The latest business news headlines, delivered to your inbox midday weekdays.
Working Lunch Wednesday, April 2, 2025 | | |
| | | | | It's lunchtime, Chicago. While homeowners insurance premiums have been rising sharply in the post-pandemic landscape across the U.S. — from wildfire-ravaged California to hurricane-flooded North Carolina — rates are increasing faster in Illinois than all but one other state. A new report released Tuesday by the Consumer Federation of America showed homeowners premiums increased nationally by an average of 24% over the past three years, driven in large part by climate change-related weather events. But beyond the extreme weather coastal hotspots, rates in Illinois went up 50%. Also on the housing front, Mayor Brandon Johnson has put up for sale more than 400 vacant lots across Chicago, part of an initiative to cut red tape, better leverage city resources, attract more private investment, and build more affordable housing. Read that story and more in today's Working Lunch. Top business stories | Real estate | | | | The increase in Illinois was second only to Utah, which saw a 59% increase. | | | | | The mayor envisions getting the empty lots into the hands of developers ready to build mixed-use districts or other projects. | | | | | The complaint notes that the city zoning administrator had recommended denial of the application because the dispensary would be within 500 feet of a school. | | | | | It's another sign that Musk’s once high-flying electric car company is struggling to attract buyers. | | | | | Hooters, known for chicken wings and its skimpy wait-staff outfits, is the latest legacy restaurant chain to run into financial trouble amid high food and labor prices. | | | | | After weeks of White House hype and public anxiety, Trump is slated to roll out a barrage of self-described reciprocal tariffs on friend and foe alike. | | | |
| |
