Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

Silence: Chicago in the age of COVID

Our team wanted to give you a look at the harsh reality of life in downtown Chicago during the COVID-19 crisis.

By illinoispolicy

Keith Harbison

“I had just built up a savings account for the first time. Now I’m fighting to keep everything."

What you need to know about coronavirus in Illinois

This page will be updated daily to reflect developments related to the spread of COVID-19 in Illinois.

By Brad Weisenstein, Ben Szalinski

DAILY LINKS / 4.4.2020

Chicago Tribune: Coronavirus in Illinois updates: In biggest one-day jump yet, 1,209 new known COVID-19 cases and 53 more deaths across the state The Center Square: Illinois' economy more vulnerable to COVID-19 pandemic than most other states Chicago Sun-Times: Illinois bans activities at state parks amid coronavirus outbreak WBEZ: Illinois hospitals race to increase staff for expected surge of COVID-19 cases The Center Square: Report shows 14,000 layoffs in Illinois, many permanent Crain's Chicago Business: Small-biz loan program off to a rocky start The Center Square: State senator calls for full year, austere budget for Illinois fiscal year Chicago Sun-Times: Rapid coronavirus testing starting in Illinois The Center Square: Registration renewals move online as COVID-19 outbreak continues Chicago Tribune: Amid coronavirus outbreak, Mayor Lori Lightfoot says no plans to close Chicago streets to traffic and open them to exercise Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago movie studio boss turned FBI mole eyes expansion — across from FBI offices Crain's Chicago Business: Cook County drawing on $100M credit line Chicago Sun-Times: Lightfoot ‘got my man’ in David Brown, but did she subvert process for choosing top cop? Chicago Tribune: The coronavirus pandemic could slow growth of applications for Illinois medical marijuana cards

What powers does Pritzker have in an emergency? And what has he ordered so far?

In the case of an epidemic like COVID-19, Illinois governors are given a wide range of emergency powers for a limited period of time.

By Joe Tabor

To fight COVID-19 economic harm, Illinois must delay or cancel taxes and fees where possible

Struggling businesses, individuals and families need relief while the economy is shut down. Despite Illinois’ financial woes, leaders can help the recovery by lifting government-imposed financial burdens.

By Adam Schuster

Samantha Palya: Absolutely Pawfect Pet Stylings

“Before the health crisis, we were growing at such a rapid pace and scale that we were looking to expand either our space or to a second location this year. Now with the coronavirus, everything has come to a screeching halt."

Illinois lawmakers miss deadline for corruption reforms

State lawmakers putting together ethics reforms have not met since the first week of March, when the coronavirus ended gatherings.

By Ben Szalinski

Dave Jordan: The Wagon

"Isn’t it odd that people like us have to live within our means but government doesn’t? It makes no sense."

Stunning data show Illinois economy stalled out before COVID-19 pandemic

The last thing Illinois needs is more bad news for the sake of it. But ignoring this reality threatens to make this crisis worse.

By Austin Berg

State advises stores to temporarily ban reusable bags, but Chicago’s single-use bag tax remains

Illinois’ grocery stores have told shoppers to leave their reusable bags at home to stop COVID-19’s spread. Chicago’s 7-cent bag tax will continue unless the law is changed.

By Ben Szalinski

Craig Alexander: Happy Monday Coffee Roasters

"In a lot of sales, you have a winner and a loser sometimes. And with coffee for me, there was two winners: a coffee and a smile for a smile and two dollars."

April Fools: Coronavirus

Pritzker extends Illinois stay-at-home order through April 30

The order was originally scheduled to lift on April 7, but cases of coronavirus in the state continue to rise. Schools will remain closed.

By Ben Szalinski

Illinois’ comeback story starts here