AGP Executive Report

Fatal Crash: One person was killed and another injured in a two-vehicle crash near Fisher early Sunday, closing U.S. 136 for several hours. Health Care: A federal judge temporarily blocked Illinois from enforcing parts of its assisted-suicide law against specified religious providers while their lawsuit proceeds. Disaster Aid: The Trump administration again denied Illinois’ request for federal help with summer storm damage. Elections: A U.S. House committee has called on state Rep. Carol Ammons to answer questions about ballot errors in Champaign County. Food Assistance: Illinois is expanding its Restaurant Meals Program for eligible SNAP recipients to 50 participating restaurants statewide. State Sports: Illinois edged Michigan State 38-37 in overtime, stopping a two-point conversion to seal the win.

Illini Win: Illinois stopped Michigan State’s two-point try in overtime to escape with a 38-37 football victory. Food Access: The state’s Restaurant Meals Program has reached 50 participating restaurants in 16 counties, with plans to expand to all 102 counties. Disaster Aid: The Trump administration again denied Illinois’ request for federal assistance after summer storms. Farm Costs: Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered state officials to allow dyed diesel for agricultural use on roads through Dec. 31, offering relief as fuel prices squeeze farmers. Education: Fewer than half of East Aurora District 131 students in grades 1-8 were on track in reading or math in preliminary tests. Regional Investment: Illinois is providing $15 million to expand SIUE’s National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center, supporting research, construction and jobs.

Politics: Gov. J.B. Pritzker took his message to South Carolina, calling Democrats “too dainty” in confronting Republicans as he seeks a third term in Illinois and draws attention as a possible 2028 presidential contender. Disaster Aid: The Trump administration again denied Illinois’ request for federal help after August storms; Pritzker criticized the decision, which affects communities including McLean County. College Football: Illinois edged Michigan State 38-37 in overtime, stopping a two-point try to seal the road win. Household Costs: State Farm plans an average 8% homeowners insurance rate increase in Illinois, while the state temporarily eased penalties for on-road use of dyed diesel amid fuel-cost pressures. SNAP Access: Illinois expanded its Restaurant Meals Program to 50 restaurants across 16 counties, helping eligible older, disabled and unhoused SNAP customers buy prepared meals. Chicago Legacy: Bears legend Mike Ditka, the Hall of Fame player and coach of the team’s Super Bowl XX champions, has died at 86.

Disaster Relief: The Trump administration denied Illinois’ request for federal aid after August storms damaged eight counties. Gov. JB Pritzker criticized the decision, saying communities are still recovering from flooding, tornadoes and high winds. Chicago: Restaurants are facing higher delivery costs as Chicago diesel prices climb, while squeezed household budgets are prompting some customers to eat out less. Remembering Ditka: Mike Ditka, the Hall of Fame coach who led the Bears to their only Super Bowl victory, has died at 86, drawing tributes across Chicago and beyond. Home Repairs: Community groups are pressing Mayor Brandon Johnson for answers about $6.3 million set aside for home repairs that they say is not reaching low-income seniors. Outdoors: Illinois’ fall trout season opens Oct. 17 at 60 sites statewide; anglers need a fishing license and trout stamp, and may keep up to five fish daily.

Fatal Shooting: A 23-year-old man was charged with murder after Bloomington police say he shot 24-year-old Noah Slinkard Thursday night. Disaster Aid: FEMA again denied Illinois’ request for help recovering from severe summer storms. State officials say communities are still rebuilding. Chicago Bears: Hall of Fame player and coach Mike Ditka, who led the Bears to their 1986 Super Bowl win, has died at 86. Election Oversight: Federal lawmakers want answers after at least 600 Champaign County ballots were printed with errors, including incorrect candidates and races. Chicago Debt Fight: Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoed a council measure requiring more votes to issue city debt, setting up a possible override vote next week. Assisted-Suicide Law: A judge temporarily blocked Illinois’ law for religious health care providers, shielding Catholic hospitals from having to comply. Research and Jobs: Illinois is putting $15 million toward a $17 million expansion of the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center, which expects to train up to 200 additional workers a year.

Workplace Safety: OSHA is investigating after a worker suffered burns at Gotion’s Manteno plant and was hospitalized. Surveillance and Immigration: Elgin Community College’s fight over Flock license-plate cameras spotlights fears that data could expose immigrant students to federal immigration enforcement. Environment: Pilsen residents are calling for more air-quality testing near a Sims Metal recycling facility before the state grants it an operating permit. Disaster Relief: The Trump administration again denied Illinois’ request for federal aid after summer storms. Health and Law: A judge temporarily shielded religious health providers from Illinois’ assisted-suicide law. Economy: Illinois’ land-based casinos took in $178.2 million in September, up 13% from a year earlier. Transit: The new Northern Illinois Transit Authority is seeking public input as it shapes its 2027 budget for CTA, Metra and Pace. Climate: September was Illinois’ warmest on record, part of a record-hot month across the contiguous U.S.

