* Here you go…

* Sun-Times | Pritzker signs $50.4 billion budget that boosts early education funding — and stops state officials’ raises from breaking the law: 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.

* Tribune | Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs $50.4 billion state budget but vetoes legislators’ pay hike that exceeded state limit: The change on salaries made by Pritzker, which takes effect unless lawmakers vote to override them, marks the second time in three years the governor has had to make technical fixes to the budget sent to him by lawmakers.

* ABC Chicago | Governor JB Pritzker signs $50B state budget: The governor signed it into law at Christopher House, a Pre-K through eighth grade nonprofit school, to highlight, among many aspects of the budget, the money the state is investing in early childhood development.

* Tribune | Ex-state Sen. Terry Link testifies about his turn as a government mole in federal bribery trial of Berrios son-in-law: Link’s appearance in a federal courtroom took on an added spectacle since the Vernon Hills Democrat had vehemently denied reports — including in the Tribune — that he was the cooperating state Senator A mentioned in the charges first made public in October 2019.

* Sun-Times | Former state Sen. Terry Link testifies about his cooperation with FBI — which he once denied: The first day of testimony in Weiss’ trial also featured appearances by state Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita and former state Sen. Antonio “Tony” Munoz. For Rita, it was his second time testifying in federal court in less than three months about bribery schemes at the Illinois Capitol. But only Link had to explain his own crimes to the jury. The former senator told the panel that he’d withdrawn money from his campaign account and, he said, “I used some for gambling.”

* Crain’s | Pritzker makes personal pitch as EV battery makers near decision on Illinois plants: Reliable sources say Pritzker has talked to — or in the next few days intends to talk to — at least three companies that have done site visits: one reportedly European based, the second Chinese and the third of unknown origin.

* NBC Chicago | Bears CEO Kevin Warren and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issue statement as team explores options: “Today we met and discussed our shared values and commitment to the city of Chicago, the importance of deep roots and the need for equitable community investment throughout the city,” the statement read. “We are both committed to the idea that the city and its major civic institutions must grow and evolve together to meet the needs of the future. We look forward to continuing the dialogue around these shared values.”

* WTTW | Mayor Brandon Johnson ‘Looking Forward’ to Continuing Work with CPS CEO Pedro Martinez: Johnson called out Martinez and other education leaders during his inauguration speech last month, saying: “I need you. We can do this together.” If Martinez remains in his position into next year, he’ll be tasked with negotiating a new labor agreement with the CTU, whose current deal is set to expire in 2024.

* Illinois Answers | A Popular Affordable Housing Initiative Is Ripe For Expansion in Chicago — But When?: The Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) program has led to the construction of nearly 500 relatively affordable new homes since May 2021, mostly on the city’s North and Northwest sides — two of five “pilot zones” where the program has been rolled out. But advocates say that only represents a sliver of its potential, arguing city leaders need to put more money behind the program.

* Tribune | Wisconsin Republicans block meningitis vaccine requirement for students: The Legislature’s vote also makes it easier for parents to get an exemption from a chicken pox vaccine requirement that is in place for all K-6 students. Evers’ administration wanted to require parents seeking a chicken pox vaccination exemption to provide proof that their child has previously been infected.

* Sun-Times | Chicago Blues Festival to kick off full force after pandemic cancellations, constraints: After three years of pandemic blues, the Chicago Blues Festival is back in full force, and the free, four-day star-studded affair kicks off Thursday in Millennium Park with hometown hero Wayne Baker Brooks. “Words can’t express the way I’m feeling about it. Music is how I get my emotions across,” said Brooks, who leans into a bit of advice the late blues legend Albert King passed along when Brooks was 19 and trying to decide between playing drums and guitar.

* Scott Holland | Do we really need to ponder a new state flag?: Illinoisans understand how a flawless flag design becomes a ubiquitous, pride-inspiring pennant because Chicago’s is one of the best anywhere. NAVA should consider adding additional principles for flag design: must look cool as a tattoo, as a patch for city workers and vehicles, or easily blended into sports logos and uniforms.

* Sun-Times | Chicago area air quality improving, but wildfire effects may linger a few days: The air in Chicago isn’t colored in a hazy dystopian orange like some parts of the East Coast, but wildfires raging in Canada may continue to affect air quality in the city and across Illinois for the next several days.

* Tribune | 3 severed heads from donor bodies left at employee’s desk after complaints raised about alleged misconduct: Wheatley said the heads from AGA donors were placed next to his desk after he reported concerns about the mishandling and poor conditions of donated bodies to his supervisors. But AGA Executive Vice President William O’Connor denied any maltreatment accusations, saying that handling body parts is in Wheatley’s job description.