Tuesday's primary wins have Democrats across Illinois sending a clear message: call him Boss Pritzker.

Why it matters: Gov. JB Pritzker has consolidated control of the state Democratic Party in a way not seen since Richard J. Daley or Michael Madigan — towering figures in state political history — with major implications for Illinois' future.

The latest: Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton surprised observers with an upset victory in the race for Dick Durbin's open Senate seat.

• Meanwhile, Pritzker-backed candidates across the ballot advanced to the November ballot.

What they're saying: "Governor Pritzker has emerged to be arguably one of the most influential Democrats in the country," political analyst and former Illinois GOP chair Pat Brady tells Axios.

Context: It's not just party insiders. Voters seem to like the Pritzker machine, too.

• He is unapologetically liberal, leaning into issues like abortion rights, LGBTQ+ protections and aggressive anti-Trump messaging, even as moderates like former Mayor Rahm Emanuel argue that strategy won't win nationally.

Yes, but: His grip wasn't always this firm. Early in his tenure, he suffered a major defeat when voters rejected his proposed tax overhaul — raising questions about his political ceiling.

• That was then. Now? Pritzker has built a modern political machine, one that recruits candidates, funds campaigns and maintains a Democratic supermajority in Springfield.
• It's also why his name keeps surfacing in 2028 presidential chatter and why Chicago is back in the mix for a future Democratic convention.

The bottom line: In Illinois, the Democratic Party isn't just winning, it's orbiting around one person.

The one office Pritzker doesn't have his grip on

Lollapalooza tickets go on sale this morning and Gen X alt-rock fans have a big reason to be excited: The Smashing Pumpkins are finally headlining the Grant Park festival.

Yes, really: They've never played Lollapalooza in its Grant Park era.

Flashback: They played Lolla in 1994 at the World Music Theater in Tinley Park before the festival moved to its downtown home in Grant Park.

What they're saying: "The universe is righting itself," former Q-101 host and current Car Con Carne podcast host James VanOsdol tells Axios.

• "For everyone who said, 'guitars and rock are dead,' or 'Lollapalooza doesn't care about its heritage,' we can all agree this is a step in the right direction."

Between the lines: Still, it's hard to believe the Pumpkins have never graced the Grant Park stage.

• It could be Corgan himself. The rock star has talked about his complicated relationship with the music industry, including his disdain for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which has yet to nominate the band.

The bottom line: No more infinite sadness. The Pumpkins are headliners once again.

🏢 The Thompson Center will keep its name even after its new owner Google reopens the building next year after renovations. (Block Club)

🏛️ At City Council yesterday, 30 alders voted to freeze sub-minimum wage increases in the city, but Mayor Brandon Johnson quickly vowed to veto the move. (WTTW)

• The council passed a new hotel surcharge that funds tourism marketing, but makes downtown hotel fees the highest in the nation.
• Alders also voted to let the Civilian Office of Police Accountability investigate reports of local police cooperation with immigration agents, and to confirm embattled Animal Control Commissioner Susan Cappello.

🏟️ White Sox chairman-in-waiting Justin Ishbia and his private equity firm, Shore Capital Partners, are purchasing the Amtrak railyard near the Chicago River in the South Loop. It could be used for a future White Sox stadium. (Sun-Times)

🚨 Police in Spain are investigating after a college student from Elmhurst went missing this week in Barcelona. (NBC)

👩‍🎓 University of Notre Dame announced yesterday it will offer free tuition to students from families making less than $150,000 a year, starting this fall. (Tribune)

🏈 The Bears are bringing back former linebacker Jack Sanborn. Sanborn previously played for the team from 2022 to 2024 and grew up in Lake Zurich. (Bears)

Tonight, the Illini men's basketball team hits the court in Greenville, South Carolina for a first-round NCAA Tournament matchup against Penn.

• Tip-off is at 8:25pm.

Why it matters: This year's Illini team is good. Like 2005 good.

Zoom in: Under coach Brad Underwood, Illinois (24–8) has steadily improved year to year, fueled in part by successful international recruiting that's reshaped the roster.

• Freshman sensation Keaton Wagler and a slew of Balkan-born players like Andrej Stojakovic, Tomislav Ivisic, and David Mirkovic have all made major contributions this season.

Yes, but: They have a glaring flaw: Closing games. Illinois has blown multiple big leads, including double-digit second-half advantages. That's a dangerous habit to break in March.

The big picture: Fans hope the No. 3 seed Illini can tighten up their defense and make a deep run. They have some formidable basketball powerhouses in their way, including a potential second-round matchup with North Carolina and a potential Sweet 16 matchup with No. 2 seed Houston.

The bottom line: The Orange Crush could make a deep run — if they can finally finish games.

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