broadway/Ruby), with intermittent daytime lane closures and ADA sidewalk ramp upgrades. Public Health & Consumer Impact: A cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded lettuce has spread to Illinois and other states, hitting restaurant traffic and lettuce sales. Energy Costs: U.S. gas prices jumped back above $4 a gallon as renewed Middle East tensions strain fuel supply and raise costs for airlines and consumers.

Illinois Immigration Ruling: A federal judge permanently blocked Illinois’ in-state tuition, financial aid and scholarship rules for illegal immigrants, dealing another blow to Gov. JB Pritzker’s sanctuary-state agenda. Workforce Shock in the Supply Chain: Republic National Distributing plans to close two Illinois sites—Niles and Romeoville—laying off about 280 workers due to lack of financing. Back-to-School Cost Relief: Illinois’ 10-day sales tax holiday returns Aug. 7, cutting taxes on eligible clothing/footwear under $125 per item and many school supplies. AI in Schools: Illinois State Board of Education released K-12 AI guidance, fueling debate over ethics, privacy and responsible use. Local Business Recovery: Urbana’s Beck’s Country Shoppe is holding an inventory sale after tornado damage, offering up to 50% off what it can salvage while it plans a long rebuild. MLB Trade Deadline Watch (Chicago angle): The Red Sox acquired Curtis Mead from the Nationals for Connelly Early, a move that reshapes offense and pitching plans as Aug. 3 nears. Sports & Culture: The Odyssey in IMAX 70mm is drawing film fans nationwide to a Chicago-area suburb, turning a movie release into a local economic event.

Immigration & Higher Ed: A federal judge struck down Illinois’ in-state tuition and state aid rules for undocumented students, ruling the RISE Act and related benefits are “unconstitutional and invalid,” a major hit to Gov. JB Pritzker’s immigration-linked education policy. Food Access & Retail: Save A Lot stores in Chicago’s South and West sides are closing after no deal to keep them open, with residents and advocates warning the shutdowns will worsen grocery access in already food-insecure neighborhoods. Sports Business & Local Economy: The MLB trade deadline is nearing, and Chicago teams are weighing pitching upgrades as the Cubs and White Sox look at potential targets. Tech & Regulation: Illinois’ AI Safety Measures Act is now in effect, requiring transparency and independent third-party audits for major AI developers—an early state move that could shape how companies handle compliance. Local Development: Chicago’s Redevelopment Commission is repackaging the Halas Harbor site after Portage’s stadium bid was rejected, aiming to make the land easier for future developers. Community & Events: Angel Reese returned for WNBA All-Star Weekend, including a Boys & Girls Clubs surprise that also highlights the event’s local business buzz.

MLB Trade Deadline: Tarik Skubal delivered a season-high 12 strikeouts as the Tigers beat the Royals 2-1, keeping the Aug. 3 trade buzz front and center for Detroit’s ace. Illinois Courts & Immigration: A federal judge ruled Illinois can’t offer illegal immigrants special in-state college tuition or grants under the RISE and Illinois DREAM acts. Food Safety: The CDC said the cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce has expanded to nine states, including Illinois, with regulators still zeroing in on Taylor Farms. Public Health & Access: Chicago faces fresh grocery access worries as seven Save A Lot stores are set to close on the South and West sides amid SNAP cuts. Right to Repair: The FTC and state AGs secured a settlement with John Deere requiring farmers and independent shops to be able to repair equipment. AI Regulation: Illinois became the first state to require third-party audits of AI models under a new safety measures act. Energy & Industry: Marathon Petroleum filed an Illinois EPA application to update soil sampling for its Robinson Refinery permit renewal. Sports & Business Culture: WNBA All-Star weekend continues to draw major attention in Chicago, underscoring the league’s growing business momentum.

WNBA Business & Sports Marketing: Chicago is hosting the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend with the 3-Point Contest and the revamped Shooting Stars event at Wintrust Arena Friday, then the All-Star Game Saturday at the United Center—part of the league’s 30th-anniversary push to “drive the business” and broaden its footprint. Public Service & Leadership: Tri-State Food Bank CEO Zac Heronemus will step down in December as the organization credits his leadership for strengthening finances and navigating SNAP disruptions. Higher Ed Finance: Illinois State University’s Board approved a $600.4M FY2027 operating budget with a small surplus, citing a new budget framework aimed at aligning spending with projected revenue. Energy & Infrastructure: Illinois is exploring where new nuclear plants could fit as the state lifts its long-standing ban on large-scale nuclear construction; meanwhile, USDA is offering $3M for wetland mitigation banking projects with Illinois among priority states. Public Health: CDC expanded its cyclosporiasis outbreak investigation to nine states, including Illinois, tied to recalled lettuce linked to Taco Bell exposure. Local Economy & Community: Loaves & Fishes Community Services secured about $2M via New Markets Tax Credits to expand fresh-food distribution and self-sufficiency programs across Chicago suburbs. Retail Crime: A Chicago man faces mail fraud charges after allegedly swapping luxury perfume bottles with modeling clay and returning them for refunds. Manufacturing & Trade Shows: Okuma America will bring new CNC machines and automation to IMTS 2026 in Chicago (Sept. 14-19). Civic Tourism: Comptroller Mendoza released a Bronzeville tourism video highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurship in the historic South Side neighborhood.

