CAG

Business

Chicago's Downtown Core Faces Unprecedented Office Vacancy Crisis, Raising Economic Alarm

Chicago's downtown office vacancy rate soared to a historic 28.2% at the close of 2025, more than double pre-pandemic levels, as remote work trends and business climate concerns drive a 14th consecutive quarter of record vacancies. Analysts warn of a deepening economic spiral with implications for city services and residents.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Centene's $2.2M Chicago Housing Grant Fuels Debate on Corporate Strategy and Stock Valuation

A major grant from Centene's foundation aims to tackle housing insecurity for justice-involved individuals in Chicago, spotlighting the healthcare giant's community investments as its stock faces persistent headwinds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Chicago Capital Trims $12.5M Stake in Surgically Focused Robotic Firm PROCEPT BioRobotics

Amid a steep 60% annual share price decline, investment firm Chicago Capital has significantly reduced its position in PROCEPT BioRobotics, a developer of robotic systems for urological surgery, signaling a portfolio risk reassessment.

Feb 2, 2026

US

After 14-Year Cold Case, DNA Breakthrough Identifies Man Found Under Chicago Overpass

Forensic genealogy has finally put a name to remains discovered in 2012, closing a long-standing mystery for Illinois authorities and a family.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Novo Nordisk Advances Oral Obesity Pill and Cell Therapy Pipeline Amid Market Reassessment

Novo Nordisk launches its first oral GLP-1 weight-loss drug with strong early demand, reports positive Phase 3 results for CagriSema, and expands a cell therapy partnership for diabetes. These moves come as investors reevaluate the company's long-term growth prospects amid competitive and pricing pressures.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Cal-Maine Foods Weathers Price Normalization, Bets on Specialty Eggs with Strategic Acquisition

Stephens lowers price target on Cal-Maine Foods (CALM) citing near-term oversupply pressures, but the egg producer's long-term strategy remains focused on expanding its cage-free capacity through acquisition.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Norfolk Southern Unveils Major East Coast Rail Corridor, Aiming to Unclog Freight Bottlenecks

Norfolk Southern has inaugurated its new 'East Edge' double-stack corridor, a decades-in-the-making infrastructure project linking Chicago to New England. The move is set to bolster intermodal capacity in the Northeast and could sharpen the railroad's competitive edge and investor appeal.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Teenage Brothers Trade Classrooms for Frontline ICE Watch in Minneapolis

Sam and Ben Luhmann, homeschooled teenagers from Chicago, have become full-time documentarians of federal immigration operations in Minneapolis, joining a growing wave of citizen observers amid heightened tensions and controversial enforcement tactics.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Wheat Futures Retreat at Midday Amid Mixed Market Signals

U.S. wheat futures declined across major exchanges on Friday, with Chicago, Kansas City, and Minneapolis contracts all trading lower. Despite the pullback, export sales data remains robust, running ahead of last year's pace.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Conagra Brands: A Value Play or Value Trap? Investors Weigh Short-Term Momentum Against Long-Term Decline

Conagra Brands (CAG) shares have surged recently, closing at $18.51 and sparking renewed investor interest. While short-term momentum appears positive, a deeper look reveals a stark five-year decline in shareholder returns, raising questions about whether the current price represents a genuine opportunity or a fleeting rally.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Political Strategist James Carville Picks His Early Favorite for 2028 Democratic Nomination

Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville has named Illinois Governor JB Pritzker as his top potential contender for the party's 2028 presidential ticket, citing fundraising prowess and grassroots appeal.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Palantir Soars Past Forecasts, Projects Accelerated Growth for 2026

Palantir Technologies smashed Wall Street expectations for Q4 2025, reporting a 70% surge in revenue and issuing guidance that signals even stronger growth ahead. The data analytics giant's performance underscores its deepening traction in both government and commercial sectors.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Where to Park $1,000 for Growth? Three Top ETFs for a Bullish Market

As growth investing maintains its momentum, fueled by economic expansion and AI investment, we analyze three standout ETFs that offer investors diversified, cost-effective exposure to this high-performing segment.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Starbucks Trims Menu by 25%, Axing 13 Drinks in Efficiency Push

Starbucks accelerates its 'Back to Starbucks' turnaround plan by removing 13 underperforming and complex drinks from its permanent menu, a move aimed at streamlining operations and reducing waste, despite risking the ire of loyal fans of discontinued items.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Canopy Growth: Why This Cannabis Stock Remains a High-Risk Bet Despite Regulatory Shifts

Canopy Growth's shares have plummeted over 99% in five years, yet analysts warn its challenges run deeper than its stock price suggests. Despite recent U.S. regulatory changes, structural industry headwinds and the company's own track record make it a speculative play at best.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Navigating Market Uncertainty: Two Vanguard ETFs Poised for Resilience in a Potential 2026 Downturn

As economic anxieties mount, strategic diversification remains paramount. We examine two Vanguard ETFs that could offer stability and long-term growth opportunities should market conditions deteriorate.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The Digital Heist: How AI-Powered Fraudsters Are Targeting the Freight Industry

As cargo theft evolves from petty crime to sophisticated, high-value scams, logistics firms like Echo Global Logistics are deploying advanced AI and human vigilance in a high-stakes battle for security. Senior VP Jeff Starr details the new frontline in freight fraud.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Fifth Third Seals $10.9 Billion Comerica Acquisition, Creating a U.S. Banking Powerhouse

Fifth Third Bancorp has finalized its acquisition of Comerica Incorporated, a move that consolidates the Midwest banking landscape and creates the nation's ninth-largest bank with nearly $300 billion in assets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Active ETF Boom Sees Record Launches Amid High Attrition, Yet Issuers Press On

Asset managers unleashed a historic wave of nearly 1,000 new active ETFs last year, even as a record number shuttered. Despite the high-stakes environment, firms are doubling down, betting on sustained investor demand and advisor adoption to justify the rush.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

American Airlines' Centennial Storm: A $200 Million Operational Meltdown

A historic winter storm has plunged American Airlines into its worst weather-related crisis, stranding crews and passengers while wiping up to $200 million from its revenue, exposing deep-seated recovery challenges.

Feb 2, 2026