The Latest Breaking News from JB Pritzker

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday gave Northwestern University graduates practical advice he learned from some of his favorite characters on “The Office.” But according to that other office — the governor’s office — Pritzker didn’t know one of the stars of the show would be there in person.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias told the Sun-Times he was “blown away” after reading about book bans across the country. “To me, this is a slippery slope, and it goes against what education is about,” he said.

Americans may not like political gridlock, but a new Associated Press analysis indicates that the closely divided Congress relatively accurately reflects the desires of voters

The governor’s office said line-item reductions of $192,700 were made after a review found that cost-of-living pay raises granted to constitutional officers, legislators and some appointed officials exceeded 5%, which they said was unconstitutional.

The Pritzker fundraiser is expected to draw the Chicago area’s top Democratic donors. The Biden team plans other fundraisers to top off coffers before the end of June.

The bill, once it’s law, could become a significant redevelopment tool by making it easier to get tax-delinquent vacant properties in Cook and other counties back into use.

The Illinois EPA expects to build nearly 350 new direct-current fast-charger ports through this program, funded with proceeds from a 2016 Volkswagen settlement.

If enacted, the law would put the downstate utility Ameren in charge of new regional power lines crossing its territory, possibly including those that would connect the Chicago area to solar and wind energy.

The Supreme Court last week restricted the EPA’s ability to protect America’s waterways and wetlands. Illinois can’t afford to sit back and do nothing to protect both in our state, the head of the Illinois Environmental Council writes.

Governor JB Pritzker expected to sign bill that would block state funding for public libraries and schools that ban books

Just after 2:30 a.m., the House voted 73-38 to pass the budget, which Gov. J.B. Pritzker touted as his “fifth balanced budget,” vowing to sign it.