AGP Executive Report

WNBA All-Star Voting: ESPN reports only 47% of WNBA players cast ballots for starters in Chicago’s July 25 United Center game, with fans driving 50% of the vote and some teams citing missed ballot emails. Chicago Baseball: The Guardians opened a key AL Central series with a 6-5 walk-off win over the White Sox as Brayan Rocchio homered in the ninth; the Cubs follow with a Friday matchup vs. the Cardinals after Dansby Swanson’s three-homer surge. NHL Free Agency: Big-spending NHL teams are flexing in early free agency, with Chicago’s Bowen Byram among the headline signings. Music Tickets: Brandon Flowers’ UK/Ireland tour dates go on sale today, along with Two Door Cinema Club’s “Tourist History” arena run and KALEO’s “Way Down We Go” UK/Europe leg. Children’s Books: Story Monsters Press signed a China publishing partnership to bring select children’s titles to Mainland readers. Local Arts & Culture: Evanston Symphony Orchestra marks its 80th season with “For the Love of Music,” kicking off Aug. 13.

WNBA All-Star buzz (Chicago): Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell were named starters for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game on July 25 at United Center, with A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart also in the frontcourt mix. Pop culture (Chicago): Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding is set for this weekend, with reports pointing to Madison Square Garden for the festivities. Local entertainment & TV (Chicago): “Chicago P.D.” says LaRoyce Hawkins will exit after 13 seasons, with casting underway for a new series regular described as “an agent of chaos.” Community arts & events (Illinois): Spooner Memorial Library kicks off summer programming with Mahjongg classes, Cookbook Club, and its Summer Reading Program. Sports video games (gaming): EA Sports’ “College Football 27” drops in early access today, marking the earliest release yet for the franchise. Independence Day (Springfield): Illinois state historic sites in downtown Springfield host free July 4 activities, tours, and hands-on crafts.

NBA Free Agency: Norman Powell is reportedly headed to the Chicago Bulls on a two-year deal worth up to $45 million, adding another All-Star-caliber scorer to a busy Bulls offseason. Sports Power Play: The Cubs crushed the Padres 23-3, with Dansby Swanson going off for three homers as Chicago swept the series at Wrigley Field. Musical Theatre Buzz: Ojai Arts Center Theater is staging Sondheim’s “Company,” leaning into its messy, time-bending look at loneliness and commitment. TV & Pop Culture: Janette Manrara says she’s no longer part of “Strictly Come Dancing,” hinting at what’s next after 13 years on the show. Streaming/Screen: “Kinky Boots” is being adapted into a TV series, with Ryan Sampson writing and pitching it to channels. Illinois 250: Illinois Humanities launched “Illinois Voices 250,” inviting residents across all 102 counties to record everyday stories tied to the Declaration’s ideals. Art & Comics: Manga Spot opened in Chicago’s Loop, giving fans a dedicated manga-heavy retail stop.

NBA Free Agency: Norman Powell is headed to the Chicago Bulls on a two-year, $45 million deal after another All-Star season with the Miami Heat. Statehouse & Media: Gov. JB Pritzker signed a new Illinois law extending speech protections to public media journalists at state-university–licensed stations, aiming to protect editorial independence. Tech & Privacy: Illinois lawmakers are pushing a bill that would require identity verification at the smartphone operating-system level for every resident before downloading apps—an approach critics call a major privacy and free-speech threat. Arts & Culture: Victor Willis, founding Village People singer of “Y.M.C.A.” and other disco hits, has died at 74. Local Arts/Community: Central Illinois libraries and school districts are set to receive more than $475,000 in grants for programming and security upgrades. Sports & Entertainment Buzz: Lupe Fiasco’s comments about “hundreds” of rappers better than Kendrick Lamar have ignited a heated online debate.

