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.

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.

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.