The city's population is growing again . Crain’s reporter John Pletz discusses what’s behind the uptick with host Amy Guth. Plus: Trump officials launch hiring probe after Johnson touts number of Black advisers, Mesirow raises $1.25 billion fund for multifamily real estate investments, LanzaTech is laying off 44 from its Skokie HQ amid clean energy pullback and Lyft revives pooled rides at O'Hare in push for cheaper trips. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for informa...
May 20, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1264
Members of the progressive coalition that helped bring Mayor Brandon Johnson to the Fifth Floor worry their movement is stalled . Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Pathos raises $365 million in funding round, touts $1.6 billion valuation; higher patient volumes at CommonSpirit don't offset losses; Geico opens corporate hub in Merchandise Mart; and lawmakers seek to reverse Illinois law penalizing companies that boycott Israel. Hosted by Simplecast, an ...
May 19, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1263
The Chicago Bears have paused plans for a downtown stadium to focus instead on Arlington Heights . Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Jenner & Block lawyer's security clearance pulled by Trump administration; Kraft Heinz plans $3 billion plant upgrades despite lower profit outlook; another United hub hit by air traffic outage; and with federal action looming, Northwestern hits the gas on lobbying efforts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz c...
May 16, 2025•27 min•Ep. 1262
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including insights form the latest Chicago-area new home sales data and not one but two properties with ties to the new pope . Plus: Pritzker budget team slashes state's revenue forecast by $536 million, City panel OKs subsidy for 400-unit office-to-apartment conversion, Northwestern facing federal civil rights investigation over alleged discrimination and United Center owner...
May 14, 2025•42 min•Ep. 1261
Chicago's street festivals are having an existential crisis . Crain's reporter Ally Marotti explains the growing plight to host Amy Guth. Plus: Chicago taps Loop Capital founder to fix $1 billion budget hole, U of I's scrapped Discovery Partners Institute project in South Loop to undergo state audit, Hub International lands $29 billion valuation in $1.6 billion round and a mixed-income housing plan for old Cabrini grounds lines up $46 million for final phase. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz com...
May 13, 2025•19 min•Ep. 1260
With Brandon Johnson halfway through his first term in office, Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence talks with host Amy Guth about his recent conversation with the mayor reflecting on the last two years. Plus: Stellantis yanks plans for Belvidere battery plant and parts hub; a Texas investor picks up Arlington Heights shopping center; Northwestern medical school cuts and consolidates research centers, including one focused on equity; and largest U.S. grid operator warns extreme heat risks s...
May 12, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1259
Chicago’s Robert Prevost made history as Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope. Here's a rundown of how the city's brands and residents reacted in the following days. Plus: Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence talks with host Amy Guth about the latest chapter in the Lincoln Yards project saga. And, Michael Polsky's Invenergy awards $1.7 billion as part of largest U.S. power line project, McDermott Will & Emery in merger talks with New York law firm and why Chicago street festivals are ...
May 09, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1258
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about the latest news form the local housing marketing, including how asking prices for Chicago-area homes hit record highs last month. Plus: Fed urged to reconsider Capital One's $35 billion deal for Discover, Rivian cuts EV delivery forecast and cites tariffs as hurting demand, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly both enter race for Durbin’s seat, imperiled immigrant health programs reportedly help buoy hospitals, ...
May 07, 2025•35 min•Ep. 1257
The local impact from the Trump administration's tariffs is at $1 billion , and that's just counting five local companies so far. Crain’s reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: ADM sees profits at low end of guidance on trade uncertainty; first, United said it wouldn't fly to Newark anymore, then the reason why became clear; Golf Mill shopping center put up for sale amid plans for $440 million overhaul; and Art Institute president takes leave amid in-flight misconduct probe. Hos...
May 06, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1256
Crain's list of the best restaurants offers recs for client dinners, lunch, post-workday drinks with colleagues and even a breakfast meeting option. Reporter Ally Marotti and host Amy Guth discuss about this year’s list and the restaurant group betting big on the Loop with new spots anchored to hotels. Plus: Gov. Pritzker shuts door on state funding for revised One Central megaproject, a business-backed group raises $10 million in bid to reshape City Hall, Rivian ups its Illinois investment with...
