SIU trustees unexpectedly move to replace president without his prior knowledge

A faction of Southern Illinois University’s board of trustees may move to oust the system’s embattled president this week, an extraordinary move that came about without the president’s knowledge and intensifies weeks of tension at the schools.

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

Speaker Madigan’s chief of staff resigns hours after aide accused him of repeated sexually inappropriate comments

Speaker Michael Madigan ousted his longtime chief of staff on Wednesday after a House staff member accused the top aide of sexual harassment over several years and fostering “a culture of sexism, harassment and bullying that creates an extremely difficult working environment.”

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

Bethune trial goes back to jury selection after juror asks to be excused

A juror in the trial of a man charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 19-year-old Southern Illinois University Carbondale student asked to be excused Tuesday before opening statements were set to begin.

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

Governor to consider hundreds of bills passed this session

Now that the state has a budget and lawmakers have left Springfield for their districts for the summer, the floodgates of legislation that cleared both chambers this year will soon hit Gov. Bruce Rauner’s desk.

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

Blagojevich files paperwork asking Trump to commute sentence

CHICAGO — Illinois’ imprisoned ex-governor, Rod Blagojevich, has filed paperwork asking President Donald Trump to commute his 14-year prison term for corruption that included seeking to sell an appointment to the Senate seat Barack Obama vacated to become president.

A spokesman for Blagojevich’s lawyers told the Chicago Tribune it was submitted Tuesday to the Department of Justice. The Chicago Sun-Times reports the paperwork is a formality and that Trump doesn’t necessarily require it to act.

Trump last week broached the possibility of freeing the 61-year-old, suggesting the one-time “Celebrity Apprentice” contestant was convicted for “being stupid.” But many Illinois voters regarded Blagojevich’s corruption as brazen. His convictions included attempting to extort a children’s hospital.
— Associated Press

Many key people involved respond after Morthland College announces it will close

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.

DePaul professor calls for troops on ground in Chicago to fight gangs

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.

Religious freedom ruling could stifle Illinois’ “public accommodation” law

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.

Latest $25 million check pushes Pritzker’s total self-funding past $100 million

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.

Legislature passes bill to improve insurance coverage for mental health, addiction

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.

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