Dreaming of a Speed Train Connecting Every City in the Midwest By Edward McClelland A 760 mph rail could turn every major hub in the region into a suburb of Chicago. But is it just a sci-fi fantasy? Read more
J.B. Pritzker: Illinois Democrats' New Monarch By Edward McClelland How the Hyatt heir's bottomless pockets could spell business as usual in state politics Read more
Olmsted vs. Obama: Inside the Pushback Against the Presidential Library By Edward McClelland Plans for the Obama Center have preservationists up in arms about whose legacy to honor: a park designer’s or a president’s. Read more
The U.S. Steel Site's Enormous Potential Development, Explained By Edward McClelland It’s been vacant since 1992. But soon one of the city’s biggest lakefront projects ever could sprout from its soil. Read more
There’s Only Room for One Madigan at the Top of Illinois Politics By Edward McClelland Now we know: There’s no Madigan dynasty. There’s only Mike. Read more
Assessing the Nice-Guy Rahm Routine By Edward McClelland A kinder, gentler mayor is boosting investment in the black community. But can he win back voters? Read more
Maybe Trump Is Just What Rahm Needs By Edward McClelland Defying the president might be the only chance for our embattled mayor to hold on to his seat. Read more
Mark Kirk: The Last Lincoln Republican By Edward McClelland The junior senator's last day approaches, and Congress (and the GOP) is worse off for it. Read more
Chicago Says Goodbye to Obama, Again By Edward McClelland The city was crucial to his rise—but now he’s outgrown it. Read more
Once the GOP's Great Millennial Hope, Aaron Schock Now Just Another Indicted Illinois Politician By Edward McClelland Even in disgrace, you have to admire his precocity—he might even become the youngest Illinois politician to make it to federal prison. Read more
