Trump administration’s latest funding threat: $128 million withheld in highway dollars • More than $1.1 billion in medical debt erased in Illinois, with the help of a state program
Working Lunch Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | | |
| | | | | Mark Zuckerberg will testify in an unprecedented social media trial that questions whether Meta’s platforms deliberately addict and harm children. | | | | | The U.S. Department of Transportation said Tuesday that it was threatening to withhold $128 million in highway funds because a federal audit had revealed illegally-issued commercial drivers licenses in Illinois. | | | | | More than 500,000 Illinois residents have so far benefited from the program, with average debt relief of about $1,200 a person, according to the governor’s office. | | | | | The Chicago Bears are raising season ticket prices by an average of 13.5%, President/CEO Kevin Warren announced in a letter to season ticket holders. | | | | | The Minnesota-based food company lowered its outlook in the face of “historically low consumer sentiment, heightened uncertainty and significant volatility,” CEO Jeff Harmening said. | | | | | The Oswego Planning and Zoning Commission recently recommended approval of a request to annex and rezone property for a proposed development near the intersection of Route 34 and Ogden Falls Boulevard that would include a Dutch Bros drive-thru coffee shop. | | | | | The newest businesses now open or soon to open in Naperville are Lilly Pulitzer, Free People and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. | | | | | The Trump administration seeks to scale back funding to permanent housing for the homeless. Advocates are sounding the alarm. | | | |