The state fair in Springfield and the Du Quoin State Fair are scheduled to begin in August. But if there is no state budget in place, it's unclear how entertainment and vendors would be paid.

Amid Illinois' ongoing budget battle, there was a rare moment of bipartisanship Tuesday. Members of the Illinois House have voted to block a pay raise for themselves.

Republicans' campaign accounts could get bi-annual infusions of cash from Gov. Rauner. The former private equity investor's personal wealth hasn't just fueled his own political ambitions; he's given heartily to the state Republican Party and to GOP legislators.

Governor Bruce Rauner is pushing for legislative term limits and independent redistricting as part of his "turnaround agenda," but what impact have those reforms had in other states?

Illinois is officially without a state budget -- the deadline to pass one came and went without any movement toward a compromise. Lawmakers are poised to vote on a temporary version Wednesday.

No state budget means Illinois has no authority to cut checks.