AGP Executive Report

Illinois Tech & Business: Chicago-area IT firm Computerease landed on the Inc. 5000 list, highlighting sustained growth since 1984 and a focus on cybersecurity and operations for small and mid-sized businesses. Cancer Research (ASCO, Chicago): New real-world and trial findings keep stacking up: GLP-1 drugs are linked to lower breast cancer risk and better survival in large cohorts, while ASCO presentations reinforce sacituzumab govitecan plus pembrolizumab as a stronger first-line option for PD-L1+ metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Antibiotics Breakthrough: McMaster researchers reported manikomycin, a new antibiotic candidate that targets a previously unknown ribosome vulnerability to kill drug-resistant bacteria. Health Tech & Care: UChicago Medicine surgeons reported a rare quadruple organ transplant case in Illinois—simultaneous bilateral lung, liver, and kidney transplantation for a patient with advanced cystic fibrosis. AI in Medicine Training: A survey at ASCO found hem/onc fellows use AI tools but most lack formal training, raising concerns about inconsistent and unsafe use. Construction & Proptech: Autodesk agreed to acquire MaintainX for about $3.6B to expand into building maintenance and operations. Local Policy & Housing: Batavia approved a $1M TIF incentive for a proposed 72-unit affordable housing development. Education & STEM: Illinois College’s orchid conservation collaboration won gold again at the Chelsea Flower Show, tying plant research to global conservation partners. Sports Tech Crossover: Kevin Magnussen is set for a NASCAR Cup Series debut at Naval Base Coronado as part of Trackhouse’s Project 91.

Cancer Research in Chicago: New ASCO updates highlight multiple oncology advances, including Percheron Therapeutics’ HMBD-002 preclinical work pointing to VISTA as a possible driver of triple-negative breast cancer resistance, and phase 3 ASCENT-04 data showing sacituzumab govitecan plus pembrolizumab improves longer-term PFS2 versus chemo plus pembrolizumab in PD-L1+ mTNBC. Targeted Radioligand Therapy: UroToday reports on CONVERGE-01 Part 3 testing Ac-225 rosopatamab tetraxetan (CONV01-α) in PSMA-pretreated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, emphasizing tumor uptake and reduced salivary/kidney uptake. Illinois Courts & Public Safety Tech: Illinois lawmakers passed a bill requiring pretrial service agencies to send three court-date reminder texts to people on pretrial release, with funding for counties that need to catch up. Cybersecurity & Insurance: A Chicago CEO warns that cyber insurance claims are often denied when MFA isn’t fully enforced, citing NAIC and industry claim statistics. Opioid Crisis Watch: A report flags “orphines,” synthetic opioids described as far more potent than fentanyl, as a growing street threat. Environment & Infrastructure: A stormwater improvement project is set to begin on West Illinois Street in Kirksville, with a multi-week closure expected.

Cancer Research in Chicago: ASCO in Chicago featured long-term results for a personalized Moderna mRNA vaccine plus Keytruda, cutting melanoma distant spread risk by 59% over five years, and a phase 1/2b pipeline highlight for gamitrinib targeting cancer mitochondria. Pancreatic Breakthrough: A new RAS-targeting pill, daraxonrasib, drew major attention after late-stage data showed nearly doubled survival in previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer. Bladder Cancer Without Major Surgery: A durvalumab-based combo with chemo and radiation reduced recurrence and helped patients avoid bladder-removal surgery in a trial presented at ASCO. Illinois Tech & Policy: Illinois lawmakers approved a “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban in K-12 schools, with the state board tasked to publish a template by Sept. 1. AI in Health Insurance: Minnesota advanced a bill requiring physician review for AI-only prior authorization denials. Environment & Tech: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated 1.5 million acres of critical habitat for the rusty patched bumble bee across multiple Midwest states, including Chicago-area counties. Local STEM/Community: Richland Community College and the Children’s Museum of Illinois are building a teaching kitchen to connect kids with culinary, nutrition, science, and career pathways.

Illinois AI & data-center policy: Illinois lawmakers say the POWER Act data-center regulation bill won’t be ready this spring, with more hearings and possible fall action after summer negotiations. Workplace tech & health: Tempus says its first whole-genome sequencing blood/bone-marrow assay, xH, is moving toward clinical availability, aiming to find actionable cancer targets. Cancer research (Chicago): The University of Chicago renews a major NCI grant to keep leading the NRG Oncology Statistics and Data Management Center. Cancer research (ASCO): Moderna and Merck report 5-year follow-up results for intismeran autogene plus KEYTRUDA in high-risk melanoma, while multiple other ASCO updates highlight new drug combinations and longer survival signals. Local AI infrastructure: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman calls a Saline Township data-center project a “template” for community engagement, citing energy and water concerns. Illinois education policy: Illinois passes a statewide cellphone ban for public schools, with an implementation timeline set by lawmakers. Biosecurity & bias: A University of Chicago study finds clinicians use more negative descriptors in EHR notes for sickle cell patients, with opioid use emerging as a key factor.

