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
A Fulton Market apartment project landed a $102 million construction loan , among Chicago’s largest in years. Crain’s Rachel Herzog talks with host Amy Guth about the companies involved and the apartment project loan landscape. Plus: Huron Consulting shrinks West Loop HQ as downtown office attrition persists, AbbVie signs $745 million deal to develop pain medicines from Chinese drugmaker, judge puts WGN parent’s merger plans on hold until final court ruling and feds crack down on Federal Savings...
Apr 20, 2026•18 min•Ep. 1444
Crain’s airlines reporter John Pletz talks with host Amy Guth about what Chicago stands to lose in potential United-American merger. Plus: Illinois to get $50 million in Jewel-Osco parent’s $774 million opioid settlement, Golub recapitalizes Century Tower in $65 million deal, West Coast fintech company plans big River North office and Whole Foods to open new store in Lakeview. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal d...
Apr 17, 2026•19 min•Ep. 1443
West Suburban Medical Center began reopening under pressure after surprise shutdown as Springfield weighs tougher rules on hospital closures. Crain’s contributor Jon Asplund talks with host Amy Guth about the medical center and other local hospital headwinds. Plus: Former ComEd CEO and lobbyist granted new trials in Madigan bribery case, Thoma Bravo signs multiyear deal with Google for AI adoption, logistics firm RJW extends suburban warehouse leasing tear and city seeks to shut down Ford City M...
Apr 15, 2026•24 min•Ep. 1442
Residential conversions are gaining steam around downtown with the sale of two office buildings. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: United Airlines CEO has pitched a possible tie-up with rival American, Conagra’s new CEO faces a pricing bind with no clear fix, New York firm bets on downtown office revival with deal for distressed Loop tower and Jesse Jackson’s son picked to lead Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz compan...
Apr 14, 2026•21 min•Ep. 1441
Gov. JB Pritzker joined a coalition of governors urging the operator of the power grid in Illinois and other a dozen other states to force data centers to pay up. Crain’s reporter John Pletz discusses the push to shield consumers from rising electricity costs with host Amy Guth. Plus: Conagra CEO Connolly is out after 60% stock slide, Abbott hit with $70 million verdict in Chicago infant-formula trial, Pritzker says DHS threat over O’Hare customs will hurt economy and housing advocates sue to un...
Apr 13, 2026•26 min•Ep. 1440
Crain’s reporter Rachel Herzog talks with host Amy Guth about local commercial real estate news, including the Candy Hall of Fame coming the Mag Mile. Plus: Mayor Johnson reshuffles key safety and transportation posts amid staff churn, Madigan’s high-powered appeals team urges 7th Circuit to overturn speaker’s conviction, AbbVie suing feds over 340B provider audits and Quigley bill aims to speed up pipeline of new homes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for informati...
Apr 10, 2026•27 min•Ep. 1439
Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local housing market, including the more than 200 for-sale homes coming to Highland Park’s long-empty Solo Cup factory site. Plus: Proposed $55 million tax break for United Center’s 1901 Project hits a speed bump, Chicago startups eye long-awaited exits as IPO market warms up, Starbucks and 7-Eleven expansion planned for Chicago-based overnight oats maker and lawsuit against Evanston’s reparations pr...
Apr 08, 2026•37 min•Ep. 1438
Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the latest from Chicago's dining scene, including some notable openings , expansion plans for Mediterranean chain Roti and this year’s local James Beard Award finalists. Plus: New DHS chief floats crackdown on sanctuary city airports, including O’Hare; Chicago options clearing hub fuels clash between Goldman, Citadel and retail brokers; investors pay $61 million for Lombard apartment complex and a hedge fund signs deal for ...
Apr 07, 2026•20 min•Ep. 1437
Crain’s contributor Jon Asplund talks with host Amy Guth about the latest health care news, including West Suburban’s sudden closure and Walgreens’ private equity owner plans to double the pharmacy chain’s profits. Plus: Downtown office vacancy sets another record while top space tightens, Chicago’s Madison Air seeks to raise $2.23B in IPO, fund founded by Pritzkers inks private credit deal for PLZ and downtown office vacancy sets another record while top space tightens and Court ruling could sl...
