Marketside Broccoli Florets sold at Walmart are recalled due to potential listeria contamination, with a "best if used by" date of Dec. 10, 2024. No illnesses reported yet.

Apple agrees to pay $95 million to settle a privacy lawsuit over Siri's alleged recording of private conversations.

Derrick Rose, ex-NBA player, opens a one-day pop-up flower shop in downtown Chicago, tapping into a growing market with delivery options within 15 miles.

Illinois increased its minimum wage to $15 per hour beginning January 2025, with provisions for tipped and youth workers, as part of a series of legislative changes.

Bally's Chicago plans to offer a 25% equity stake to women and minority investors in its new $1.34 billion casino project to fulfill its Host Community Agreement on diversity.

Target reduced its extended holiday return deadline by five weeks. Walmart restricted cash refunds for items returned without a receipt. Retailers may impose stricter return policies due to a rise in return fraud and costs.

Some stores and pharmacies, including CVS and 7-Eleven, are open on Christmas Day, offering last-minute necessities with altered hours, while most department stores remain closed.

The FTC and Illinois AG secured a $20 million settlement with Leader Automotive Group for deceptive practices, impacting consumers with unauthorized add-ons and false advertising.

Chicago-area Costco stores adjust their hours on Christmas Eve, closing at 5 p.m. However, on Christmas Day, they remain closed along with other retailers, with some exceptions like select CVS and Walgreens.

Illinois car dealerships are set to pay a $20 million settlement for customer fraud, following an investigation into deceptive practices such as hidden fees and false advertising.

Starbucks workers plan strikes over the holiday season to address stagnant contract negotiations and demand better compensation, with union-led actions starting in various cities.

Big Lots is closing all stores, beginning liquidation sales, following failed negotiations with Nexus Capital Management and a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in September.

Amazon workers, represented by the Teamsters, strike at seven facilities for a labor contract during the holiday season; Amazon claims no delivery disruption.