Cancer Breakthrough in Chicago: At ASCO 2026, Revolution Medicines’ daraxonrasib (KRAS-targeting pill) nearly doubled survival in metastatic pancreatic cancer, with Reuters and other coverage highlighting a median 13.2 months vs. about 6.7 on chemotherapy and fewer side effects. Next-Gen Cancer Tech: Separate reports spotlight a “smart” immunotherapy approach that helps tumors stop “hiding” from the immune system, shrinking cancers in early trial readouts, plus a gene test that could let many breast cancer patients skip chemotherapy. Illinois Health Tech: UIC and University of Utah researchers unveiled physics-informed machine learning for continuous, cuffless blood pressure monitoring via a wearable smartwatch. Illinois Policy & Tech Regulation: Illinois delayed its POWER Act data-center rules again, pushing implementation beyond the May deadline, while Illinois also advanced landmark AI safety/accountability legislation. Local STEM in Action: Will County students wrapped months of greenhouse work through a district/Illinois Extension program, showcasing plants at an end-of-year sale. Business Watch: Checkit appointed a joint adviser as it explores sale options, and Merck discussed using its COVID antiviral molnupiravir in an Ebola response.

Cancer Breakthroughs at ASCO: Doctors called a new triple-action injection “unprecedented” after it reportedly drove complete tumor disappearance in some advanced head-and-neck cancer patients, while multiple other late-stage updates highlighted major gains across hard-to-treat disease. Targeted Prostate Care: The phase 3 PROTEUS trial found perioperative apalutamide plus ADT cut the risk of metastasis or death and boosted pathologic complete response rates for high-risk localized prostate cancer. Pancreatic Cancer Hope: A daily pill, daraxonrasib, nearly doubled median survival for metastatic pancreatic cancer patients with KRAS mutations versus chemotherapy, and early reports also pointed to durable responses. Biotech Pipeline Signals: ASCO updates included Imugene’s off-the-shelf CAR-T showing responses across several blood cancer subtypes, plus Oricell’s GPC3 CAR-T posting strong response rates in late-line liver cancer. Illinois Tech & Policy: Illinois lawmakers advanced a statewide school cellphone ban, and Naperville picked the I-88 corridor for a 2026 special study. Agriculture & Tech: U. of I researchers used satellite imagery and machine learning to map long-term tillage trends across the Corn Belt, and a clean energy manufacturing report projected rapid growth in U.S. facilities by 2030.

ASCO in Chicago: Pfizer says it will share new oncology data May 29–June 2, spanning late-breaking results and pipeline updates across solid tumors and earlier lines of care. Pancreatic cancer breakthrough: Multiple reports from ASCO highlight daraxonrasib, an oral RAS-targeting drug, nearly doubling survival in metastatic pancreatic cancer after prior therapy (median 13.2 vs 6.7 months). Lung cancer advances: Ivonescimab plus chemotherapy cut the risk of death by 34% in advanced squamous NSCLC, and selpercatinib showed an 83% recurrence/death risk reduction as adjuvant therapy for early RET+ NSCLC. Prostate cancer progress: Neoadjuvant apalutamide with hormone therapy before and after surgery reduced metastasis or death in high-risk localized cases. Cancer tech & access: Studies flag poor online AI info for cancer patients, while a multi-cancer blood test (Galleri PATHFINDER 2) reported stronger detection when paired with standard screenings. Illinois tech & policy: Kendall County’s Kendall County Broadband Initiative launched to bring fiber/wireless to about 15,000 homes and businesses. Public health research: IIT and UIUC researchers found “herbal cigarettes” can be as harmful as tobacco. Workplace rules: New June 2026 state laws expand leave and protections, including Illinois’ neonatal ICU leave requirement.

