We break down complex business news to help you understand how money moves in Chicago and how it affects you.
Researchers said if state officials don’t curb utility spending, “Illinois is on course to maintain its entire gas system indefinitely.”
Money guides
While it’s too early to tell when home loans will become more affordable, even a modest drop can make refinancing an attractive option.
Got a consumer problem? Help is out there. Keep this list for the next time you have an intractable issue with a retailer or service provider.
It’s not uncommon to receive an unexpected windfall this time of year thanks to a bonus from work or a tax refund. Whatever the circumstances, it’s easy to make costly mistakes.
When big storms hit, basements fill with stormwater and sewage. But there are steps that you and also government can take to help stay above water.
There are a few ways to make sure you have enough coverage before a car accident puts you at risk.
The new required pricing labels are modeled on nutritional labels and are meant to help consumers comparison shop and avoid junk fees.
If you bought meat, poultry, pork or seafood sold by weight or bagged citrus fruits at Walmart, you could be eligible to claim up to $500. Here’s what you need to know.
The state has become one of an increasing number of states that have added financial literacy to its core curriculum, but experts say more could be done.
Nearly every major web browser has a private mode. Here’s a look at what they do and don’t do for surfers.
Understanding the different labels on egg cartons can be confusing with some descriptions even misleading, according to experts.
Housing & Development
Chicago agents say the just-approved, $418 million National Association of Realtors settlement over broker commissions might not have an immediate impact, but it will bring changes, and homebuyers and sellers have been asking what it will mean for them.
Illinois’ Black residents are nearly eight times more likely to be homeless than its white residents, University of Illinois Chicago study found.
Loop's weekend foot traffic exceeds level before pandemic, but retail vacancies still at record high
The Chicago Loop Alliance released its latest report on the Loop, finding that it offered some signs of a revival.
A Chicago couple has invested at least $4.2 million into building a home on a lot once owned by the wife of convicted political fixer Tony Rezko.
MV Realty targeted people who had equity in their homes but needed cash — locking them into decadeslong contracts carrying hidden fees, the Illinois attorney general says in a new lawsuit.
We all love sports teams, but regular people don’t own the buildings or the land they frolic upon. We just pay homage to the teams — and to the power-laden who own them.
La celebración de 10 días desafía la comercialización del Cinco de Mayo, con la esperanza de educar y enriquecer a los habitantes de Chicago sobre la cultura mexicana.
The 10-day long celebration leans into the commercialization of “Cinco de Mayo,” hoping to educate and enrich Chicagoans on Mexican culture.
Johann Moonesinghe, a tech entrepreneur and restaurant owner from Texas, has big plans for Etta
The faux flower installations have popped up at restaurants and other businesses in Lake View, Lincoln Park, the West Loop and beyond, mirroring a global trend.
The annual list includes businesses that fall into a number of categories, such as automotive, beauty, books, fitness, fashion, food, home decor and home repair.
As an independent restaurant owner, Chef Avgeria Stapaki says culinary artistry is a core facet of her identity. At Tama, she says has the freedom to present her true self on the plate.
More business news
Barbara Glusak, who was Washington Federal Bank for Savings’ chief financial officer, kept sounding the alarm about falsified loan records, court records show. But no one heeded the warning, allowing an embezzlement scheme to continue six more years.
A project that was stymied under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot could open in 2025 now that there’s an agreement on security measures for the nearby Jardine Water Filtration Plant.
Google bought the 39-year-old building for $105 million in 2022 with plans to redevelop it into its Chicago headquarters for 2,000 of its employees.
An attorney for plaintiff Angela Valadez argued for a direct link between her cancer diagnosis and Zantac, which she took for nearly 20 years. Defense attorneys cited the drug’s proven safety record and blamed other health factors for her cancer.
The upgrade includes wheel locks, a software update and an immobilizer protection sleeve for vehicles that can’t receive the update.
The national outlet will feature such cartoon favorites as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Scooby-Doo and Tom & Jerry.
The complaint, field Wednesday, said the companies violated the state and federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act by failing to properly notify employees that they would be laid off.
Brian Boomsma of Dutch Farms in Pullman made an offer to buy Oberweis Dairy while Hoffmann Family of Cos. in Winnetka also expressed an interest to purchase the company.
The Kickstarter-backed mocktail bar called Solar Intentions will be joining a growing sober scene in Chicago.
The store closings started Tuesday morning and include two Dom’s Kitchen sites and 33 Foxtrot locations.
Retailer Express files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, announces store closures, possible sale
The retailer operates 24 stores in Illinois, according to its website, including a site at Water Tower Place and on State Street.
The companies now plan to sell 579 Kroger and Albertsons stores in markets where they overlap to C&S Wholesale Grocers, a New Hampshire grocery supplier and operator.
Being their own boss is key for these business owners, but also being there for their kids is just as important.
Five event production companies, nearly all based in Chicago, will be throwing the official parties for the Democratic National Convention in August.
The contract would include raises across the union body — including annual wage increases — a new minimum wage of $19.23, insurance for part-time employees, two weeks of paid leave for gender-affirming care, a union rights clause and protections against layoffs, among other things.
Chicago riders may now find a blue check mark under their name, as part of Uber’s rider verification process.
In an open letter, staff cited work-life imbalance, financial struggles and lack of communication from management, among other grievances, as reasons for unionizing.
Before sentencing Helen G. Caldwell, U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly said, “The only difference between Ms. Caldwell and a bank robber is that she didn’t have a mask and a gun.”
Owners Javier and Lidia Galindo have operated Apollo’s 2000 for more than 35 years. Now, they’re ready for the venue to enter its next era as a city-designated landmark.
The company, known for its ice cream stores and milk packaged in glass bottles, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Philip Clement, who succeeds Michael Fassnacht, is tasked with promoting Chicago as a destination for businesses.
Since the 1990s, countless shoppers have scored eye-popping deals on a range of goods found in giant cardboard boxes and on warehouse-style shelves.
“I just feel like I’m going to die paying off my student loans,” said one high school counselor in Southeast Chicago after the president introduced a plan to aid nearly 25 million more student loan borrowers. But a borrower in Pilsen said the program could “radically change my life.”
A substitute ordinance brings more transparency to Johnson’s $1.25 billion housing and economic development plan — but also led to questions from City Council members about what should be subject to Council approval.
Union members picketed at 17 airports worldwide, including O’Hare, a week after the Chicago-based airline reported that executives received large pay hikes.
Kove, a West Loop technology company, alleged in a 2018 lawsuit that Amazon Web Services used its patented technology as a building block for its hugely profitable cloud services.
The Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards unanimously passed an ordinance that would allow the Ricketts family — owners of the Cubs — to install new rooftop signs near Wrigley Field.
The governor announced the second phase of the Illinois Grocery Initiative, which includes a round of grant funding for new grocers in food deserts.
How is the economy doing? And how does the U.S. financial system really work? Goolsbee answers those questions and more.
Any increase in restaurant costs can mean the difference between keeping the doors open or closing for good. And many tipped workers already make far more than minimum wage.
Los trabajadores de Authentico Foods dijeron que los despidos era una represalia por haberse organizado y quejarse de las condiciones de trabajo.
The deal includes a 15% wage increase and improved health care and retirement benefits, the union said. It was ratified a day before the current contract expires.
The opening day for the market featured double the number of early season vendors, many of whom sold out in the market’s first few hours as crowds flocked to purchase farm fresh produce.
The MacArthur Foundation weighed in on the announced cuts to the public media company this week. Meanwhile, a City Council member was harshly critical of the move.
City’s Black entrepreneurs recall Dale’s generosity and support.