Not having a state budget has led to a lot of consequences. One of the more visible ones, Christmas lights.

Republican Governor Bruce Rauner and the state's Democratic legislative leaders are scheduled to meet on November 18th in an effort to end Illinois' budget impasse.  But when asked about it Friday, Rauner said the open public meeting is more for the media's benefit than real compromise.

The state's inability to cover its expenses has some asking the question: Will Illinois run out of money?

A university spokesperson said a letter sent to campus by EIU President David Glassman is meant to quell rumors on social media that the state budget impasse might force the university in Charleston to shut down during the spring, 2016 semester.

If you think of the whole dispute at the Statehouse as a war, as it’s been described, then think of Rauner and Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan as its generals; their back-and-forth is well documented. Much more so than how the shin-kicky, hand-to-hand combat is playing out on the front lines.