Local News & Media Safety: Three people are in custody after a CBS News Chicago crew was attacked near Adler Planetarium, with suspects allegedly yelling racial slurs during a live-prep incident. Sports (Chicago): The White Sox pounded the Orioles 9-3, powered by a seven-run third inning, while the Cubs beat the Padres 9-7 behind Dansby Swanson’s two homers. World Cup (USMNT): The U.S. begins Round of 32 play vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, with projected lineups and TV coverage set for Wednesday. Illinois Arts & Community: Plymouth Historical Society is hosting a nationwide Declaration of Independence reading on July 8, with Illinois included in the synchronized event. Music & Pop Culture: Trace Adkins will debut a new song, “American Made,” during A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration. Entertainment & Lifestyle: Kim Kardashian promoted a new SKIMS drop in a lingerie photo shoot. Sports Calendar: Wednesday TV listings include World Cup knockout matches and MLB coverage featuring Cubs vs. Padres.

NBA Trade Buzz: Kawhi Leonard is reportedly headed back to the Toronto Raptors after a blockbuster deal from the Clippers, with Toronto sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, multiple picks and a swap in return. Local Arts & Community: Oakland artist Milton Mizenburg Jr. is honored with an honorary street-naming, spotlighting how his sculptures helped reshape a neighborhood. Music & Awards: Illinois State University music alumnus Alex Stephenson wins an American Academy of Arts and Letters Charles Ives Fellowship, while composer Obermüller also earns major recognition. Chicago Screen Time: Hallmark is casting extras for its Chicago Bears-themed holiday movie, “Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story,” including fans, stand-ins, and dog owners. Nature Watch: One of four piping plover chicks at Montrose Beach dies, with the remaining chicks still banded and monitored. Sports on TV: Mount Carmel will face St. Joseph Regional on ESPN’s High School Football Kickoff. Big Legal Headline: The U.S. Supreme Court takes up major semiautomatic firearms cases, including challenges tied to Cook County/Chicago.

Local Film & Community: United Way of Greater McHenry County is teaming up with the McHenry Outdoor Theater for a Toy Story 5 premiere that spotlights Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, enrolling families and reading to kids before the movie. Sports Betting & Law: Kalshi is suing Illinois in federal court to block a new prediction-markets tax and rules set to take effect Wednesday, arguing the state is stepping on federal oversight. NBA/Pro Basketball Buzz: The Raptors and Clippers are reportedly in “serious” talks about a Kawhi Leonard trade, while the Lakers are linked to meetings with Jazz center Walker Kessler. Chicago Pride Fallout: Chicago police made 34 arrests during Pride celebrations, including five juveniles, with charges ranging from disorderly conduct to aggravated battery. Music & Pop Culture: Olivia Wilde’s upcoming film “The Invite” heads to theaters July 10, and Bob Dylan’s former guitarist Bob Britt says he left the tour on his own terms. Chicago Sports: The White Sox opened a series with an 8-2 win over the Orioles behind Colson Montgomery and Jacob Gonzalez.

Taste of Chicago: The festival is back in Grant Park July 8–12, with setup already underway and street closures starting Monday—Columbus curb lanes shut first, then full closures expand July 2, July 5, and around Jackson; admission is free and live music runs nightly. Local Music & Culture: Brookfield’s “Music on Grand” returns with monthly Saturday shows through September, turning the 3700 block of Grand into a live-music strip. Chicago Arts Spotlight: Secret History of Chicago Music highlights Hushdrops, the quirky, hook-heavy trio long tied to Material Issue and Veruca Salt, now working on a new pop masterpiece. Nature & Community: Piping plover chicks on Lake Michigan have been named Buddy, Frankie, Mavis, and Tweedy after Chicago music legends, with tracking bands added. Sports & Entertainment Crossover: Twista pleaded guilty to failing to pay income taxes, facing up to five years; and Ed Sheeran and Martin Garrix surprised a Chicago wedding after a fan DM. Civic/Politics: Illinois AG Kwame Raoul praised the Supreme Court mail-in ballot ruling, calling it a win for access to voting.