Illinois Business & Economy: A new Illinois AI safety law is in the spotlight as the state moves toward independent third-party audits for frontier AI developers, adding to the broader push for oversight as AI adoption accelerates. Consumer & Cost Pressures: A Reuters report highlights Americans “trading down” to private-label brands like Aldi as inflation squeezes budgets, with value retailers gaining share and shifting shopping habits from a niche to a mindset. Health & Environment: University of Illinois research points to the economic fallout from wildfire smoke hitting northern Illinois, where air quality spikes have forced event cancellations and public pool closures. Local Business & Community: Chicago’s 18th Ward is hosting a Community Resource and Appreciation Day, while the Chatham Business Association plans an August 11 meeting focused on doing business in construction. Transportation & Travel: United says FAA flight caps at Chicago O’Hare will delay 10 new routes (and one to Guadalajara) as the airport’s modernization work continues. Sports Business: With the MLB trade deadline approaching Aug. 3, Detroit’s Tarik Skubal reiterated he wants to stay focused on winning a World Series, even as speculation swirls.

Healthcare & Jobs: GE HealthCare said CFO Jay Saccaro will step down Aug. 14 to pursue a role outside medtech, naming controller George Newcomb as interim CFO while the company posts preliminary Q2 results. Public Health & Food Safety: Taylor Farms is again in the spotlight as a Cyclospora outbreak expands, with recalls and sanitation questions tied to its processing plants. Finance: Byline Bancorp, Enova International and Knowles all reported Q2 results, while Wintrust approved a $0.55 quarterly dividend. Industrial Real Estate: DAS Companies sold a West Donegal Township warehouse for $15.1M, staying on a short-term lease as the property is marketed for a new tenant. State Policy: Illinois’ AI safety law moves forward with independent third-party audits for frontier AI developers, and Illinois’ first-in-the-nation crypto tax faces new legal challenges. Corrections & Courts: A Chicago-area man was sentenced to 15 years for armed robberies of armored trucks and ATMs, and the Seventh Circuit ruled marketing texts aren’t “telephone calls” under a key TCPA provision.

Illinois Business & Consumer Finance: Illinois’ long-delayed “swipe fee” overhaul is still stuck until 2027, and some small shops in central Illinois are responding by steering customers to cash-only—while lawmakers also consider a new rule limiting businesses’ ability to refuse cash payments up to $500. Health & Screening: New research presented in Chicago finds colorectal cancer screening gains since the age cutoff dropped to 45, but also flags uneven progress across race, income, and age groups. Local Business & Manufacturing: Source One Packaging says it added an OMET X6 flexographic press in New York to speed up custom shrink sleeves and labels—aimed at faster launches and more SKU capacity. Public Safety & Community: The archdiocese of Chicago is continuing an investigation into a decades-old Rev. Michael Pfleger allegation, with Pfleger removed from active ministry during the review. Agriculture & Markets: CME feeder cattle slipped on hot Midwest weather and firmer feed costs, while hogs edged higher. Sports Business: Marquette National Corporation declared a $0.33 per-share dividend, payable Oct. 1.

Antitrust & Real Estate: A House Judiciary subcommittee is pressing Compass and Chicago’s MRED for a briefing on whether their private-listings partnership could be anticompetitive, after Zillow sued and MRED cut off Zillow’s data feed. Local Housing & Finance: South Side landlord Jiazhao “Frank” Chen is hit with another foreclosure lawsuit tied to Bridgeport properties, adding to a reported $93M in alleged loan defaults. Commercial Real Estate Earnings: First Industrial Realty Trust posted Q2 funds from operations of $111.6M (82 cents/share), while Equity Lifestyle Properties, Equity Residential, and QCR Holdings also reported Q2 results. State Policy & Business Climate: Illinois’ first-in-the-nation crypto tax faces a legal challenge from a trade group, arguing it unfairly targets traders. Tech & Jobs: 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 and 20+ jobs. Chicago Governance: City Council approved non-binding referendums, including one asking whether aldermen should have independent legal counsel. Labor & Culture: Art Institute of Chicago custodians are fighting the museum’s plan to outsource its entire custodial staff to a contractor. Aviation Funding: A Trump budget proposal could cut the Essential Air Service program, putting downstate Illinois airport routes at risk.