Illinois’ consolidation of suburban police and fire pension funds is beginning to pay off, with records showing improved investment returns and significant cost savings for some local governments. While challenges remain, the overhaul has boosted funding levels and eased financial pressure on communities long burdened by rising pension obligations.

Monday marked the beginning of early voting in Illinois and emotions are running high in this close election. While some machine malfunctions are not uncommon in state races, the Illinois GOP is calling foul over ballot counting procedures in Rock Island and voting machine calibrations in the northern suburbs.

Dennis Paige brought native Illinois prairie plants to his suburban condo development. They're not just beautiful; experts say native plant gardens are great for the environment. We revisit Jay Shefsky's profile.

We meet a man who has brought native Illinois prairie plants to his suburban condo development. They're not just beautiful; experts say native plant gardens are great for the environment. Jay Shefsky has the story.

His neighbors call him the flower man. But he's not planting tulips and daffodils at his suburban condo development. He has created what may be the most extensive native prairie garden at a residential complex. And experts say gardens like these can help slow climate change. Jay Shefsky has the story.