Business stories in Chicago

As companies like Microsoft and Kroger cut jobs due to AI, some are now rehiring workers as technology proves less effective than expected. This trend, dubbed the 'AI boomerang,' highlights the ongoing challenges of integrating AI into the workforce.

17-year-old Arrod Berjis lost his college savings after his car was repossessed due to a scam and a DMV error. He seeks answers from Carvana and the DMV.

The rise of the 'Couch Economy' raises questions about its financial implications for consumers. As more people stay home and order goods online, the costs associated with this lifestyle are becoming a concern.

Binance has reported a security issue that has prompted the exchange to freeze $3 billion in funds. The company has suspended deposits and withdrawals while conducting security checks and collaborating with law enforcement.

"Seeing prices on our goods go up and up."

Several customers and employees at a North Carolina Chili’s restaurant were treated for chemical burns after margaritas were mistakenly prepared with a cleaning chemical.

Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang refutes claims that he was targeted in a Chinese espionage scheme involving a Singapore-based executive. Both Nvidia and China's Foreign Ministry have dismissed the allegations as unfounded.

The Federal Trade Commission is investigating major companies like Target and Walmart regarding their pricing strategies and potential surveillance pricing practices. The companies must disclose how they determine prices and whether personal data influences charges within 45 days.

Cybersecurity experts are raising alarms about a potential wave of AI-driven hacking following the disclosure of serious vulnerabilities. Individuals and organizations are urged to bolster their defenses as threats escalate.

General Motors has reached a $220 million settlement regarding allegations of selling private driver data to brokers, which was then used by insurance companies to determine rates. This settlement highlights ongoing concerns about consumer privacy and data usage in the automotive industry.

Alphabet, the parent company of Google and YouTube, caused significant stock market losses on Thursday, dragging down the overall market. This historic drop raises concerns about the tech sector's stability and its effects on broader economic trends.

Cheerios and Ziploc have partnered to create a resealable cereal box, addressing a long-standing consumer need for freshness. This innovation aims to eliminate the hassle of rolling up plastic bags to keep cereal from going stale.

DoorDash has made a $17 billion offer to acquire Instacart, aiming to enhance its grocery delivery services. The deal would allow Instacart to maintain its brand while expanding its customer access to 50,000 additional stores.

Whole Foods has secured a lease for a new small-format daily shop in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. This development is expected to enhance local shopping options and contribute to the community's growth.

New data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis indicates that inflation rose slightly in September after a decline in August. This shift in inflation trends could have implications for economic policy and consumer behavior.

A Northern California man is accused of throwing a cup of scalding coffee at the manager of a Jack in the Box restaurant after she refused to give him a fresh cup.

DoorDash has announced its acquisition of Instacart for $17 billion, a move aimed at enhancing its grocery delivery services. This significant deal marks a major shift in the competitive landscape of food delivery and grocery logistics.

Illinois ranks 33rd in a WalletHub analysis of job-market strength, primarily due to high unemployment and low job opportunities. Nebraska leads the rankings with a strong job market and low unemployment.

The Federal Reserve has decided to maintain the current interest rates despite ongoing inflation challenges. The FOMC's vote to keep the benchmark federal funds rate at 3.75% to 4% reflects a cautious approach as officials await more economic data.

The Federal Reserve decided to maintain its key interest rate at approximately 3.9% as inflation remains high. This decision allows for further data collection before determining future policy actions.

U.S. stocks are showing stability as investors await the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates. The S&P 500 is nearing its all-time high, reflecting cautious optimism in the market.

Instagram is currently testing a new feature that allows users to upload videos up to 90 minutes long. This significant change raises questions about whether the platform will offer compensation to creators similar to YouTube.

Chicago is experiencing an unusually warm October, positively impacting local businesses like Jack's Pumpkin Pop-up. The pleasant weather has encouraged more visitors to enjoy outdoor festivities.

During the 2026 back-to-school season, Illinois families benefited from a sales tax holiday, saving an estimated $11.4 million. This initiative aimed to ease financial burdens during the shopping season.

Philip Walters, a Brooklyn man, lost over $11,000 in unemployment benefits due to a simple typo in his bank account number. After a lengthy process to secure his benefits, he now faces financial hardship as he seeks to recover the lost funds.

Anthropic's IPO filing reveals extensive risks associated with its AI technology, including potential threats to humanity and regulatory challenges. The company emphasizes its commitment to harnessing AI for good while acknowledging the dangers posed by rapid advancements.

Illinois has joined a coalition of 19 states in a lawsuit against Dollar General, accusing the chain of misleading price advertising. The lawsuit claims that customers were charged more at checkout than the prices advertised online, violating consumer protection laws.

Amazon’s long-awaited drone delivery service has whirred to life in a handful of Chicago suburbs, but some residents want the technology to be grounded. The drones have been put into use at Amazon’s fulfillment center in suburban Markham, fulfilling a promise from the tech company to roll out th