Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

Madison County makes history with generous taxpayer support of museum

Madison County makes history with generous taxpayer support of museum

Most county historical societies in Illinois rely on donations and memberships, but the Madison County Historical Society receives a generous infusion of tax dollars to run its museum and library. County leaders just cut the total, but why do they provide taxpayer support at all?

By Brad Weisenstein

Illinois keeps 18 as legal age to buy smokes

Illinois keeps 18 as legal age to buy smokes

After narrowly clearing the Senate, the Illinois House of Representatives failed to override Gov. Rauner’s veto of a bill to make 21 the legal age to buy tobacco.

Illinois passes state law giving pension boost to one Chicago alderman

Illinois passes state law giving pension boost to one Chicago alderman

State lawmakers overrode Gov. Rauner’s veto of a bill that allows one former firefighter serving as a Chicago alderman to credit his political salary toward a more lucrative fire pension. The pension boost will also apply to future aldermen with a history of fire department work.

By Vincent Caruso

House passes pension boost bill for one Chicago alderman

House passes pension boost bill for one Chicago alderman

Illinois House members voted to override Gov. Rauner’s veto of a bill that would allow a former firefighter serving as a Chicago aldermen to credit his political salary toward a more lucrative fire pension. While just one alderman now qualifies, the bill could extend the perk to more in the future.

By Vincent Caruso