Working Lunch newsletter
Illinois climbs in national hospital safety ranking, but four hospitals get F grades • Alinea by chef Grant Achatz demoted from three Michelin stars in Chicago
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Working Lunch

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Illinois sees record EV sales as Trump administration ends federal tax credits, but state goals still far off

Illinois hit a record share of electric vehicle sales last quarter as federal tax credits ended, but the state remains far from Gov. JB Pritzker’s 2030 goal of 1 million EVs.

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Illinois climbs in national hospital safety ranking, but four hospitals get F grades

Illinois now ranks 17th in the country — up from 23rd a year ago — for its percentage of hospitals earning A grades for safety, according to Leapfrog

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Alinea by chef Grant Achatz demoted from three Michelin stars in Chicago

Our Tribune review this year said it was time to let go of The Balloon, one of too many signature dishes.

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Starbucks workers kick off 65-store US strike on company’s busy Red Cup Day

More than 1,000 unionized Starbucks workers plan to strike at 65 U.S. stores Thursday to protest a lack of progress in labor negotiations with the company.

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Mokena furniture business seeks village incentive on store expansion/renovation

The Mokena Village Board will consider an incentive that could award Midwest Furniture Liquidators up to $150,000 over five years.

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Rush & Division 6-bedroom home with hand-carved marble fireplaces: $18.5M

Special features in this home include a refurbished original mosaic floor, custom millwork and custom stained glass.

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End of federal shutdown includes nationwide ban on hemp products that get people high

As Congress took action to resume government operations, the legislation included a late provision to ban intoxicating hemp products nationwide.

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2 Federal Reserve officials oppose an interest rate cut in December

The officials cited several reasons for keeping rates unchanged, after a reduction in September and in October.

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