The Latest Breaking News from Don Harmon

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker begins his second term Jan. 9 emboldened by a decisive reelection victory, a slew of wins in November by Democratic candidates he helped fund and a series of legislative successes that formed the foundation of his bid for another four years in Springfield.

CHICAGO — The strain on Chicago’s resources from a continued influx of migrants was underscored this week when Mayor Lori Lightfoot asked the state for $54 million in emergency funding and her administration confirmed it will open a shelter at a former school in Woodlawn to temporarily house asylum-seekers.

The Democrat from Champaign was one of three key sponsors of an amendment to the SAFE-T Act, which cleared the Illinois General Assembly last week.

CHICAGO — Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who made banning the sale of assault weapons a key component of his successful reelection campaign this fall, for the first time voiced support for the recently unveiled proposal by Illinois House Democrats that includes outlawing the sale of certain assault-style guns, barring most people…

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The weather turned frigid in the state capital on Wednesday, just in time for the dedication of a marker commemorating the day nearly 16 years ago when thousands braved single-digit temperatures to see then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama announce his 2008 presidential bid from the steps of the…

Most every pre-election poll claimed that voters ranked abortion low on their priority lists. Yet, the abortion issue seemed to drive voters to the polls this year. What happened?

Newly reelected Gov_ J_B_ Pritzker says his victory indicates that Illinois voters want the state to be a “beacon of hope and opportunity.”

Pritzker gave $500,000 each to the candidates from his campaign fund — and another $500,000 to each from a personal trust fund. Republicans accuse him of skirting limits he himself signed into law. But the Illinois State Board of Elections says the contributions are allowed.

Republican fundraising could not even come close to keeping pace with the Democrats.

Jones, who is facing federal bribery charges, and Hastings, accused of abuse by his estranged wife, have stepped down from Senate leadership posts, but Pritzker said that’s not enough: “Resigning only their leadership roles falls short of what the public should expect.”

As Republicans called for the Far South Side legislator to resign altogether, Jones III has yet to publicly address the charges against him.