Feds back off threats to withhold funds from the CTA, but begin pressing the Illinois transportation department • BP to lockout USW employees as still no deal reached in negotiations
Working Lunch Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | | |
| | | | | Hyundai Translead, a leading manufacturer of truck trailers and flatbeds, is firing up two shuttered industrial plants along the Des Plaines River in Will County, with a commitment to bring thousands of jobs to the region. | | | | | With the Chicago Transit Authority already under federal pressure to address safety issues, the Trump administration is now putting the screws on the Illinois Department of Transportation, which has some oversight authority over the public transit agency’s rail system. | | | | | BP announced Tuesday night that it will initiate a lockout for more than 800 USW Local 7-1 employees, effective midnight Thursday. | | | | | Wall Street followed global markets higher Wednesday and the price of U.S. crude fell eased despite a new barrage of attacks by Iran on its Gulf neighbors. | | | | | Arizona on Tuesday became the first state to file criminal charges against Kalshi, accusing the prediction market company of operating an illegal gambling business within its borders. | | | | | The Iran war has rattled the global flow of oil, with steeper fuel costs already straining households worldwide. | | | | | The former Matrix Club in Naperville is being transformed into Aura Club & Conventions by the building’s owner. | | | | | The U.S. war with Iran is wreaking havoc on the global fertilizer market and stressing Minnesota corn farmers who are already managing tense balance sheets. | | | |