Hazmat Alert at U of I Lab: Urbana firefighters responded to a hazardous material leak at the University of Illinois’ Roger Adams Laboratory, prompting an Illini-Alert telling people to leave the area if possible. Cancer Tech in Chicago (ASCO): Late-breaking results at ASCO in Chicago report a radiation implant (bioabsorbable “seeds”) improving outcomes after brain metastasis surgery, while experts also warn that molecular testing coverage for children’s cancers still lags behind clinical needs. Blood Tests for Early Detection: The NHS-Galleri trial findings presented at ASCO suggest annual multi-cancer blood screening is “feasible at scale,” even as the test missed its main endpoint for reducing later-stage cancers. Targeted Drug Pipeline: Multiple biotech updates hit ASCO, including early Phase 1 results for a pan-TEAD inhibitor (ODM-212) and interim data for a PD-L1xVEGF-A bispecific (pumitamig) in first-line lung cancer. Illinois Policy & Privacy: Illinois lawmakers approved limits on AI in teacher evaluations and advanced a bill standardizing mobile IDs and driver’s licenses with privacy protections. Green Jobs Training: Aurora’s CEJA Workforce Development Hub held its first graduation for a solar-and-construction apprenticeship track.

AI & Policy in Illinois: Illinois cleared a landmark AI safety bill, while UIC’s Michael Bennett is set to discuss SB 315 and the POWER Act as lawmakers grapple with AI accountability and data-center growth. Public Health & Cancer Research: ASCO updates include exome-based ctDNA showing low sensitivity for recurrence detection in high-risk ccRCC, gene testing helping some breast cancer patients avoid chemo, and longer follow-up reinforcing pembrolizumab plus chemo benefits in recurrent endometrial cancer; separate studies also report improved survival in PD-L1+ NSCLC with a sac-TMT combo. Infrastructure & Climate Resilience: Wetter storms and hurricane season pressures are pushing engineers toward more resilient infrastructure, and potholes are highlighted as a sign of chronic underfunding. Illinois Education Workforce: The Wheeler Foundation pledged $2.35M to expand Illinois State’s PULSE program to grow special education teacher supply. Local Health Watch: Central Illinois sees “very early” West Nile Virus positives in mosquito testing, tied to warm-weather conditions. Tech & Business Reality Check: A new report on small-business AI use finds many firms can’t clearly measure whether AI is actually improving results.

Cancer Breakthrough: A new genomic test from the Optima trial suggests millions of breast cancer patients could safely skip chemotherapy, with results set for ASCO in Chicago. Illinois Tech & Health Tech: Abbott/Exact Sciences plans to showcase expanded cancer diagnostics data at ASCO, including new MRD results for early triple-negative breast cancer. Public Health & Food Safety: A new study finds herbal cigarettes aren’t safer than regular tobacco, producing emissions that can be as harmful as tobacco smoke. Local Tech Policy: Illinois lawmakers advanced a bill to regulate e-bikes and scooters with age and speed limits, aiming to standardize rules as devices proliferate. AI & Law: A report says AI use is reshaping legal work—more adoption, more workload, and shifting expectations toward higher-value tasks. Crypto & Regulation: The CFTC is seeking to undo a $5M Gemini penalty tied to the Winklevoss twins, arguing its earlier case leaned on a whistleblower later deemed unreliable. Illinois Tech Journal Watch: Illinois also approved funding to extend the Perryville Bike Path toward Roscoe, using state and county dollars to improve safe mobility. Science Discovery: Researchers described a tiny new blue octopus species from the Galápagos, adding another deep-ocean mystery to science.

Illinois AI Policy: Illinois lawmakers passed a landmark AI accountability bill (SB315) aimed at the most capable AI models, requiring transparency and third-party safety audits; the measure cleared the House unanimously and now heads to the governor, with support from major developers including OpenAI and Anthropic. School Safety Tech: Illinois House also advanced a bill pushing schools to consider mobile panic alert systems so staff can notify first responders faster, with state agencies tasked to set rules. Chicago Schools Oversight: A divided Chicago school board postponed charter renewals for seven schools/networks until after the school year, extending a tense debate over oversight and financial stability. Healthcare Update: The FDA approved a label expansion for TREMFYA (guselkumab) in psoriatic arthritis, adding support for slowing structural joint damage. Tech & Infrastructure: A report says major U.S. airports, including Chicago O’Hare, still rely on legacy air traffic control software built before the iPhone, underscoring modernization hurdles. Illinois Research & STEM: Illinois State University hosted QuaSy-Con IV, an NSF-supported Quantum Symmetries Conference bringing together researchers across the Midwest. Community Tech in Action: Rockford’s Freedom Trucks mobile museum arrives May 31–June 2, featuring an AI-powered George Washington portrait and interactive history activities.

