On the heels of a tough budget season, and with looming federal funding cuts, Mayor Branndon Johnson is hoping to get ahead of what is shaping up to be yet another grueling budget fight. On Monday, he signed an executive order launching a budget working group and a review of city spending. Alex Nitkin from the Illinois Answers Project explains how this could set the stage for difficult budget considerations like staffing and service cuts. Plus, we discuss high “bonuses” for ward aides, the city’s reparations task force, and this weekend’s Cherry Blossom festival.

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City Hall's Many Task Forces. Plus, Alder Staff Made How Much?!