CHICAGO (AP) – Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has predicted a roughly $1.2 billion hole for the 2021 budget, blaming the coronavirus pandemic as the “single largest driver” of the city’s economic challenges. The first-term mayor says tourism, transportation and the hospitality industry have been hit hardest. Lightfoot presented the city’s budget forecast Monday, saying the current budget will have a roughly $800 million shortfall. She says federal help will be needed as cities nationwide struggle. Illinois health officials on Monday announced 1,668 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and seven deaths.
