What’s in a new city budget proposal. Chicago Public Schools’ CEO rejects a buyout. And a pivotal week in the Michael Madigan trial.

The school year starts, and already CPS leaders are buried in homework. Work begins on Chicago’s permanent casino. And the city stares down a nearly billion-dollar deficit.

Chicago City Council bucks the mayor and votes to keep ShotSpotter. And it’s a wrap — almost — on the legislative session in Springfield.

Inflation, gas prices, retail — we take a look at the top business stories of the year and look into our crystal ball for 2023.

After an unprecedented year, we take a hard look at the pandemic-ravaged economy, as businesses gear up for the all-important holiday retail season.