Working Lunch newsletter
Illinois legislators poised to grapple with trains, insurance and the Bears • China vows to stand firm against Trump’s tariff threat. He urges Beijing to be less confrontational.
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Working Lunch

Monday, October 13, 2025

Michelle Obama’s Girls Opportunity Alliance pledges $2.5 million for grassroots education for girls

Former first lady Michelle Obama is putting new force behind efforts to ensure girls overcome educational barriers in some of the world’s most economically disadvantaged areas.

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Illinois legislators poised to grapple with trains, insurance and the Bears

While Illinois continues to battle the Trump administration over deploying National Guard troops, the nuts-and-bolts world of state government will keep on turning in the capital as lawmakers head back to potentially tackle high energy and insurance costs, legislation that could affect a new Chicago Bears stadium and the uncertain future of public transportation.

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China vows to stand firm against Trump’s tariff threat. He urges Beijing to be less confrontational.

China signaled on Sunday that it would not back down in the face of a 100% tariff threat from President Donald Trump and urged the United States to resolve differences through negotiations instead of threats. Trump responded by taking a less confrontational approach without retreating from his demands, while his vice president seemed to warn Beijing not to react aggressively.

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Condo Adviser: Impact of artificial intelligence on communal living is not yet clear

Q. I am a unit owner in a condominium association. I am aware that condominium boards are entitled to conduct board meetings virtually on video platforms; however, with the advent of artificial intelligence, and thus, the risk of AI impostors, perhaps the time has come for condominium boards to revert back to in-person board meetings. What are your thoughts?

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Feds target ride-share driver parking lot during O’Hare immigration sweep, labor advocates say

Federal immigration officials on Friday targeted a parking lot near O’Hare International Airport where ride-share drivers wait between trips, advocates said.

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ICE wants to buy more buildings in Chicago, and appears to be eyeing a Broadview warehouse

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said this week she wants to beef up immigration enforcement operations in the Chicago region and purchase additional buildings in the area.

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Metra unveils proposed 2026 budget, with riders to pay more

Metra riders should expect to pay an average of 13% more per ride next year as the commuter rail service proposes fare increases in response to a looming fiscal crisis.

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