Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan didn't attend the third scheduled meeting between Governor Bruce Rauner and legislative leaders.  His spokesman said the Democrat had a 'conflict in scheduling', but didn't elaborate.

Illinois is one of 15 states closing its borders to Syrian refugees in the wake of the terrorist attacks in France on Friday. But it's unclear if this move is legal under federal law.

Presidents of Illinois' nine public universities say going four months without money is putting their institutions "at the brink of serious operational damage."  On Thursday, some of them pleaded their case in private meetings with Governor Bruce Rauner.

For the second time this week, a credit rating agency has downgraded Illinois' bond rating over the state budget stalemate.  Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan said the news means Governor Bruce Rauner should 'put aside his agenda that Democrats and Republicans alike oppose.'

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has released parts of his 2014 state and federal tax returns that show he and his wife, Diana, made $58.3 million last year.