Illinois AI oversight: Illinois lawmakers cleared a landmark bill requiring independent, third-party safety audits for major “frontier” AI developers, with Illinois set to begin enforcement in 2027 after Pritzker signals he’ll sign. Micromobility rules: A new Illinois bill would regulate e-bikes and scooters with age requirements, speed limits, and where they can be ridden, after House approval. Quantum push: Massachusetts pledged $25M to help MIT build a new quantum computing lab aimed at growing a research-and-business ecosystem. Cancer and GLP-1s: Studies tied GLP-1 weight-loss drugs to slower progression and lower death risk in obesity-related cancers, with results set for ASCO coverage in Chicago. Public health and environment: Illinois waterways show widespread microplastics, with a statewide survey finding them in every sampled site. Tech policy and safety: Regulators and lawmakers continue to grapple with AI governance, while police bodycam YouTube channels face scrutiny over how footage is obtained and shared. Transportation and infrastructure: The Surface Transportation Board conditionally accepted a Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, asking for more environmental details.

Illinois AI oversight: Illinois lawmakers passed a landmark AI accountability bill requiring third-party safety audits for powerful AI labs, a move Pritzker says he’ll sign as Big Tech faces growing pressure to prove guardrails. Local tech + environment: Residents near a proposed $20B Joliet data center sued to block the project, arguing the approval process unlawfully ignored major impacts on water, power, and neighborhoods. Higher ed energy research: Illinois State University students studied whether geothermal could power campus operations, finding it technically feasible via a phased approach. STEM in the classroom: Illinois State University’s Academic Advising Council named 2026 advising award recipients, spotlighting support for nontraditional students. Cancer research in Chicago: Mount Sinai researchers plan major ASCO 2026 presentations, including work spanning precision oncology, early detection, and AI-enabled tumor analysis. Climate risk: A new study warns warmer conditions will likely produce bigger, more damaging hailstones, raising costs and resilience concerns.

AI Policy in Illinois: The Illinois Senate advanced a bill regulating large AI developers, pushing transparency and reporting on catastrophic risks (modeled on California/New York) as lawmakers try to set a de facto national standard. Online Child Safety Fight: Illinois AG Kwame Raoul joined a bipartisan coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would preempt state protections and shield platforms from meaningful duty-of-care. AI in the Market: Tensormesh raised $20M and launched GA of its inference platform aimed at cutting GPU costs via KV caching—an “AI compute” story with real Illinois relevance for developers and buyers. Healthcare Tech: Advocate Health partnered with Lind to automate cancer clinical-trial matching in EHRs, targeting the bottleneck that keeps only a small share of eligible patients in trials. Local Transit Tech: Connect Transit proposed service changes tied to ISU’s new College of Engineering at G.E. Road, with public sessions starting June 2. Public Health: Illinois is seeing a harder, earlier tick season, with rising tick-bite ER visits and broader pathogen risk. Science & Discovery: Chicago Field Museum researcher Janet Voight helped describe a tiny blue “golf ball” octopus species from deep waters near the Galápagos.

Local Public Safety: Illinois State Police and partner agencies wrapped a two-night Metro East operation in East St. Louis, filing 25 felony charges after 23 arrests—plus 15 firearm-related charges and 11 guns recovered. Illinois Politics: A genetic and biomarker privacy bill sponsored by Sen. Bill Cunningham cleared Illinois lawmakers, aiming to tighten how insurers and employers can use sensitive test results. Education & Community: Chicago’s first fully elected school board race is heating up, with 51 candidates filing for 21 seats. Higher Ed Watch: Illinois Wesleyan says it’s “playing offense” against an enrollment cliff, pointing to a new quantum science center and other expansions. Tech & AI Governance: Illinois lawmakers are advancing rules for powerful AI models, even as industry groups warn about unintended impacts. Science: A bright blue, golf-ball-sized octopus near the Galápagos has been confirmed as a new species—years after its first sighting. Markets: US stocks pushed to new highs as chip shares rallied, while the Fear & Greed index stayed in “Greed.”

Summer learning boost: A five-year study in high-poverty Milwaukee schools finds “summer slide” can be blunted when kids get book bags—students in book-receiving schools gained about two-thirds of a school year, published in PNAS. Health alarm over GLP-1s: Doctors are warning that people with eating disorders are turning to GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, sometimes via easy online access, raising fears of relapse and new eating-disorder cases. Illinois local life: Paxton’s newest patrol officer says the job “feels like home,” while the Illinois Wheat Association reports strong wheat potential (102.8 bushels/acre average) after scouting 143 fields. Policy + courts: Alabama’s congressional map fight is headed toward another Supreme Court showdown after a federal judge temporarily blocked the GOP plan. Tech + culture: Pope Leo issues a first encyclical urging AI be “disarmed,” and Pokémon GO teases its “Forever Forward” season ahead of GO Fest Global in Chicago. Business + labor: Massachusetts ride-hailing drivers certify the first statewide union, a potential model for organizing in Illinois.