An expert says Lyme disease cases in Illinois will likely continue to rise this year after having shown a gradual increase in recent years.

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

U.S. Census data released Thursday showed the population in every one of the state’s metropolitan areas declined in the past year for the first time.

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

Video gambling supporters are pushing back against Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s plan to nearly double the state’s tax on the betting terminals.

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

DU QUOIN — Josh Gross grew up in Pinckneyville and lives in Du Quoin.

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

CARBONDALE — Already implicated in multiple improper hires, former Southern Illinois University President Randy Dunn again appears to have violated university policy to hire a former colleague to a high-paying job, according to documents obtained by The Southern Illinoisan via Freedom of Information Act request.

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

CARBONDALE — Southern Illinois University Carbondale is beefing up its student outreach in two cities that have long been key sources of new Salukis: St. Louis and Chicago.

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

NORMAL — Gov. J.B. Pritzker pleaded his case for the proposed graduated income tax at the Illinois New Broadcasters Association’s annual spring convention Saturday evening.

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

4-10-19 Joshua T. Kettering age 46 of Benton was arrested for driving on a suspended license and ticketed for operating an uninsured vehicle. He was transported to the Franklin County Jail where he later posted bond.

4-12-19 Joshua B. Harner age 32 of Marion was ticketed for improper use of an electronic device.

4-13-19 Joshua S. Hargett age 28 of West Frankfort was arrested for driving on a suspended license and ticketed for operating an uninsured vehicle. He was transported to the Franklin County Jail where he later posted bond.

4-14-19 Rocky L. Johnson age 43 of Kansas City, KS was arrested for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, obstructing justice, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of cannabis, a failure to appear warrant out of Williamson County for aggravated fleeing police and a failure to appear warrant out of Franklin County for possession of a controlled substance. He is being held in the Franklin County Jail.

4-14-19 Brandie L. Bunting age 28 of Kansas City, KS was arrested for obstructing justice, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of cannabis. She is being held in the Franklin County Jail.

4-14-19 Timothy M. Morse age 33 of Kansas City, KS was arrested for obstructing justice, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of cannabis. He is being held in the Franklin County Jail.

WARRANT ARRESTS

4-11-19 Joshua G. Williams age 32 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance.

4-11-19 Gina L. Cooper age 49 of Benton. Violation of probation.

4-12-19 Chelsie D. Schaefer age 26 of West Frankfort. Violation of probation.

4-12-19 Jeremy R. Fulford age 31 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for battery.

Noncitizen students and transgender individuals not eligible for federal student loan aid because they’ve failed to register for the selective service would be able to access tuition assistance in Illinois under a plan passed by the House.

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

For all of the outcry and political promises to help property taxes, Illinoisans still pay the second highest rates in the nation.

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