AGP Executive Report

WNBA All-Star in Chicago: Caitlin Clark won’t take part in the 3-point contest at All-Star weekend, and the league’s event schedule still runs Friday Skills Night and Saturday’s main game at the United Center. Leadership pressure: A crisis-management expert says WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert should step aside as she faces tough questions during the weekend. Hockey homecoming: Patrick Kane is back with the Chicago Blackhawks on a two-year deal, returning to the team that drafted him and helped deliver three Stanley Cups. Soccer spotlight: Inter Miami beat Chicago Fire 3-2 in Lewandowski’s MLS debut, with a viral early own goal and Messi and De Paul absent. Power grid watch: Federal officials will grill PJM, which serves Illinois and Indiana, over rising electricity demand and costs. EV expansion: Illinois opened its first federally funded EV charging station in Casey. Public safety: An Indiana police chase ended in a Morgan Park crash with multiple injuries.

WNBA All-Star Weekend: Chicago is set for Friday’s new WNBA Shooting Stars event, pairing legends and current stars—Elena Delle Donne, Lauren Jackson, Rebekkah Brunson and Deanna “Tweety” Nolan—with teams representing Washington, Seattle, Minnesota and Dallas/Detroit, plus Nike EYBL standouts. Grid & Energy: A sudden power disconnect tied to data centers in northern Virginia rippled across the nation, with experts noting regulators are looking at how big demand swings from data centers and crypto mining can destabilize grids. Cubs & Community: A Vietnam War veteran identified as Bob Chavez says he regrets slapping a younger Cubs fan for not standing during the National Anthem, after the viral incident sparked backlash. Immigration Courts: The U.N. warns U.S. immigration judges in Chicago and elsewhere may face politically driven pressure, saying the system’s independence could violate international law. Local Sports: The Savannah Bananas bring their show to Wrigley Field this weekend, with games sold out. Public Safety: Illinois State Police reported recovering 342 stolen or hijacked vehicles from April to June and urged residents to lock cars and park in well-lit areas.

WNBA All-Star Spotlight: Marina Mabrey and Rhyne Howard will headline Chicago’s Friday night 3-point contest, with Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu and Kayla McBride reportedly declining invitations; the winner gets $20,000 and each participant $10,000. Public Safety in Chicago: A 15-year-old was fatally shot on the West Side early Wednesday, and a man accused in an Albany Park standoff that wounded a Chicago police officer faces serious charges including attempted murder. Law Enforcement Staffing & Road Safety: Gov. JB Pritzker signed bills to lower the hiring age for some deputy sheriff and correctional officer roles and to raise penalties under Scott’s Law for fatal Move Over violations. Local Business & Community: A new Uptown dog daycare/boarding spot, Chicago Paws District, opens with trainer-supervised play and individualized care. Illinois Infrastructure & Environment: IDOT and University of Illinois Extension are converting an unmanaged right-of-way in Macomb into a managed prairie for pollinators and education. Courts & Crypto: The Digital Chamber sued Illinois to block the state’s 0.2% digital asset transaction tax before it takes effect in 2027. Health & Schools: The American Lung Association is inviting K-12 schools to join its Clean Air School Challenge to improve indoor air plans.

WNBA All-Star in Chicago: The league is ramping up the weekend at Wintrust Arena and around the city, with Seattle rookie Flau’jae Johnson tapped as a player host and Natisha Hiedeman adding the WNBA 3-Point Contest to her schedule; Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kayla McBride won’t shoot in the contest, leaving a six-player field led by Azzi Fudd, Rhyne Howard, Marina Mabrey, Bridget Carleton, Natisha Hiedeman, and Janelle Salaun. Chicago Public Schools: Teachers and the CTU urged the Chicago Board of Education to reject a proposed $9.88 billion budget that includes all-staff furloughs and a midyear spending freeze amid a $732.5 million deficit. Crypto & state taxes: The Digital Chamber sued Illinois to block the new 0.2% Digital Asset Tax Act before it takes effect in January, arguing it violates state and federal rules. Public safety & health: Cook County reported six heat-related deaths so far in July, and Wrigley Field became the first MLB ballpark designated a Certified Autism Center. Local business: All seven Save A Lot stores in Chicago could close this summer after the Yellow Banana partnership ends, with SNAP cuts cited as a major driver.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: Canadian wildfire smoke is again blanketing central Illinois, with Decatur-area health officials urging residents to check air-quality readings and limit outdoor time—especially for asthma and COPD. Weather Forecasting: A new report warns U.S. weather forecasting may be losing detail due to budget and staffing cuts, raising the risk of missing major shifts that can drive insurance costs and public harm. Chicago Public Safety: Police and COPA are investigating officer-involved shootings in North Lawndale and Albany Park, including a SWAT officer shot during a barricade. South Side STEM Push: PsiQuantum says it will donate $250,000 to South Side schools and programs tied to quantum and engineering careers. Sports—Chicago Teams: The White Sox beat the Rangers 10-3, but injuries hit Kyle Teel and Colson Montgomery; the Cubs and Tigers played a 10-inning thriller with Detroit winning 8-6. Local Business & Jobs: Mars Wrigley plans more than 300 job cuts from Newark, shifting roles to an expanded Chicago site. Tech & Culture: “The Cube,” a new interactive game experience, opens on Michigan Avenue. Politics: The Illinois Board of Elections is set to rule Tuesday on ballot challenges in the race to replace Chuy Garcia.

