First Stop: Jackson

Population Loss: The Downsizing of Chicago and Illinois

Census numbers don't lie: People are fleeing Chicago neighborhoods -- and the state -- for greener pastures elsewhere. We crunch the data and find out why.

• Map: Demographics of changing Chicago neighborhoods
• Photos: View Englewood Square's transformation
• Interactive chart: Population changes for Illinois and Texas

Second Stop: Monroe

 Inside the CTA Blue Line: Overcrowding and Rider Attitudes

Over the last 15 years, the CTA Blue Line has seen continuous increases in the number of riders and has had little to no updates to accommodate both old and new passengers. What do riders and experts say?

• Map: CTA Blue Line, Addison to Racine
• Belmont: Are transit-oriented developments helpful or hurtful to Chicago?

Photo: LaSalle Blue Line platform. (Photo/Cassandra Roman)

Third Stop: Addison

Congestion, Construction and the Home of the Cubs

With a new hotel and Gallagher Way open, and an entertainment complex on its way, the area around Wrigley Field is seeing congestion on game days and beyond. What do local business owners and residents think?

• Multimedia: Renderings | 360-degree view | Timeline of renovations
• Read more: Inside look at Hotel Zachary | Wrigleyville's transformation
• Archives: Rebuilding the bleachers | 100 years of Wrigley Field

Photo: Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field. (Photo/Maeve O'Donovan)