Local Sports History: A look back at how Illinois-area prep stars helped define American high school sports culture, from Olympic legends to football and basketball standouts. MLB Matchups: The Orioles try to bounce back in a series vs. the White Sox, while the Cubs keep rolling with a deep bullpen after sweeping the Mets and taking key wins over Milwaukee. WNBA Spotlight: A’ja Wilson shakes off an ankle scare to lead the Aces past the Sky, then earns Sportswoman of the Year at the BET Awards. Music & Pop Culture: Ed Sheeran and DJ Martin Garrix crash a Chicago wedding after a DM, and Djo brings his Chicago Theatre set to life with guitar-driven hits. Awards Night: The BET Awards 2026 delivers big wins and tributes, including a major D’Angelo homage and Lauryn Hill’s Living Legend moment. Community & Arts: Prairie Farmer opens entries for its 2026 Favorite Farm Dog Contest, and a free Chicago tennis event at Gallagher Way brings Wimbledon vibes to local courts. College Sports: GLIAC adds women’s flag football for 2026-27, with an inaugural spring 2027 season.

Chicago Pride Parade: More than a million people packed the North Side for the 55th Pride Parade, “Free to Be Proud,” with a two-mile route, about 150 floats, and live coverage from NBC Chicago and Telemundo Chicago. TV & Streaming: DC Studios previewed 10 animated series, including Mister Miracle and My Adventures with Superman, signaling a bigger push into animation. Local Screen Culture: The Bear Season 5 wrapped with Carmy’s big career choice and the crew’s Michelin-star scramble—plus a full ending explained. Music: Erykah Badu announced Fall 2026 North American tour dates, kicking off Sept. 10 in Highland Park with The Alchemist. Sports (Chicago): The Cubs and Brewers meet again at American Family Field as Brandon Woodruff looks to keep his strong return going. Chicago TV/One Chicago: Chicago Med saw Laurie Holden exit before production, ending her planned return. Crime/Legal: Twista pleaded guilty in federal court over alleged unpaid income taxes totaling $440K+.

Illinois Arts & Culture: Chicago’s Uptown Theatre becomes the backdrop for U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley’s mayoral kickoff, using the long-closed movie palace as a metaphor for what the city needs to save and rebuild. Streaming Picks: Paramount+ is loading up July 2026 with “Dutton Ranch” (season 1 finale July 3), the thriller “Wardriver,” and “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” season 4. Local Sports Buzz: The Cubs’ David Peterson debuts for Chicago with a win over the Brewers, while Ian Happ powers an 8-2 Saturday victory. Music & Live Events: Dave Matthews Band’s Ruoff Music Center run leans into fan-favorite deep cuts, and the band’s “Creekend” tradition is already fueling setlist chatter. Community & Faith: Elder Gerrit W. Gong dedicates Nauvoo’s Temple Visitors’ Center, calling it a “cornerstone of Zion.” Family & Film Fun: Hallmark’s “Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story” is in the works, with production set to begin this summer.

WNBA Spotlight: Kamilla Cardoso went 13-for-13 and broke a WNBA record for most field goals without a miss as the Chicago Sky routed Portland 124-94, setting team and league marks along the way. Film & Culture: The Chicago Critics Film Festival wrapped with surreal, symbolic picks at Music Box Theater, including “House of Criticism,” a tender look at married art critics Jerry Saltz and Roberta Smith. Music & Fashion: Djo brought its Chicago homecoming energy to Chicago Theatre, while North West turned heads at Paris Fashion Week with new “angel bite” lip piercings and punk-edged styling. Community & Arts: Cantigny’s July lineup leans into live music, French-themed events, and hands-on cocktail classes. Local Pride: Chicago Pride Parade returns Sunday with live TV streams and heightened security plans. Sports on the Move: The Cubs and Brewers clash Saturday in Milwaukee as Chicago looks to bounce back in the NL Central. Heads Up: Scammers are using AI to send fake delivery texts and emails—double-check links and track orders through official apps.

