United Steelworkers told BP Whiting refinery members to prepare for a strike or lockout after contract talks stalled; 98% of local members authorized action. Talks continue, but both sides say options are narrowing.

Open Books will close its Logan Square location on March 1, citing financial and operational challenges. The nonprofit will keep West Loop and Pilsen shops open while it refocuses resources.

Chicago retail receipts rose 16.1% in H1 2025 as shoppers front‑loaded purchases ahead of tariff threats, lifting apparel, home‑goods and online sales.

Primrose Candy, a family‑run Chicago confectioner founded in 1928, has filed Chapter 11 as it works to reorganize more than $12 million in debt while keeping its plant open.

John Deere will open a distribution center near Hebron and a $70M excavator plant in Kernersville, creating roughly 300 jobs and shifting excavator production from Japan to the U.S.

A CADDi survey finds 79% of manufacturers name skilled-labor shortages as their top barrier, pushing firms toward automation and training.

Illinois AG settles with Kroger, SSI Services over asbestos mishandling during store renovations in Taylorville; companies to pay $108,000 and prevent future violations.

Zaxby's opened its first Illinois restaurant in Plainfield Wednesday, taking over a former Slim Chickens on Route 59 and launching a planned Chicagoland rollout.

David Yurman is moving its Chicago flagship from the Magnificent Mile to Rush Street, signing for roughly 5,000 square feet in the Gold Coast. The shift reflects a wider luxury‑retail reshuffle downtown.

Orland Park has approved an Amazon commercial development, projected to create jobs and tax revenue, though facing community concerns over traffic and transparency.

Superfoods Inc. has recalled its Live it Up Super Greens powder due to a salmonella outbreak affecting 45 people in 21 states, with instructions to discard the product or seek refunds.

After a contentious eviction and protests in Huntley, the Trump Truth Store is relocating to Crystal Lake and will soft‑open Jan. 17 in a larger space. A March ribbon‑cutting is planned.

Lost Girls Vintage says attackers used its Shopify account to open a line of credit and drain $33,400; the owners are warning other small retailers to enable two-factor authentication.