Rockford Fraud Case: Carissa Jordan pleaded guilty to using stolen identities to obtain more than $2 million in pandemic unemployment benefits. She faces up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing set for March 31. Health Care: A federal court order shields more than 95% of Illinois Catholic health care institutions and religious practitioners from enforcement of the state’s aid-in-dying law while related litigation proceeds. Farm Funding: Illinois is opening a new $1.8 million grant round to help farmers and food businesses improve local processing, storage and distribution; applications open Nov. 2. Bridge Planning: Illinois and Iowa transportation officials will present a preferred alternative for the future U.S. 67 Centennial Bridge corridor at an Oct. 21 Rock Island meeting. Higher Education: NIU faculty rallied over 100 days without a contract, saying the dispute is limiting their ability to focus on students. Chicago Development: UChicago Medicine plans to start work next spring on a $328 million Washington Park pathology lab, projected to open in 2029 and employ about 550 people, pending approvals.

E-Bike Safety: Illinois’ new e-bike law takes effect Jan. 1, setting age limits and banning sidewalk riding as a McHenry County hospital reports rising injuries, including two recent serious crashes. Jobs & Industry: Viakable plans a $55 million expansion at its La Salle cable plant, adding 50 jobs and retaining 65, with state EDGE support. Household Costs: LIHEAP demand surged on opening day in northern Illinois, with 295 applications filed by midafternoon and more than 75 urgent shutoff cases. Gov. JB Pritzker also ordered diesel-cost relief for farmers amid rising fuel prices. Elections: Independent candidate Collin Corbett is seeking a place in Illinois’ governor’s race, while Chicago voters prepare to elect the full school board on Nov. 3. Privacy & Oversight: A former Joliet police lieutenant faces felony charges over alleged misuse of Flock license-plate camera data, adding to scrutiny of the technology.

Chicago Projects: Bronzeville’s proposed $100 million trail could start construction in 2032 and finish by 2034, but organizers have secured only a small share of the funding needed. Fuel Costs: Gov. JB Pritzker declared Illinois a disaster area over soaring diesel prices and ordered state agencies not to penalize the use of tax-exempt dyed diesel on roads through Dec. 31; fuel retailers question how much relief the move will provide. Jobs: A $55 million expansion at Viakable’s La Salle plant is expected to add 50 full-time jobs and retain 65 others. Education: A federal tax credit starting in 2027 could help families pay for tutoring, technology and disability-related services, but Illinois has not opted in. State Services: The Mobile DMV program has completed more than 62,000 transactions since 2023, including over 50,000 REAL IDs, licenses and state IDs. Southern Illinois Courts: Betty Akamani pleaded not guilty to murder and child-endangerment charges in her husband’s shooting death; her trial is scheduled for Nov. 16.

Food Safety: The FDA ordered a recall of 122,021 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade sold across 37 states, including Illinois, because some bottles don’t list undeclared yellow 6 and/or yellow 5 dyes. Local Business: Naperville is set to welcome new shops and restaurants along the I-88 corridor and downtown, including the first Illinois 99 Ranch Market and an “Asia Market” transformation at Riverbrook, with more openings into early 2027. Education & Costs: Diesel prices are squeezing northern Illinois school transportation budgets, with some districts facing fuel-spend timelines that could blow past normal planning. Politics: Former U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean is seeking a comeback in Illinois’ 8th District against newcomer Republican Jennifer Davis in the Nov. 3 race. Public Health: Two large studies on metastatic pancreatic cancer show big differences in how often patients receive systemic therapy, raising questions about care patterns. Community & Culture: Chinatown’s Pui Tak Center won a $750,000 restoration grant to repair its historic building, including ornate windows and roof work.

Metro East Transit: A $192 million MetroLink extension to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is nearing service, with a new rail station across from the terminal plus roadway upgrades and a MetroBikeLink trail extension. Illinois Courts & Business: A DeKalb-area consumer sued McDonald’s in federal court in Illinois, alleging its AI pricing tool helps coordinate prices among franchisees, raising menu prices. Local Government: McHenry is updating its development ordinance and moving toward allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to expand housing options. Public Safety Tech: Former Itasca and West Chicago officers face charges tied to alleged unauthorized use of Flock license plate reader cameras. Agriculture: USDA reports Illinois corn and soybean harvests are ahead of the five-year average, though soil moisture remains tight. Health: Wisconsin’s measles count is high, with Illinois listed among neighboring states reporting cases. Community Events: Aurora Lions Candy Days returns Oct. 9-10, and Rock Falls hosts a Halloween lighted golf cart/UTV parade Oct. 17.

