Casting a ballot before election day is becoming more popular in Illinois, according to a report by the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform (ICPR). The group found that the percentage of voters opting to vote before election day climbed to 22 percent this primary compared to 18 percent in 2016.

Higher education has been among the areas feeling the state budget impasse as funding has been cut. It has forced some schools to reduce classes, lay off employees and, in some cases, close for several days. But a review of enrollment indicates small and mid-sized public universities are taking a double hit.   

When Illinois voters go to the ballot in November, many will find that they only have one candidate listed on their ballot for some offices. Illinois has a larger percentage of these uncontested races for its state legislature than many other states that are similar in population size. 

Rank-and-file Illinois lawmakers frustrated by the 10-month state budget impasse are meeting on their own in bipartisan groups to discuss potential solutions.  Some met Monday at a forum in Chicago hosted by The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.

Gov. Rauner's staff would not disclose details about his travels after leaving the country the weekend before Christmas. But Monday, the governor confirmed that he had been to Spain and Morocco.  A day earlier, on a visit to survey flood damage in Douglas County, the governor some information, saying two of his children are currently living overseas.