Working Lunch newsletter
Illinois cannabis sales revenue falls as hemp and other states cut into prices for the struggling industry • Venezuelan housing prices jump as emigres consider buying
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Working Lunch

Monday, February 16, 2026

Chicago Fire player Mauricio Pineda buys Loop condo for $680,000

Chicago Fire defensive midfielder Mauricio Pineda in June paid $680,000 for a two-bedroom, 1,111-square-foot condominium on the 26th floor of a 41-story tower in the Loop’s Southbank development.

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Illinois cannabis sales revenue falls as hemp and other states cut into prices for the struggling industry

While lower prices are welcome news for consumers, cannabis businesses have had difficulty making money due to high financing and operating costs.

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Venezuelan housing prices jump as emigres consider buying

Buying property in his home country was once “unthinkable” for Carlos Peñalver, a Venezuelan electrician who left for the United States four years ago as the economy of Venezuela faltered. The capture of President Nicolás Maduro changed the calculus, enough to get Peñalver to start calling real estate agents.

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The oldest building in Virginia is set to undergo a restoration

Built in Surry in 1665, Bacon’s Castle is the oldest brick dwelling in North America and became famous when it was involved in Bacon’s Rebellion.

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BP Whiting workers rally for fair contract as potential strike looms

At least 250 union members from United Steelworkers Local 7-1, of which BP is a part, and other union members and supporters gathered at Amoco Park on 129th Street and, signs in hand, marched to the corner in front of the refinery’s so-called Glass Houses and lined up along Indianapolis Boulevard in a river of black, blue and gold. BP workers on duty laid on their horns in solidarity as they drove by in company trucks; a few even held up signs behind the gates.

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Tax season is here. Here’s what you need to know for stress-free filing.

Tax season is underway and you have until April 15 to file your return with the IRS. If you want to avoid the stress of the looming deadline, start getting organized as soon as possible.

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One year later, Skokie residents, businesses still suffer from massive water main break

One year after a major water main break, Skokie residents and businesses are still suffering with significant financial losses.

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Soaring coffee prices rewrite some Americans’ daily routines

Years of steadily climbing coffee prices have some in this country of coffee lovers upending their habits by nixing café visits, switching to cheaper brews or foregoing it altogether.

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