Tim Morthland promised economic revitalization for Franklin County and Southern Illinois by opening Morthland College and its family of businesses — a research park that would produce energy drinks, a music conservatory, phone screen repair, even a cafe on top of a proposed hospital, and a four-year private college based on Christian values.

Here’s a link to the story, written by Isaac Smith, that appeared in the Southern Illinoisan.

A professor teaching in Chicago wants President Donald Trump to send in the military to deal with gang violence.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Liberty Counsel, which filed an amicus brief in the free religious exercise case in which the US Supreme Court sided with a Christian baker, says the decision could have an effect on Illinois as a state whose civil rights law mentions “sexual orientation,” “gender Identity” and “public accommodation.”

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois Review.

Democratic governor nominee J.B. Pritzker continued his record self-funding of his campaign, crossing the $100 million mark with a $25 million contribution.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

State lawmakers passed a bill late Thursday meant to make it easier for patients with mental health and addiction issues to get insurance coverage for treatment

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Gov. Bruce Rauner said he will sign a budget that passed both chambers for the first time in his three-and-a-half years as the state’s chief executive despite concerns from a small group of lawmakers who said the budget isn’t balanced.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Lawmakers passed a bill that would mandate local public schools set minimum pay for teachers at $40,000 annually by the 2022-2023 school year.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Less than 24 hours after the Senate overwhelmingly approved a fiscal 2019 spending plan, the House followed suit Thursday and Gov. Bruce Rauner said he would sign it.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

President Donald Trump on Thursday pardoned a conservative commentator he claims “was treated very unfairly by our government!” and announced he’s thinking about clemency for Martha Stewart and former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, among “lots” of other people.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Cities across Illinois are shrinking because people are moving to other states, according to U.S. Census officials.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.