May 05, 2025•29 min•Ep. 1255
A hospitality staffing company is bringing a training hub to Fulton Market. Crain’s restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the new operation and the latest from Chicago's dining scene. Plus: Casino construction paused after mob-linked hauler flagged, Microsoft drops law firm that cut Trump deal and turns to Chicago's Jenner & Block, Chicago banks double down on one of the hottest parts of the biz and Stephanie Izard opening burger spots in Aurora and Joliet casino f...
May 02, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1254
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including four Illinois metros appearing at the top of a new list of the highest-taxed cities in the U.S. Plus: Johnson joins lawsuit seeking to prevent Trump's federal government overhaul; a developer looks to force a vote on $1 billion residential project near planned Bally's casino; Wacker Drive office tower hits the market, setting up a nasty blow for seller; and McDonald...
Apr 30, 2025•43 min•Ep. 1253
Northwestern University President Michael Schill was called to Congress for questioning — again. Crain’s higher education reporter Brandon Dupré discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Judge probes whether Trump retaliated against Jenner & Block, what American Airlines says about its battle with United at O'Hare, Advocate doctors to drop Blue Cross Illinois HMO plan and United Airlines just unveiled its exclusive Polaris lounge makeover. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz....
Apr 29, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1252
Restaurants reporter Ally Marotti and host Amy Guth break down Crain’s latest list of Chicago’s new private dining spaces. Plus: Baxter spinout plants HQ in Deerfield, moving into former Caterpillar office; Mondelez has a lot of work to do if it wants to hit 2025 recycling goal; Sterling Bay seeking buyer for Loop office building as loan deadline looms; and in a legal fight over disputed artwork, judge rules against Art Institute. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for...
Apr 28, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1251
Sen. Dick Durbin's retirement announcement has begun what could be a massive generational shift in Illinois politics. Crain’s political columnist Greg Hinz discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Despite strong start to 2025, banks cast wary eye as tariff threats loom, American Bar Association cuts 300 jobs after Justice Department pulls grant funding, Oak Brook investor seizing shuttered Northbrook Crowne Plaza hotel and Bears confront their Soldier Field landlord as they scope out Arlington Park m...
Apr 25, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1250
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including counties suing Illinois over delinquent tax sales the Supreme Court calls unconstitutional. Plus: Durbin not seeking re-election, Chicago developer set to buy riverfront office building from Sam Zell estate, Capital One profit climbs 10% as credit-card spending increases, Exelon CEO says clean energy no longer tops agenda for utilities, and with growing list of Trum...
Apr 23, 2025•47 min•Ep. 1249
A Loop office tower developer is planning a restaurant on Randolph . Crain's reporter Ally Marotti talks about the move with host Amy Guth. Plus: Bears' Arlington Heights stadium push hits "significant milestone," Baker Tilly merging with Moss Adams to create sixth-biggest U.S. accounting firm, developer pitches 30-story apartment tower for Fulton Market site and Thoma Bravo buys Boeing digital businesses for $10.6 billion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for inform...
Apr 22, 2025•19 min•Ep. 1248
Jenner & Block is fighting the Trump administration's bid to shut down the firm's lawsuit, calling the executive order against it "patently unconstitutional." Crain’s law reporter Mark Weinraub discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Fed's Goolsbee warns against curbing central bank independence; Abbott to add 200 Illinois jobs, expand U.S. manufacturing as tariffs loom; Linden shoots past target with $5.4 billion health care buyout fund; revamped Fulton Market property portfolio up for sale; an...
Apr 21, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1247
How people buy cosmetics is changing. Crain's retail reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about how Chicago-based Ulta is trying to keep up . Plus: Northwestern to keep bankrolling research despite $790 million federal funding freeze, Lincoln Yards lender "as patient as we need to be" on stalled megaproject, FDA's baby formula research in Illinois gutted after RFK Jr. safety pledge and the tariff-fueled market retreat cost Chicago's pensions $1 billion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz...
Apr 18, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1246
Chicago’s largest law firm has no formal agreement backing the deal it reached with the Trump administration. Crain’s reporter Mark Weinraub and host Amy Guth discuss why the deals with Big Law are nowhere to be found. Plus: Durbin pushes to save DOJ’s Chicago antitrust office from chopping block, Chicago names a City Hall vet as acting aviation commissioner, Raoul joins state AGs urging Congress to break up pharmaceutical middlemen and new stores slated for shuttered Dom's in Old Town, Whole Fo...
