Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert is asking for probation in his hush-money case. His lawyers cite the former Illinois congressman's health and say in a new court filing that he's already paid a high price. They note Hastert's "fall from grace has been swift and devastating."  The Chicago Tribune Thursday cited unidentified law enforcement sources as saying at least four people have made "credible allegations of sexual abuse.'

Dennis Hastert, who pleaded guilty in late October to evading bank reporting laws, has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke just days later.  His attorney Thursday said the Illinois Republican has also been treated for sepsis and two back surgeries while hospitalized.

The plea deal in the former US House Speaker's hush-money case recommends up to a 6-month prison sentence.  An indictment issued in May said Hastert agreed to pay someone known as "Individual A" to hide past misconduct.

An attorney for the Illinois Republican says a written plea agreement in Hastert's hush-money case is expected by Monday.  A plea deal would avert a trial and help keep any potentially embarrassing secrets quiet.

Attorneys for the former U.S. House Speaker from Illinois say a possible plea deal has been reached in his hush-money case.  A May indictment said Hastert agreed to pay someone identified as "Individual A" to keep them from identifying past misconduct.