The Latest Breaking News from Don Harmon

Who will fill Brandon Johnson’s Cook County Board seat?

The application process for those interested in serving the rest of Brandon Johnson’s term on the county board was announced Wednesday. Those already vying for the spot include three members of the Leaders Network, a West Side faith-based group.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 17, 2023

ComEd verdicts jolt Illinois political world — sparking strong reactions from Republicans (and a few Democrats)

“This guilty on all charges verdict has proven what Republicans have already known. We need real ethics reform,” Illinois House Republican Leader Tony McCombie said at a news conference in Springfield after the verdict.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 2, 2023

Mayor-elect Johnson pitches unity to state legislators in Springfield: ‘Our challenges are not that unique’

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson said he didn’t come to Springfield to “dictate” what Chicago needs when it comes to public safety dollars. “How do I call myself a collaborator and then I’m dictating?” Johnson asked reporters. “These are ongoing conversations.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 19, 2023

Illinois’ sweeping firearms ban certain to end up in court, and some experts doubt it will stand

CHICAGO — In his closing remarks before a vote on a sweeping firearms ban, Illinois Senate President Don Harmon pushed back at critics who contended the prohibitions would violate the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Chicago Tribune · Jan 17, 2023

Illinois Just Banned 'Assault Weapons' Because Their 'Only Intent' Is Mass Murder

The law is hard to defend on logical, practical, or constitutional grounds.

Reason · Jan 12, 2023

Welcome warning? Illinois Senate president’s message to newly sworn senators: Fly right or get lost

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon quoted both his late mother, who worried “that Springfield will change your notion of what the right thing is,” and former Chicago Police Supt. James Rochford, who once warned officers “If you lack integrity, get out — get out now.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 12, 2023

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker sets out 2nd-term agenda as weapons ban bill heads for final vote

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Seeking to build on the successes of his four years in office, Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker offered a second-term agenda Monday that called for a state constitutional right to abortion, making preschool available to every family and making public college free for children in working-class families.

Chicago Tribune · Jan 10, 2023

Ill. Senate OKs gun ban, House Democrats agree with changes

The Illinois Senate has approved a ban on semiautomatic weapons

The Independent UK · Jan 10, 2023

State assault weapons ban moves ahead after Democratic deal and echoes of a child’s screams

The Illinois Senate voted 34-20 to approve the measure, which now must go back to the Illinois House for concurrence. Earlier, lawmakers heard audio that began with a high-pitched cry from a child at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade. “What is happening?” the child screams. “What is…

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 10, 2023

Illinois House passes bills banning certain semi-automatic weapons, expanding abortion protections

With Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker seated in the front row of the chamber, the Illinois House early Friday approved a sweeping ban on high-powered firearms about two hours after voting to shore up the state’s already expansive protections for abortion rights.

Chicago Tribune · Jan 7, 2023