Illinois Agriculture: Illinois pumpkin production rose to about 533 million pounds in 2025, keeping the state on top for acreage and output, though this year’s crop has been a mixed bag depending on frost, rain, and flooding. Public Safety Funding: Illinois lawmakers want $4 million for ballistics investigations, aiming to expand Illinois State Police support for NIBIN equipment so more departments can connect recovered casings. Courts & Crime: Sentencing in a filmed Jerseyville assault case was pushed again for Lucas Roberts, while another teen awaits a later date. Business Closures: True Food Kitchen filed for bankruptcy and shut 12 restaurants, citing shifting growth strategies and weaker demand. Energy & Industry: Google signed a major 20-year nuclear power deal with Constellation, with upgrades tied to multiple nuclear units including in Illinois. Local Projects: DeKalb is dredging a golf course pond to remove algae and sediments. Food Safety: PepsiCo recalled 122,000+ cases of Gatorade in multiple states, including Illinois, over undeclared dyes. Illinois Politics: Illinois Comptroller candidates laid out their visions as the office’s ballot race heats up.

Education & Courts: Former DeKalb County Schools superintendent Devon Horton pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud, embezzlement and tax evasion, with prosecutors saying he steered contracts in Evanston-Skokie District 65 to friends and took kickbacks; a co-defendant is set to testify in a January trial. Local Politics: Outgoing state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit says she’ll run for the Oswego Village Board, pitching her “government knowledge” to help manage the village’s growth. Public Safety: Cook County Judge D’Anthony “Tony” Thedford is releasing accused felons at nearly twice the rate of other pretrial judges, according to reporting tied to a specific arson case. Health & Accountability: A surgeon accused of sexually assaulting an Illinois patient is seeking an Iowa medical license, after Illinois temporarily suspended his license. Business & Consumer Watch: McDonald’s faces a proposed class action in Chicago alleging AI-powered pricing helped coordinate menu prices; separately, State Farm is raising Illinois homeowners insurance rates by about 8%. Sports: Nebraska’s Pryce Sandfort and Michigan State’s Jeremy Fears Jr. were named unanimous preseason Big Ten picks, with Illinois players also making the preseason team. Community: Illinois legislators are hosting a free senior health fair Tuesday in Quincy.

Local Sports: Reed-Custer dominated Herscher 41-6 on homecoming, with Kaiden Klein and QB Jesse Tresouthick combining for six touchdowns and 424 total yards. Workforce & Training: Will County will recognize 21 graduates from HIRE360’s Illinois Works pre-apprenticeship program on Oct. 7 at the Will County Courthouse, with Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy speaking. Public Safety & Courts: A nurse says she was assaulted in a recorded incident involving ICE and wants her day in court. State Government: Illinois launched its new Department of Early Childhood under Secretary Teresa Ramos, consolidating preschool, home visits, early intervention, and child care licensing. Health & Legal Help: A survey finds Illinois lawyers report serious mental health strain, including substance abuse and suicidal thoughts, with IL Lawyers’ Assistance Program urging more support. Community & Culture: A Bronzeville Legacy Collective says it raised $75 million to build or redevelop nine cultural sites, including a Bronzeville Trail. Gaming & Money: Chicago’s red-light camera revenue relied heavily on late fees—nearly half of $47.1 million collected in 2025 came from penalties. Education & Student Activism: DePaul students are set to vote on whether the university should disclose its financial activities.

Local Infrastructure: Monmouth residents face a major disruption after a ruptured 12-inch water main closed an intersection at N. 6th St. and Highway 34, with a boil order in place while crews work with IDOT on detours. Student Press Freedom: SIUE’s student newspaper, The Alestle, is fighting back against administration interference, arguing the school violated Illinois’ College Campus Press Act by restricting interviews without director approval. Community & Safety: HOPE of Ogle County is marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month with outreach, support groups, and events aimed at reminding survivors they’re not alone. Transportation Planning: Illinois and Iowa DOTs picked a preferred plan for the future Centennial Bridge, with an Oct. 21 open house in the Quad Cities to review bike/ped access and road connections. Sports & Campus Life: Illinois State women’s soccer celebrated alumni day and a jersey retirement with a 6-0 win; in pro football, the Bears’ defense helped limit the Jets to 157 yards in a 23-12 win.

Bears Stadium Talks: Gov. JB Pritzker met NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell with Illinois leaders to press for keeping the Chicago Bears in Illinois, as Indiana plans continue and a fall veto session looms. Illinois Politics: Republican Don Tracy, a long-shot U.S. Senate challenger, is leaning on low name recognition as a campaign hurdle against Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. Illinois Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court’s new term is set to tackle major fights over voting rules and the Second Amendment. Public Health Recalls: FDA recalls expanded to include more than 500,000 Walgreens eye-drop products over sterility concerns. Local Government & Water: Dixmoor is moving ahead with a village-wide water meter replacement to cut estimated billing and improve reliability. Higher Ed Independence: A group of university leaders is pushing back against federal pressure, warning that government interference threatens campus autonomy. Sports (UI vs. Purdue): Purdue beat Illinois 24-17 and reclaimed the Cannon, snapping a 19-game Big Ten skid.