Apr 16, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1245
O’Hare International Airport ranked among the busiest U.S. airports last year, despite still lagging pre-pandemic traffic levels. Crain’s reporter Pawan Naidu discusses the data with host Amy Guth. Plus: Ariel execs departing with buyouts as firm resets amid market upheavals, Chicago brokerage R.J. O'Brien acquired for $900 million, New York investor pays $170 million for Fulton Market apartments and University of Chicago gets $100 million gift for business school. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWi...
Apr 15, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1244
Low space demand is no problem for Chicago-area warehouse owners. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Denny Ecker and host Amy Guth discuss why. Plus: ADM quits China domestic crop trading, adding to global job cuts; Scott Kirby gets a big pay bump at United Airlines; CME sells OSTTRA, its joint venture with S&P Global, to KKR in $3.1 billion deal; DOJ bans staffers from ABA activities; and a look at Crain’s list of the Chicago area's 100 largest privately held companies. Hosted by Simpl...
Apr 14, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1243
The head of Chase Business Banking says U.S. economic strength is outweighing President Donald Trump's tariffs, at least for now . Crain’s finance reporter Mark Weinraub discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Pritzker called to testify on Illinois' immigrant policy in D.C.; empty former Aon campus sold at 96% discount; Goolsbee says tariffs present a stagflationary shock for the Fed; Outcome Health founders, free on bail, appeal fraud convictions; and DoorDash partners with Coco for food delivery r...
Apr 11, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1242
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about top stories including the potential impact of tariffs on the Chicago housing market. Plus: Who's up and who's down as the city's aviation team reshuffles O'Hare gates, Bally's parent makes a play to bail out Australian casino operator, Sterigenics finalizes $30.9 million settlement in Willowbrook emissions cases and the Trump administration freezes $790 million in federal funds for Northwestern. Hosted by Simpl...
Apr 09, 2025•43 min•Ep. 1241
With Sterling Bay surrendering a section of Lincoln Yards, what will happen next? Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker discusses the latest on the megaproject with host Amy Guth. Plus: Why Johnson's industrial zoning plans are giving the business community heartburn, Walgreens tops profit estimates as it heads toward private ownership, Capital One-Discover deal waved ahead by antitrust officials and former Northwestern football players settle with university over hazing lawsuits. ...
Apr 08, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1240
Giordano's new CEO is eyeing an expansion and a digital overhaul. Crain’s reporter Brandon Dupre talks with host Amy Guth about the pizza chief’s company vision and about Michelin-starred Moody Tongue’s new tasting menu. Plus: United Airlines makes a play for O'Hare's road warriors, Microsoft pulls back on data centers from Chicago to Jakarta, Illinoisans on Forbes' latest billionaires list and new Choose Chicago CEO embraces "challenge" of marketing the city. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz co...
Apr 07, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1239
Despite the first quarter often being the slowest time for Chicago's dining scene, Crain's reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about seven Chicago restaurants that have opened since January. Plus: Market value down billions for Chicago’s largest public companies after Trump administration tariff announcement; workers say unsanitary practices persist at Abbott formula factory whose shutdown led to mass shortages; Foxtrot's rebirth has the backing of a Pritzker; and The Art Institute re...
Apr 04, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1238
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about the local housing market, including a report that shows how home prices here have changed in 25 years . Plus: Report finds Illinois home insurance premiums jump 50% in three years; Fitch downgrades Bally's, citing 'execution risk' at Chicago casino; Rahm Emanuel returns to investment banking; and Linden Capital closes new health care fund with $400 million. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adsw...
Apr 02, 2025•44 min•Ep. 1237
Crain's politics reporter Justin Laurence talks with host Amy Guth about details of the tentative contract agreement between Chicago Public School and the Chicago Teachers Union. Plus: Discover ups CEO's pay as it looks to close Capital One deal, Lakeview property up for sale as senior housing to rentals conversion, SEC drops crypto trading case against Don Wilson’s firm and Northwestern details progress in combating antisemitism on campus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswi...
Apr 01, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1236
Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about how lunch business is faring for downtown restaurants. Plus: Sterling Bay surrendering part of Lincoln Yards to lender, United's first Starlink-equipped plane will take flight in May, Downers Grove landlord inks new lease and fights to save part of complex from distress and a 'significant' donation will fund upgrade for Lurie Children's ER data science. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for infor...
Mar 31, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1235
