Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs’ gift to the pope was on brand. He delivered the pontiff a certificate to reclaim $8.65 of his own money, a sum the successor of St. Peter had held in a now-closed PayPal account.

Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President and CEO Austan Goolsbee said the U.S. is currently on what he calls a “golden path.” Inflation has cooled from historic highs without the country going into a recession, and the unemployment rate is at what economists generally consider a sweet spot. Now the key is staying there.

“Each year it pains me more and more to see even more families join the club that no one ever willingly signs up for, the Gold Star Families,” Comptroller Susana Mendoza said.

Illinois’ marijuana industry is growing like a weed, but could banking regulations lead to its collapse? State Treasurer Michael Frerichs says the cash-based business is “now ripe for theft, fraud and tax evasion.”

The medical marijuana industry’s biggest bank in Illinois pulls out of the business. The implications of that move and more issues facing growers, dispensaries and patients.

Gov. Bruce Rauner agrees to refinance the state’s staggering backlog of unpaid bills. Illinois’ comptroller and treasurer weigh in.

Republican candidate Tom Cross and Democrat Mike Frerichs face off on Chicago Tonight's candidate forum for the open treasurer's seat.