The Obama Presidential Center was meant to lift up local contractors. Some say they’re paying a high price for the project’s delays and cost overruns. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker talks with host Amy Guth about how some contractors say they’re fighting to collect millions of dollars in unpaid bills. Plus: Illinois joins states’ challenge to Trump’s anti-DEI contract rules, CME plans to offer 24/7 oil and gold contracts, Prada’s Oak Street flagship building up for sale and ...
Jun 12, 2026•24 min•Ep. 1474
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss the latest local housing news, including the Gold Coast showing signs of a revival with recent high-end home sales. Plus: Pritzker opens door to new Bears talks, blames team for stadium stumbles; Baker Tilly moving headquarters out of Chicago with acquisition of New York’s Anchin; Magnetar will replace humans with AI bots in new offering; and American Airlines teams up with Google on eco-friendly jet fuel purchase a...
Jun 10, 2026•39 min•Ep. 1473
Beer sales have seen a boost at some Chicago restaurants as customers opt out of more expensive cocktails. Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about changes in diner behavior. Plus: For Chicago suburbs, Bears’ Indiana play presents a new kind of limbo, Monroe Capital enforces 5% redemption cap on private credit fund, GoHealth files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization and Chicago investment adviser charged with fraud in alleged Ponzi scheme. Hosted by Simplecas...
Jun 09, 2026•23 min•Ep. 1472
One week away from the Obama Presidential Center's June 19 opening, Crain’s reporter John Pletz previews the museum with host Amy Guth. Plus: O’Hare gate shuffle gives American an edge — and trims United’s lead, Foundry Park slated for $202 million in TIF money for roads and parks, Capital One cuts nearly 300 jobs in fourth round of Discover layoffs and Pritzker moves to end data-center incentives. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection...
Jun 08, 2026•28 min•Ep. 1471
Another vintage Loop office building has been teed up for residential conversion and a big South Loop apartment complex traded for $104 million. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog talks with host Amy Guth about what's playing out in Chicago's apartments scene. Plus: Bears vote to advance stadium project in Hammond, but several hurdles remain before a deal could be final; AI data center boom risks breakup of nation’s biggest power grid operator; Ascension completes acquisition ...
Jun 05, 2026•22 min•Ep. 1470
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest local housing news, including Elk Grove Village’s first new subdivision in the 21st century selling to locals first and the plan to phase out county tax-lien sales in Illinois. Plus: Susana Mendoza launches bid for Chicago mayor, Chicago-area data center tied to CoreWeave raises $900 million in junk-bond sale, developer sells pair of warehouses on former Allstate HQ campus and World Business Chicago ...
Jun 03, 2026•44 min•Ep. 1469
After the Chicago Bears tax-break plan stalled out in Springfield, the search for a stadium deal continues. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence talks with host Amy Guth about the path forward for the team. Plus: NASCAR eyes return to downtown Chicago in 2027; California firm nears discount deal for Wacker Drive office tower; Big South Loop apartment complex trades for $104 million; and McDonald’s is testing wings, bigger chicken tenders and AI drive-thrus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz ...
Jun 02, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1468
The Chicago Bears’ tax-break plan died in the final stretch of the spring legislative session, clouding the team's future in Illinois. Plus: Crain’s healthcare reporter Jon Asplund talks with host Amy Guth about a company making a big bet on Chicago as a biotech hub. And, West Suburban remains in current CEO’s hands amid legal fight over shuttered hospital; Springfield delays swipe fee law for second time after bankers push back; and beer sales are up at some Chicago restaurants as diners opt ou...
Jun 01, 2026•21 min•Ep. 1467
The South and West sides of Chicago are gaining more CTA-area development, but gaps still persist . Crain’s reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Trump Tower lands first retail tenant more than 17 years after opening, Mag Mile office tower extends run of downtown distress, FTC chair says agency is probing fertilizer industry over price hikes and a luxury steakhouse is set to open in the old Esquire Theater. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for in...
May 29, 2026•20 min•Ep. 1466
Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth talk the latest news from the local market, including how high demand is pushing Chicago-area home prices to record levels. Plus: University of Chicago spinout bets $55 million on city as Midwest biotech hub, abortion advocates urge additional reproductive health support from Illinois, Northwest suburban apartments sell for $23 million and a Fulton Market development site next to shuttered Time Out food hall hits the marke...