Arts & Ideas: Dave Eggers is back with a new book and a reminder that drawing humans can build empathy—he’s been running life-drawing sessions at McSweeney’s. Horse Racing (NYC, but big for Illinois fans): Aqueduct in Queens is set for its final live races this weekend, a sign of how gambling competition is shrinking the sport. Local Sports (Chicago): The White Sox crushed the Royals 22-1, with Miguel Vargas and Tristan Peters going big as Chicago moved into first-place territory. WNBA (Chicago): Kamilla Cardoso poured in 30 as the Sky blew out the Fire 124-94, setting up a Sunday matchup with Las Vegas. Music & Culture: Barenaked Ladies return with “Almost Ready,” while Tom Morello talks “resistance” ahead of a festival appearance. Illinois Policy with a public-safety angle: Gov. JB Pritzker signed a plan requiring speed control devices for high-risk speeders, kicking in Jan. 1, 2028. Community Arts: Alice Smith Elementary unveiled student-made bird murals through the Audubon Mural Project.

NBA Draft Buzz (Chicago): The Bulls introduced No. 4 pick Caleb Wilson and No. 15 selection Dailyn Swain, with Wilson confidently aiming for Rookie of the Year. Sports & Streaming (Illinois): The Wizards released their 2026 Summer League schedule, including games vs. the Jazz, Nets, Bulls and Clippers starting July 9 in Las Vegas. Art & Culture (Illinois spotlight): Artist-director Cheri Gaulke’s documentary “Acting Like Women” revisits 1970s feminist performance art and the Woman’s Building. Local Arts/Community: A Wood Dale-based company, Power Systems International, acquired Beloit’s MTL Manufacturing—an Illinois-to-Wisconsin business move tied to the data-center boom. Weather & Safety: Illinois is seeing a record tornado count this year while federal disaster aid lags; the Red Cross urges hydration, cooling centers and checking on neighbors during dangerous heat. Entertainment TV: FX’s “The Bear” wrapped its five-season run, with cast members reflecting on the emotional finale.

P-pop Spotlight: SB19 is set for the Grammy Museum’s “Global Spin Live” in Los Angeles on July 28, with a special performance ahead of their Lollapalooza appearance—another big win for the Chicago-based festival’s global reach. TV Buzz: FX’s The Bear is back for its final season, and the premiere leans hard into Carmy’s “unknown caller” mystery as the show ramps toward its end. Music Loss: David Clayton-Thomas, the powerhouse lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears, has died at 84. Local Arts/Community: An Islamic group is raising funds to buy a former Catholic church on Chicago’s North Side and convert it into a college-prep high school, sparking controversy. Illinois Sports & Facilities: Illinois Field gets a long-awaited $5M facelift, including new permanent seatbacks and expanded dugouts, with work slated for spring 2027. Draft/Pro Hopes: Illinois guard Kylan Boswell went undrafted, while Ben Humrichous landed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Brooklyn Nets.

Chicago Arts & Film: Music Box Theatre will debut its third screen this weekend, expanding its “365-day film festival” approach with a 98-seat space built for modern tech while keeping a historic feel. Local Culture & Community: The Obama Presidential Center opened to the public on Juneteenth, drawing huge crowds and a packed first day of greetings and tours. Music & New Releases: Jon Spencer is back with Songs of Personal Loss and Protest, a new full-length built on the chemistry of his current trio. Sports Media: Cubs-Brewers on June 26 won’t be on the usual channel—it’s exclusive to Apple TV’s “Friday Night Baseball.” Illinois History & Events: Illinois launched its America 250 website and events calendar, with programming tied to state archives and exhibitions. Family-Friendly Food: Tropical Smoothie Cafe opens in Logan Square June 27 with 50% off orders and 10,000 free smoothies. Film & Streaming: Arthouse and social-video-to-Hollywood stories are getting attention, with new releases and streaming picks highlighted for summer. Music News (Illinois): Loathe announced “Fangs” and a Chicago stop at Reggies on July 31.