The Biz Week That Was: United flight attendants get contract, neighbors win fight against smelly factory, and gas prices fuel inflation
United flight attendants ratify 5-year contract with 31% pay hike and boarding pay
United Airlines flight attendants have approved a new labor contract that will bring their first pay increases in six years — along with boarding pay, a long-sought change that compensates crew members for the work they do before the plane leaves the gate.
$900k settlement wraps neighbors’ long fight with smelly Mount Prospect factory
A $900,000 settlement reached between the company that operated an animal feed plant in Mount Prospect and neighbors who complained about its smell will end a yearslong legal fight over odors. The class-action lawsuit said residents living near the shuttered Prestige Feed Products facility at 431 N. Lakeview Court suffered hardship as a result of odors and noise. Since the business opened in 2019, residents, as well as nearby businesses and even a school, complained about smells they likened to burned cheese.
The Iran war is hitting home as gasoline prices fuel inflation surge of 3.8% in the US
U.S. consumer prices climbed sharply again last month as the 10-week war with Iran delivered higher gasoline prices and more pain for Americans. The Labor Department's Consumer Price Index rose 3.8% from April 2025, the biggest jump in three years, and up from a 3.3% year-over-year gain in March.
As Illinoisans lose federal food assistance, independent grocers face debt, store closure
As households across Illinois brace to lose their federal food assistance this month, grocery stores, especially independent grocers across the state, are preparing for the devastating effects of decreased spending. For some independent grocers, whose profit margins average 2%, a decrease in consumer spending associated with cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could lead to store closures.
New meeting and professional development space to open Friday in downtown Elgin
A passion for education and desire to express her creativity has led a veteran nurse to open a new professional development space in downtown Elgin. Rose's Room, an event space intended for workshops, classes, meetings and other small gatherings, held a grand opening Friday, May 15.
‘A shared experience’: Two generations of wine lovers reopen Geneva Wine Cellar & Tasting Room
A staple of downtown Geneva has reopened in a familiar spot with a new look and new family ownership. Geneva Wine Cellar & Tasting Room held a grand opening last week at 227 S. 3rd St., just a few months after the business’ previous owner had closed the establishment in February.
Big upgrade for athletic facilities at College of Lake County’s Grayslake campus
The Washington Street entrance to the College of Lake County's main campus in Grayslake has been closed since April 1, but, as with any big project, the thought is the eventual benefit will offset the short-term inconvenience. Besides the roundabout, work also is in progress for new fields and facilities to benefit CLC baseball and softball teams for the 2027 season.