I think that's the case with pretty much any regional nowadays, right?

Did I hear their fleet was grounded?

7 in flightaware website
 

Seven flights up now according to FlightAware

Yup, not sure I've seen any other regional use mainline tags in surplus... Maybe fix the lowest bidder thing by voting no to concessions when they come asking. Eventually, what gets voted in at the regional level will hit mainline

By definition every regional can't be the lowest

What are schedules (lines) like out of ORD?

True, the lowest will be the one with the newest contract. Everyone will get a turn. Makes it hard to keep track of who to scorn.

Buy low sell high ... I'm pretty sure that's the model for ANYONE who wants to stay in business. Conversely, those who want to bid on said business had better be "competitive" *wink, wink*. As long as supply remains a constant (and imho that is definitely in question as far as mainline feeders are concerned), it's a race to the bottom. We all know that... right?

Any updates on the upcoming new contract?

Nothing. We are privy to details until the road shows. Rumors include trip/ duty rig, CX pay, etc