Blackhawks Buzz: Connor Bedard, fresh off a five-year, $75 million extension, said it would be “incredible” to play with Patrick Kane again, adding Kane could help Chicago’s offense after last season’s struggles. Cubs Update: Chicago activated Jameson Taillon for the opener vs. Detroit and added Aaron Civale; Phil Maton went back on the IL and Drew Pomeranz was designated for assignment. Tigers Move: Gleyber Torres returned to Detroit’s lineup after an oblique injury, batting second and playing second base. CPS Budget Fight: Chicago Public Schools leaders warned the $9.88 billion budget must pass this month or payroll could be missed in September, even as teachers and the union push back on layoffs, furlough days, and a spending freeze. Public Safety: A pedestrian was killed after being struck by an NCS train at the Galewood station. Business/Jobs: Mars Wrigley plans to cut 307 jobs in New Jersey as it relocates its headquarters to Chicago. Air Quality: Wildfire smoke continues to worsen conditions across central Illinois, with health officials urging masks and staying indoors when possible.

Housing & City Hall Fight: Chicago housing advocates and an alderman are set to push back at City Hall against a FAIR Ordinance that would scale back parts of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Protect Renters plan, including “just cause” eviction rules and relocation fees. Wildfire Smoke & Heat: Canadian wildfire smoke is keeping Chicago’s air quality in the unhealthy range, with alerts extended and a severe-storm risk later Monday as heat and humidity crank up discomfort. Lincoln Park Violence: Two separate incidents in Lincoln Park over the weekend and early Monday left a man dead after a fight and gunfire, while a driver hit a parked squad car; officers were taken to the hospital in good condition. Public Safety/Crime: A woman was shot while driving in Englewood and is expected to recover, and a person was hospitalized after a strip mall fire in West Pullman. Business & Community: Andersonville’s Chicago Dance Supply is closing after 23 years, and Barnes & Noble opened a new Chicagoland store, its third in Illinois. Sports & Entertainment: WNBA All-Star weekend returns to Chicago, and Robert Lewandowski’s MLS debut for Chicago Fire is again tied to air-quality disruptions.

WNBA: Jordin Canada hit a buzzer-beating layup to lift the Atlanta Dream to a 93-91 win over the Chicago Sky, after Chicago erased a 22-point deficit—then Angel Reese left the game with a left leg injury. Sports (MLB): Shota Imanaga spun seven shutout innings as the Cubs beat the Twins 10-1 at Wrigley Field, while the White Sox topped the Blue Jays 3-0 behind Sean Burke’s four-hit shutout. Air quality/Weather: Canadian wildfire smoke kept Illinois under air alerts, with Central Illinois warned to limit outdoor activity as conditions reached “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” and forecasters also flagged a possible severe storm threat Monday. Public Safety: A moped crash in Wadsworth sent two riders to the hospital with life-threatening injuries; Chicago police also investigated a Wicker Park business robbery where a woman was attacked and robbed at gunpoint. Local/Community: PAWS Chicago broke ground on a new Rescue Ranch campus in the northwest suburbs, and Illinois Valley residents in Ottawa marched against far-right protesters. Legal/Professional: Marengo attorney Jack Franks was named to an Illinois State Bar Association judicial evaluation panel outside Cook County.

