CARBONDALE — Southern Illinois is at the center of a national conversation about the First Amendment after the country rock band Confederate Railroad was removed from the Du Quoin State Fair’s grandstand lineup last week, apparently over their use of the name and symbols of the Confederacy.

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

The last child welfare investigator who made contact with Andrew “AJ” Freund before the young Crystal Lake boy was allegedly killed by his parents is a local elected official with a history of workplace complaints and a recent suspension, according to documents reviewed by the Tribune.

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

A union representing thousands of Illinois state workers says its members have approved a four-year contract that offers lump-sum payments and a series of raises.

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

With a recent report showing that suicide rates among farmers are more than five times the national average, the Illinois Farm Bureau is taking steps to help farmers in need.

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

MARION — An event Tuesday offers area seniors an opportunity to do a little one-stop shopping for health care needs.

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

Wynonna Judd to play 2019 Du Quoin State Fair; fairgrounds are getting video gambling

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

It’s another sign that summer has arrived in Illinois: The state is putting out its first mosquito warning.

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

BENTON — One of the people charged in the 2017 theft and killing of baby pigs in Franklin County was given a trial date Friday.

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

WARE — In a normal year, Mitchel McLane plants about 2,700 acres of corn and soybeans on his farm in Union County.

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

There’s bipartisan agreement among two freshman lawmakers that the way things are run at the Illinois State Capitol can be chaotic.

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