Budget bills introduced by Illinois Democrats in the waning hours of session and that were passed early Saturday will require private-sector retailers to notify consumers of temporary “tax relief” measures included in them. Critics say the requirements are an unconstitutional violation of free speech rights and forced campaign propaganda during an election year.

The budget will require gas stations to post stickers on pumps noting that an inflationary gas tax increase of about 2.2 cents a gallon that’s scheduled to go into effect July 1 has been suspended  for six months. Retailers that refuse will face a $500 daily fine. Election Day, when Gov. J.B. Pritzker and all state legislative seats are on the ballot, is Nov. 8. Retailers that refuse to post the stickers through Election Day face fines of more than $65,500.

Sheldrick Holmes once worked in the Willis Tower. His master’s degree in finance and accounting put him in a job with heft and responsibility. But he wasn’t inspired.

Most Illinois metro areas performed poorly in a new report on sustained job creation across the country.

The annual study was produced by the Milken Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank. The research focuses on data concerning short and medium-term job growth and wage growth, especially related to the high-tech sector. Measures evaluating housing affordability and broadband access also are included.

A local official crime bill that passed the Illinois Senate, originated in Winnebago County, has been stopped by the Democratic controlled House. It will now be at least a year before it’s even considered again.

Senate bill 3460 was introduced by Cherry Valley Republican Dave Syverson. It was in response to a case in Winnebago County; where County Coroner Bill Hintz was charged with felony crimes but, due to a loophole, was allowed to remain in office. Syverson’s bill would have closed the loophole. However, despite passing the Senate in a unanimous vote in February, the bill was never brought to the House floor this session; meaning it will not be allowed to be reintroduced until at least 2023. Hintz has since resigned. He faces 37 felony counts including forgery, official misconduct, and stealing from the dead. Hintz’s wife Michelle is charged with four felonies.

The Illinois General Assembly wrapped up the spring session early Saturday morning, feverishly passing new bills to send to the governor’s desk.

But they didn’t finish until 6:10am, after blowing past their self-imposed midnight deadline.