May 27, 2026•39 min•Ep. 1465
Crain's assistant managing editor Ann Weiler joins host Amy Guth to discuss the Chicago families that hold the most influence right now in the city. Plus: Tech firms look to unload Loop office space; Rahm Emanuel pitches sweeping college affordability plan as 2028 buzz grows; DHS renews threat to cut customs staffing at O’Hare and other sanctuary-city airports; and UChicago launches multibillion-dollar fundraising effort. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for informat...
May 26, 2026•27 min•Ep. 1464
Chicago’s lucrative parking meter contract could be sold to New York-based Stonepeak Partners. Crain’s reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Chicago quantum players share in $2B federal outlay, South Loop apartment tower near The 78 listed for sale, Deere shares tumble with farmers facing ‘ongoing challenges’ and Schlitz beer discontinued after 175 years. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal ...
May 22, 2026•21 min•Ep. 1463
Crain’s reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including mayors taking sides on Gov. Pritzker's housing plan and a 1956 modernist home in La Grange Park for sale for the first time ever. Plus: Blackstone Hotel sold at discount to local investor; Illinois joins suit arguing Trump loan caps threaten healthcare workforce; former Cboe CEO Ed Tilly exits top post at Wall Street brokerage; and McDonald’s won’t meet some emissions goals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWi...
May 20, 2026•35 min•Ep. 1462
Crain’s reporter John Pletz talks with host Amy Guth about Census data showing how Chicago is eking out population growth while big-city rivals are shrinking. Plus: Former John Hancock Center slated for luxury Marriott hotel, the parking meter deal Chicagoans love to hate is poised for another sale, Gene & Georgetti sues concessions operator over Midway Airport outpost and DraftKings reportedly closing sportsbook at Wrigley Field. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com...
May 19, 2026•22 min•Ep. 1461
Crain’s reporter Rachel Herzog talks with host Amy Guth about major suburban apartment trades, including an O’Hare-area complex that sold for $167 million in the year’s priciest deal and a $91M transaction for a property in Kane County. Plus: Pritzker says Johnson’s Bears pitch is a non-starter, Spirit Airlines shutdown costs Chicago hundreds of jobs, most of Ford City Mall to shut down for safety concerns and Fitch trims University of Chicago credit rating amid debt load. Hosted by Simplecast, ...
May 18, 2026•21 min•Ep. 1460
Crain’s reporter Danny Ecker talks with host Amy Guth about what the McDonald’s and Chicago Fire FC naming rights deal means for the team's planned South Loop stadium. Plus: Mayor Johnson pitches city takeover of stadium authority to keep Bears in Chicago, Trump administration’s fight with Jenner & Block zeroes in on security clearances, developers seek $50M TIF loan for Loop conversion to new W hotel and AI boom sends prices soaring on grid serving Illinois. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz...
May 15, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1459
Crain’s reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including how Cook County could be forced to repay former homeowners millions of dollars in lost equity and how an Englewood renewal effort is taking a unique approach to reversing housing inequity. Plus: McDonald’s and Chicago Fire strike naming rights deal for South Loop stadium, FDA’s approval of flavored e-cigarettes faces pushback in Illinois, River North hotel sells for $29M as downtown lodging values lag and...
May 13, 2026•42 min•Ep. 1458
Soaring beef prices have some Chicago restaurants in a bit of an existential crisis. Reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Tax break for United Center’s 1901 Project advances despite pushback, former Walgreens office in Deerfield sold for a revamp, United Airlines sponsorship puts transportation secretary's side gig under scrutiny, and a mid-year outlook warns wealthy investors to brace for inflation, trade shocks and AI. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adsw...
May 12, 2026•26 min•Ep. 1457
Crain’s reporter Jon Asplund talks with host Amy Guth about local healthcare news, including how South Side Walgreens closures are fueling fears of more drugstore deserts. Plus: DNC scouting party tours Chicago this week; law firm Hall Prangle jumps the Chicago River to a new office; Elmhurst apartments are sold to an Ohio pension fund for $85 million; and Skokie tech park buildings go up for sale as demand cools for life sciences space. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz....
May 11, 2026•24 min•Ep. 1456
Mayor Brandon Johnson took the fight to keep the Bears in the city to Springfield just as talks for a Chicago Stars stadium start to heat up. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Lincoln Yards TIF deal terminated as Foundry Park infrastructure questions loom, some CEOs warn consumers are "running out of money" and cutting back, U.S. appeals court sends back Illinois swipe fee law after federal regulators intervene and South Side Walgreens closures fuel fe...
