What it says in the title.

Illinois

With few exceptions, Chicago and it’s county, (Cook) and the surrounding (collar) counties are Illinois, as far as most of us are concerned (especially including good food, presidential elections and tax income).

We’re objectively better than NY.

Chicago holds the importance, due to being the main freight hub in the country, that once upon a time belonged to New Orleans. However the advent of railroad stripped that title away from New Orleans, relegating it and thus Louisiana to shadows of their former selves.