Tips and Hot Links: Side by side budgets

💰 This week, 26 alders presented a counter budget proposal to Mayor Brandon Johnson's plan, leaning on increased garbage fees and expanded rideshare fees.

• The counter plan also relies on efficiencies (including operation consolidation, reduced benefits and more aggressive debt collection) to make up for excluding a corporate head tax that they oppose.

🥶 Advocate for the homeless worry that bone-chilling temps will hurt unhoused Chicagoans amid federal cuts to services. (Sun-Times)

🏛️ The feds dropped charges against Laugh Factory manager Nathan Griffin, accused in October of assaulting an immigration officer. (WTTW)

🏀 Bulls first-round draft pick Noa Essengue will undergo shoulder surgery and miss the remainder of his rookie season. (NBA)