Illinois Public Media News

During his first court appearance since he was indicted last month, Hastert's defense attorney entered the pleas on Hastert's behalf. He also waived the reading of the indictment.

Anyone who forgot to register to vote beforehand will be able to do it that day. That's thanks to a law that was intended to be in place for the first time for next year's elections. McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael and others had asked legislators to delay the law until then. It never happened.

The Illinois baseball season ended Monday after falling to 4-2 to Vanderbilt in the NCAA Super Regional at Illinois Field.  It was a day of mixed emotions for losing pitcher Tyler Jay, who later learned he'd been drafted by the Minnesota Twins. 

A former University of Illinois soccer player has joined a growing list of the school's athletes who have complained about improper medical treatment and playing conditions. Casey Conine filed a lawsuit Monday in Champaign County Circuit Court claiming she was cleared to play in October 2014 after suffering a third concussion in two years at Illinois.

Rick Winkel witnessed Illinois budget battles up close during his time in the Illinois House and Senate. As legislators return to Springfield, the Republican says, “If we go past June 30th into the next fiscal year without a budget, then it becomes a game of chicken, which is completely, grotesquely irresponsible on both sides."