Halliburton promoted Casey Maxwell to president of its Western Hemisphere operations effective Feb. 1. The Houston company cited his Permian Basin and Argentina experience.

Business owners and residents are pushing back after meters and privately run lots began charging in the Arts District. A petition and council action have slowed enforcement while talks continue.

BLS data show Houston’s consumer prices rose 1.6% in 2025 while groceries and produce climbed faster, putting extra strain on low-income households.

Upper Arlington's Electric Aggregation Program has saved its community $2.52 million on electricity costs since January 2024, benefiting over 10,300 customers.

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.

The Illinois Supreme Court heard arguments in a Chicago case over whether Amazon must pay workers for time spent in mandatory pre‑shift COVID screenings. The outcome could reshape wage claims across Illinois.

Verizon experienced a significant service outage affecting voice and data, particularly in the eastern U.S., impacting emergency services and prompting responses from T-Mobile, AT&T, and municipal authorities. Verizon is working on a fix.

Ford and Carhartt have formed a multi-year partnership, including a 2027 Super Duty Carhartt truck and Detroit ToolBank, to support workforce development and community engagement.

Amazon is opening its first same-day delivery facility in Memphis by late 2027, which will employ 100 people and enhance the local logistics infrastructure.

GameStop is closing nearly half its stores in the Bay Area as part of a companywide effort to shutter underperforming locations, with wider closures seen across California and nationwide.

GameStop continues to close stores nationwide, with further reductions not fully disclosed, as it faces financial challenges amid the shift to digital gaming and online competition.

Dave & Buster’s will occupy 55 Harrison in Jack London Square this spring, bringing games, big‑screen sports and new jobs as a new state law loosens waterfront rules.