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
Working Lunch Monday, February 16, 2026 | | |
| | | | | 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. | | | | | While lower prices are welcome news for consumers, cannabis businesses have had difficulty making money due to high financing and operating costs. | | | | | 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. | | | | | 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. | | | | | 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. | | | | | 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. | | | | | One year after a major water main break, Skokie residents and businesses are still suffering with significant financial losses. | | | | | 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. | | | |