May 08, 2026•30 min•Ep. 1455
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss the latest news from the local market, including how spring homebuyers have one-third the choices they had before the pandemic. Plus: Kraft Heinz sees early payoff from $600 million brand bet, Medinah Temple owner mulls landmark’s post-casino future, Chicago Fed’s Goolsbee warns AI hype could fuel inflation and Ever manager accused of embezzling over $1 million files countersuit against the Michelin-starred restaura...
May 06, 2026•45 min•Ep. 1454
Crain's reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the best business dining spots for deal-making, catching up and wooing clients. Plus: Office tower near Google’s Thompson Center poised to sell at steep discount, American Airlines’ pilots chief praises "bold vision" of United CEO’s merger pitch, Springfield gets some breathing room on state budget and California reportedly seeks penalties against State Farm over wildfire claims. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswiz...
May 05, 2026•21 min•Ep. 1453
Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest office deals around downtown, including a distressed loan for a West Monroe Street office tower that sold at steep discount , a West Coast tech firm eyeing a big expansion and more. Plus: Purdue Pharma’s $7.4 billion opioid settlement begins, with Illinois in line to get nearly $150 million; BMO turns to AI and quantum computing to predict earthquakes; Gold Coast retail space leased to celebrity brand S...
May 04, 2026•23 min•Ep. 1452
Crain’s contributor Jon Asplund joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest healthcare news, including a look at the state’s rising health costs are spiking and how employers are chipping away at swelling healthcare tabs. Plus: State report says ICE misconduct in Chicago enabled by Trump officials, West Coast tech firm eyes big Chicago office expansion, Bank of America CEO eyes Chicago growth as commercial loans rise 15% and United announces FAA-mandated flight cuts at O’Hare. Hosted by Simplecast...
May 01, 2026•22 min•Ep. 1451
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about the latest local housing news, including how Chicago home prices rising at five times the speed of the nation’s. Plus: IBM to hire 750 at Chicago’s quantum campus, Mondelez chief sees consumer confidence weakening on Iran war, Illinois proposes bill to pay striking workers and McKinsey moving Chicago office to Salesforce Tower. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about ...
Apr 29, 2026•37 min•Ep. 1450
Crain's reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about Chicago restaurants that are launching second acts in the city and four local bars ranked among North America’s best. Plus: St. Regis Chicago hotel owners land a big new loan, appellate court upholds Madigan’s conviction on corruption charges, Chicago Skyway’s Australian owner fields takeover bid and mid-market investment bank Lincoln International files for IPO. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for informa...
Apr 28, 2026•20 min•Ep. 1449
The owner of Water Tower Place is launching a $170 million makeover of the Mag Mile mall. Crain’s reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: United CEO lays out the case for the American deal that never was, ABA settles lawsuit claiming minority scholarship fund was discriminatory, U.S. taps Kirkland & Ellis for advice on Spirit Airlines rescue and AbbVie’s move to revitalize Botox demand stymied by FDA questions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com ...
Apr 27, 2026•18 min•Ep. 1448
Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog talks with host Amy Guth about two brands' plans for new Mag Mile spots and what’s driving the latest wave of grocery chain expansion in Chicago. Plus: Pritzker pushes speed on Bears tax package but predicts changes ahead; Morningstar eyes Google’s Thompson Center revamp for potential new HQ, Claire’s is moving its HQ to distressed Rosemont office building and an executive in $15 million Loretto Hospital embezzlement case pleads not guilty an...
Apr 24, 2026•23 min•Ep. 1447
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest from the local housing market, including how the mortgage crisis of the early 2000s is coming back to haunt Chicago-area homeowners. Plus: Illinois lawmakers push Bears stadium plan tied to tax overhaul, American gains O’Hare gates as United loses ground, West Suburban property owner sues to take control of troubled hospital and River North offices put up for sale after $35 million redevelopment plan...
Apr 22, 2026•30 min•Ep. 1446
This year's list of Chicago’s largest private companies has a newcomer near the top. Crain’s researcher David Nusbaum discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: New details on Ishbia-Amtrak land deal as Sox future takes shape, Loop office tower owner hit with $223 million foreclosure lawsuit, Baird raises $450 million amid sluggish private equity environment and Trump pans United-American merger while pushing for a Spirit buyer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for informat...
Apr 21, 2026•18 min•Ep. 1445