Apr 06, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1436
Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence and host Amy Guth discuss the latest on the Bears stadium saga, with the park district pushing for a $630 million Museum Campus overhaul , and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s effort to oust the acting CHA leader . Plus: ABA backs Jenner & Block in fight with Trump administration, CFTC sues Illinois and other states over prediction markets rules, Oak Park apartments trade for $23 million and United raising bag fees as fuel prices soar. Hosted by Simplecast, a...
Apr 03, 2026•29 min•Ep. 1435
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local housing market, including the latest on the saga of the former Michael Jordan estate and relief for Chicago-area homebuyers that comes with a caveat. Plus: Goodell presses Bears as Illinois, Indiana await stadium call; Rivian bike spinoff lands $1 billion valuation and DoorDash partnership; office landlord faces another hit in Evanston after Fulton Market setback; and Mondelez and Radio Flyer a...
Apr 01, 2026•40 min•Ep. 1434
Plans for AI data centers are raising concerns about the long-term health of the Great Lakes region's most critical natural resource . Crain’s contributor Steve Hendershot discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Government still dominates as largest employer in Chicago for 2026, university funding overhaul bill advances in House despite U of I opposition, Sofitel Chicago goes up for sale and three Chicago chefs named James Beard Award finalists Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswi...
Mar 31, 2026•29 min•Ep. 1433
Cook County property taxes have grown at more than double the inflation rate since 1995. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Jenner & Block fires back at Trump administration in executive order appeal, Chicago-based benefits administrator Alight risks NYSE delisting after stock plunges below $1, Trader Joe’s advances on possible Uptown store and public-private Illinois abortion fund gives out its first $1 million. Hosted by Simplecast, an...
Mar 30, 2026•21 min•Ep. 1432
Crain’s reporter Rachel Herzog joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest commercial real estate news, including a Streeterville mid-rise office building that could go residential as well as apartment towers hitting the market in River North , Gold Coast and Uptown . Plus: JetBlue reportedly exploring sale to United; Ariel names new president as Hobson and Rogers relinquish parts of their portfolios; CME and Bank of Montreal team up to launch tokenized cash service; and West Suburban blames billi...
Mar 27, 2026•27 min•Ep. 1431
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth about to talk the latest local housing news, including Ken Griffin’s last Chicago condo going back up for sale, a divisive push to preserve west Lakeview greystones and more. Plus: Commercial landlords avoid penalties amid Cook County’s twice-delayed property tax sale, United Airlines warns of 20% fare hike to cope with oil surge, Mars to add 600 jobs and invest $100 million in Chicago operation and a South Loop developer...
Mar 25, 2026•39 min•Ep. 1430
Sen. Dick Durbin’s retirement will reduce Illinois’ clout in D.C . Crain’s reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Supreme Court justices signal skepticism of post-Election Day mail ballot deadlines, including Illinois’; Fed’s Goolsbee says he could see circumstances for rate hike; Uber to invest up to $1.25 billion in Rivian in robotaxi bet; and Uncommon Ground seeks new operator as longtime Wrigleyville restaurateurs plan to retire. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See...
Mar 24, 2026•27 min•Ep. 1429
Some investors see Patrick Hynes' primary win over incumbent Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi as a chance to rebuild Chicago's real estate cred . Crain’s reporter Danny Ecker talks with host Amy Guth about the election news and the new City Council-approved downtown hotel surcharge. Plus: CTA sues Trump administration over frozen Red Line extension funds; Johnson proposes $55 million tax break for Bulls, Blackhawks 1901 development; legal data firm Relativity confidentially files for IPO; and Il...
Mar 23, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1428
Justin Ishbia is set to b uy a massive South Loop rail yard for a potential White Sox stadium site. Crain’s reporters Danny Ecker and Justin Laurence discuss with host Amy Guth. Plus: Amazon wants to eat Costco’s lunch in Chicago’s suburbs, United CEO games out "higher for longer" oil prices, Motorola rival ordered to pay $50 million fine for stealing trade secrets and Illinois high court finds employers could be on the hook for time worked outside normal hours Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz c...
Mar 20, 2026•33 min•Ep. 1427
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including the rising age of the average homeowner in Chicago. Plus: Justin Ishbia set to buy massive South Loop rail yard for potential White Sox stadium, a roundup of the state’s high-stakes primary night, BP’s union worker lockout plan and a New York investor pays $77 million for River North apartments. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for infor...
Mar 18, 2026•43 min•Ep. 1426
