Illinois Public Media News

Gov. Bruce Rauner continued to blame the state's financial problems on Democratic "special interests" Sunday evening as the regularly scheduled legislative session drew to a close.

Illinois' contract with the state's largest employee union expires at the end of the month and negotiations with the governor are said to be going badly. Democrats are trying to prevent a potential strike but the governor might have other plans.

Opponents say while bobcats were taken off the threatened species list, it's too soon to allow hunters to kill them, especially since they are seen as a trophy animal and aren't hunted for food.

The tense political atmosphere in Springfield is set to get even more contentious. Gov. Bruce Rauner's upfront -- he says it's going to get rough, but he's not giving up.

Drasen Johnson's 5-hitter is the second straight complete game by an Illini pitcher.  They'll face Wright State for the regional title at 1 p.m. at Illinois Field.