Illinois is one of a dozen states in the country that are at risk of eliminating or scaling back programs when the federal government’s COVID-19 stimulus package expires in two years.

The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) were handed out to states, cities and counties that saw tax revenues plummet during the pandemic due to government-imposed lockdowns that shut down businesses deemed to be “nonessential.”

Chicago will have to choose between three difficult options without an infusion of state and federal money to help with the migrant crisis: midyear budget cuts and layoffs; draining reserves in a raid which could endanger the city’s bond rating; or raising property taxes.

Mayor Brandon Johnson will cross that bridge when he comes to it. For now, he’ll celebrate victory in what is the most important City Council vote of the year.

It’s a classic Chicago story: An alderman wants something done in their ward, and the mayor’s office twists their arm to get a favor back in exchange.

But in this case, the proposed trade chip is the fate of West Loop homeless encampments.

With the holiday shopping season underway, Illinois small business owners have a gloomy outlook on end-of-the-year revenues.  

Alignable’s fourth quarter revenue report shows 58% of Illinois small businesses don’t think they will make as much money as they did this time last year. That is the third-highest percentage in the country behind only Florida (68%) and Maryland (59%).

Your upcoming fare on Metra to or from the city may soon look a little different.

Metra’s board of directors approved the agency’s budget for Fiscal Year 2024, which included significant changes to the way the agency collects and charges fares on its network of train lines.