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.

Why it matters: The spring session was truncated this year to let lawmakers hit the campaign trail before the June 28 primary.

• Even though the budget was agreed to by top Democrats Thursday evening, it didn't get introduced by the House until just after 5am Saturday.
• "This budget and its $1.8 billion in tax relief is for you, the people of Illinois," Gov. JB Pritzker said at a Saturday morning press conference.

Driving the news: One controversial piece of legislation is about signage. The budget calls for a six-month freeze on the gas tax increase and stipulates that gas stations put up signage communicating that to drivers. If they don't, owners could face fines.

• "The idea that fuel retailers would have to reach into their own pockets to tell their customers about legislation approved in Springfield and then face heavy fines if they don’t is completely absurd," IL Fuel and Retail Association CEO Josh Sharp said in a press release.
• If Pritzker signs the signage requirements into law, Sharp is considering filing a lawsuit against the state.

Of note: Illinois drivers won't see any change at the pump come July, the start of the fiscal year. They just won't see a tax increase.

• Republicans argue that the six-month freeze will just force two increases on drivers next year.

What's next: Democrats will now get out on the campaign trail, hoping that the balanced budget, stimulus checks, and pro-police bills will not only give them talking points but will take the air out of GOP arguments that they are fiscally irresponsible and soft on crime.

All three casino finalists presented their proposals last week in a series of town hall meetings. They fielded questions and made their case to build the city's first-ever casino.

Driving the news: The town halls all had similar themes — jobs, traffic, and neighborhood residents skeptical of a major casino moving into their backyards.

Rivers 78: The developers preached jobs, jobs, and more jobs while touting that minority-owned contractors are getting the work done.

• Backed by one of Illinois' richest men, Neil Bluhm, Rivers would set up a temporary casino in a nearby boathouse while the permanent location is built.
• Nearby residents and Ald. Byron Sigcho-López are worried about crime and its proximity to Chinatown, which has a history of predatory casino marketing.

The Hard Rock at One Central: South Loop residents pressed developers about congestion, economic opportunities, and crime.

• Developers say the casino would be built off Lake Shore, far away from congestion.
• Some residents weren't swayed, concerned about its connection to the fledgling mega-development One Central.
• If chosen, Hard Rock could have the casino open in 30 months.

Bally's at the Freedom Center: The developers took questions from River West residents overwhelmingly worried about noise and traffic.

• Bally's would put millions towards 30 neighborhood infrastructure projects they believe will make traffic better.
• It would be the biggest casino in the state, with a 3,000-seat entertainment venue and a 500-room hotel.
• If chosen, Bally's would set up a temporary casino in the Tribune Publishing building near the Freedom Center.

What's next: The city says it will choose a winner by early summer.

Former Ald. Danny Solís was charged with one count of bribery from actions in 2015. He has helped the feds in cases against Ald. Ed Burke and Speaker Mike Madigan. (WTTW)

👩‍⚖️ A downstate judge has issued a restraining order against CPS, which was set to discipline six teachers for not complying with its COVID-19 testing/vaccine mandate. (Sun-Times)

📵 Benito Juárez High School banned students from having phones in the classroom. (Block Club)

🏀 The Bulls enter the playoffs as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. They'll take on the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round. The series starts next weekend. (NBA)

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A new exhibit called Frida Kahlo, Her Photos opened this month at the National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA).

• Brewed in collaboration with NMMA and the Chicago Brewseum, Casa Humilde Cervecería created a gorgeous beer in honor of the exhibit — Viva La Frida.

The idea: A boldly pink hibiscus and lime lager that's 4.5% alcohol ($10.99, four-pack).

Insta-rating: A pic of the cool can or a glass of the rosy brew will turn heads and compel friends to press the like button — a lot.

Taste rating: I wasn't crazy about the beer alone, but with a rich scallop linguine, Viva La Frida offered a bright citrus contrast.

• "It reminds me of the Mexican jamaica (hibiscus) drink with a little floral hint and punch of citrus at the end," beer historian Liz Garibay tells Axios. "It's so refreshing and reminds me of visiting family in Mexico City as a kid."

The bottom line: Casa Humilde's Viva La Frida makes for fetching pictures and a great drink with rich food on a warm night.

Don't expect to see those famous pink flamingos if this week's warming temperatures take you to Lincoln Park Zoo.

Why it matters: Their absence is driven by an ongoing bird flu in 24 states.

• Brookfield Zoo and others across the country are taking similar precautions.

What they're saying: "Currently, McCormick Bird House is closed and all outdoor birds have been moved to behind-the-scenes spaces," David Bernier, the zoo's general curator, tells Axios.

What's next: Bernier isn't sure how long the bird house will be closed.