Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

Illinois: Plenty of pumpkins, not enough people

Illinois: Plenty of pumpkins, not enough people

Illinois ranks as the top pumpkin producer in the country, which isn’t much of a consolation given the state’s poor performance in almost every economic category.

The cost of crossing Madigan

The cost of crossing Madigan

Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s election to the speaker position in 16 of the last 17 legislative sessions is a testament to the loyalty he demands from his Democratic colleagues.

By Eric Kohn

How Madigan left the Cubs in the dark

How Madigan left the Cubs in the dark

Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s grip on the state’s legislative process once delayed the Cubs’ quest for lights at Wrigley Field – and 30 years later, the Cubs are still feuding with politicians.

Alex Schmidt

Alex Schmidt

“I lived in Illinois my entire life until April of this year. My wife and I moved to Cypress, Texas, outside of Houston. I’m back in Chicago for a conference. I was paying $12,000 a year in property taxes in Highland Park. As soon as I had to get a property tax attorney a light bulb...