Wildfire Smoke & Heat: Canadian wildfire smoke is back to make Chicago’s air “unhealthy,” triggering an Air Quality Alert through Sunday night (with conditions expected to linger into Monday), while southern Illinois bakes under 90-degree heat and heat indexes topping 100–107. Public Safety: A man was stabbed in the neck during a fight in Chicago’s Gold Coast; police say no one is in custody. Transit Disruption: Metra will suspend all service on the Union Pacific Northwest Line Sunday due to construction at a Des Plaines crossing, with Monday rush expected to resume. Statehouse Accountability: Illinois House Speaker Welch’s office knew about harassment claims involving disgraced Rep. Harry Benton years earlier. Local Politics: Chicago’s parking meter deal is back in focus as Ald. Jason Ervin pushes a path for the city to reacquire the meters, with a City Council deadline extended to end of September. Education Wins: Illinois hit its highest-ever FAFSA completion rate (71.4%), ranking second nationally. Sports & Culture: Cubs celebrate the 2016 title reunion at Wrigley; Blackhawks extend Connor Bedard; and Chicago’s World Cup watch-party buzz continues as MLS leans into the moment.

Blackhawks Contract: Chicago locked in its franchise centerpiece: Connor Bedard agreed to a $75 million, five-year deal, finalized after left-shoulder surgery, and is expected to miss the season start. Cubs Baseball: Chicago added pitching depth by acquiring Aaron Civale from the Athletics for minor leaguer Aiden Moffett, as injuries keep the rotation thin. Cubs 10-Year Reunion: The Cubs marked the 2016 World Series anniversary with a new “Champions Gate” at Wrigley Field, plus ceremonies honoring the title team. White Sox vs. Blue Jays: Toronto snapped Chicago’s four-game streak with a 1-0 win behind Shane Bieber’s four-hitter and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s key contributions. Illinois Politics: A state elections board recommended removing two independent candidates from the ballot in the race to succeed “Chuy” Garcia. Public Safety: Police reported a West Side carjacking shooting and a Bronzeville convenience store robbery where a worker was shot. Weather/Air Quality: Another wildfire-smoke wave and an air-quality alert are in effect for the Chicago area, with storms possible.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: An Air Quality Alert stays in effect for Chicago Saturday as Canadian wildfire smoke and ozone push conditions back toward “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” with winds expected to bring haze in again by late afternoon; storms are also forecast. Outdoor Life Disrupted: Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor Chicago closed Friday due to unhealthy air, with plans to reopen Saturday if conditions improve. Local Impact on Animals: Chicago-area animal caretakers and dog walkers adjusted routines as fine particle pollution from wildfires lingered, raising concerns for pets and wildlife. State Accountability: Capitol News Illinois reports no decision yet on whether an Illinois State Police trooper was justified in a fatal January shooting of an unarmed woman. Sports, Chicago Focus: The Cubs host the Twins Saturday at 2:20 p.m. at Wrigley; meanwhile, the White Sox play the Blue Jays Saturday at 3:07 p.m. Community & Culture: IU’s Wells-Metz Theater will host “Chicago: Teen Edition” July 23-25, featuring Indiana teen performers.

Chicago School Board Election: Fundraising is surging for Chicago’s first fully elected school board, with spending expected to reach $10–$20 million as candidates report second-quarter totals and major groups line up behind the races. Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: Canadian wildfire smoke is keeping Chicago-area air hazardous, with alerts extended into the weekend and another smoke wave expected Saturday night into Sunday; beaches and pools reopened as conditions briefly improved, but some events and outdoor plans were still canceled. Heat Relief for Kids: The Chicago Park District is upgrading cooling systems at dozens of fieldhouses, including Blackhawk Park, using a heat vulnerability index to protect residents during extreme heat and smoky air. Immigration Enforcement Accountability: At a City Council hearing, alderpersons pressed Chicago police and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s team for clearer follow-through on the “ICE on Notice” order, nearly five months after the deadline. Public Safety Crackdown: More than 300 Illinois police agencies will join a statewide speeding enforcement push July 22. Local Sports: The White Sox are back after the All-Star break, while the Cubs host the Twins Saturday at Wrigley; MLB trade-deadline talk keeps heating up. Hawthorne Race Course: Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen filed a limited objection to Hawthorne’s bankruptcy sale, seeking protections for backstretch residents and horses. Business & Tech: Fairlife paused U.S. production after a ransomware breach; the company says product safety wasn’t affected.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: Canadian wildfire smoke kept Chicago’s air in the hazardous range Friday morning, with an Air Quality Alert through midnight and guidance to stay inside, limit outdoor exertion, and watch for improvement later in the day. Local Crime: In Washington Park, 1 person was killed and 3 others were hurt in a Thursday night shooting; no one was in custody. Transit Safety: A hit-and-run truck crash injured three CTA bus passengers in West Town early Friday; the truck was later found unoccupied. Sports (MLB): The Cubs and Twins resume after the All-Star break at Wrigley Field Friday night, with air quality a key factor for whether games stay on. College Hoops Recruiting: Illinois landed its first Big Ten offer for Benet forward Edvardas Stasys, who says he’ll visit schools before deciding. Business/Chicago: Conagra warned results could worsen before improving, citing portfolio and investment challenges. Culture: Vogue profiled artist Gladys Nilsson, highlighting her long-running Chicago-area art life.

