News

Gov Pritzker questioned about Benton report

Gov Pritzker questioned about Benton report

Rep. Harry Benton takes a picture during a joint session of the Illinois House in May 2026. Photo: Capitol News Illinois/Jerry Nowicki


(CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Last Friday’s release of the legislative inspector general’s report about former State Rep. Harry Benton (pictured) gave reporters Tuesday another chance to question Gov. JB Pritzker about the investigation, which has also caught up House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside).

Pritzker did not focus on Benton or Welch but, rather, the process. “I think what the report reveals to me is the holes in the system, that it didn’t operate the way that I think was intended originally, and that it needs fixing. And so I look forward to the House members in particular putting forward fixes and making sure that that is addressed,” Pritzker said after signing a bill in Chicago. I’m sure that the speaker will be engaged in that process. I assume he will.”

Benton was accused of sexual harassment against a staff member. Welch reportedly sat on the allegations for three years before acting. And Welch reportedly acted in a questionable fashion toward the same staffer, inviting her to a bar and using emojis to like her social media posts.

Pritzker again, when asked about Welch’s future as speaker, only said that’s up to members of the House.

Recent Headlines

3 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

Ariana Grande on decision to withdraw from the public eye: ‘Not a reactive or impulsive thing’

Ariana Grande chose to "clear the air about a few things" during her concert Monday night, following the news that she will be taking a break from being in the public eye after the conclusion of her "Eternal Sunshine" tour.

11 hours ago in Entertainment

Leonardo DiCaprio and Jeff Bezos lead $200M project to save 100 of globe’s most threatened species

Foundations funded and co-founded by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jeff Bezos have launched an initiative committing $200 million to revive 100 of Earth's most threatened species, including endangered lemurs, salamanders, pangolins, pigs and echidnas.

1 day ago in Entertainment

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ nets second best North American opening ever with $355 million

"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" made box office history in its first weekend in theaters. The Sony-released superhero movie became the second-biggest North American opening ever with an astonishing $355 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday. It was just a few million shy of "Avengers: Endgame," which debuted to $357 million in 2019.

1 day ago in Entertainment

Ariana Grande withdraws from London musical and will take a break from the public eye

Ariana Grande has pulled out of an upcoming stage musical in London, producers said, and plans to withdraw from the public eye for a break from the intense scrutiny she faces.