Wildfire Smoke Health Crisis: Canadian wildfire smoke pushed Chicago’s air into hazardous territory, forcing closures of beaches and all 50 outdoor pools, moving Park District camps and CPS programming indoors, and postponing major events including Chicago Fire’s match vs. Vancouver Whitecaps. Public Safety & Health: Experts urged residents to limit outdoor exposure and consider proper masking for those who must work outside. Criminal Justice: Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Certificate of Innocence Act, expanding restitution eligibility and benefits for people wrongfully incarcerated. Chicago Courts: Quadajah “Holly” Johnson, charged in a fatal South Loop school-area shooting, was granted pretrial release with strict conditions. Elections: Illinois State Board of Elections hearing officers recommended removing independent candidates Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez and Mayra Macías from the November ballot over signature shortfalls. Local Crime: Police warned of a necklace-snatching spree across multiple neighborhoods and announced an arrest tied to the robberies. Food Safety: Magnolia Bakery in Chicago closed after inspectors found live cockroaches and other violations. Sports & Local Life: The Cubs released their 2027 schedule, and the White Sox continued their strong run after the All-Star break.

Wildfire Smoke & Health Alert: Canadian wildfire smoke is blanketing Chicago and northern Illinois, pushing air quality into “unhealthy for all groups” and even “hazardous” in parts of the north; officials urge residents to limit time outdoors, with kids and older adults most at risk. Armed Robberies: Chicago police warn of armed suspects targeting gold necklaces across neighborhoods including Grand Crossing, Rogers Park, The Loop, Hyde Park, Chinatown, Edgewater and Woodlawn, with reports tied to gray and green two-door cars. Education & AI: The Illinois State Board of Education released K-12 AI guidance, noting it was written with help from major AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. Local Transit Disruptions: Three elevated CTA Loop stations will close for two weekends for State/Lake reconstruction, with service rerouted via Loop side branches. Public Health: Illinois cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora) cases are rising, with officials investigating clusters and urging extra caution with salad greens and produce. Immigration Enforcement: ICE activity is ramping up in the Chicago area, with advocates saying more people are being taken, including around schools. Sports: The Cubs resume after the All-Star break with a three-game set vs. the Twins at Wrigley Field.

Chicago Politics: A new University of Chicago poll finds only 13.6% of Chicagoans want Mayor Brandon Johnson to run for re-election, with his approval at 23%. Chicago Public Schools: CPS unveiled a budget plan to close a $732 million deficit, including layoffs of 760 teachers plus aides and central staff, five furlough days, and a midyear spending freeze. Utility Costs: Peoples Gas cut about $58 million from its proposed rate hike, but watchdogs say the revised plan still isn’t enough for households. Public Health: Illinois reported 216 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases, with 18 hospitalizations, as officials urge safer produce prep and handwashing. Courts: An Illinois appeals court upheld a $45 million talc asbestos verdict, including an unprecedented $30 million “reduced lifespan” award. Weather & Safety: Canadian wildfire smoke is worsening air quality across the Chicago area, with heat adding risk. Statehouse: A new Illinois bill would require schools to consider mobile panic alert systems for faster emergency response. Sports & Local Life: The Bears will hold a “Varsity Bears” training camp practice at Stevenson High School Aug. 10, and Stella’s Diner in Lakeview was shut down after repeated roach violations.