Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local housing market, including how Chicago home prices flattened out as sales plunged in January. Plus: After weeks of tension, Pritzker strikes more upbeat tone on Bears tax talks; AbbVie investing $380 million on two new plants in North Chicago, adding 300 workers; Rivian doubles down on Illinois for mass-market R2; and Chicago Fed's Goolsbee says tariff ruling could help cool inflation. Hosted by...
Feb 25, 2026•44 min•Ep. 1414
Crain's reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the playbooks of the CEOs behind Ulta Beauty and Kraft Heinz . Plus: Uber is acquiring parking app SpotHero, Trump funding cuts and threats to Illinois reach $61.5 billion and counting, Abbott lines up one of the year's biggest bond sales at $20 billion and government still dominates as largest employer in Chicago for 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of per...
Feb 24, 2026•33 min•Ep. 1413
Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog joins host Amy Guth to talk the latest in apartments and retail news, including 300 new apartments coming to Lakeview and a pickleball company buying a West Loop ice rink . Plus: After Indiana gambit, Bears signal progress in Illinois; Wells Fargo cuts jobs, closes Rosemont office following $4.2 billion sale of rail business; data-center development could stall under new Illinois move; and potential strike at BP refinery is a test of labor le...
Feb 23, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1412
Crain’s reporter Justin Laurence talks with host Amy Guth about the ongoing Bears stadium saga . Plus: Walgreens cuts hundreds of jobs after private equity buyout , Fulton Market high-rise plan moves ahead despite zoning objection, CME Group moves closer to 24/7 crypto derivatives trading and Northwestern Medicine takes AI accelerator program to Europe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....
Feb 20, 2026•29 min•Ep. 1411
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local market, including how housing affordability is improving in many big cities — but not Chicago . Plus: The state’s EV push meets market reality, Hyatt exposed to Epstein scandal despite Tom Pritzker’s exit, Illinois erases $1.1 billion in medical debt for residents and Ikea to open third store in Chicago area. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about...
Feb 18, 2026•46 min•Ep. 1410
Crain’s Steven Strahler joins host Amy Guth to reflect on the local and global impact of the Rev. Jesse Jackson after his passing. Plus: Crain’s contributor Jon Asplund talks with host Amy Guth about Baxter and federal funding cut impacts in health care sector, Tom Pritzker quits exec chairman role at Hyatt, citing Epstein ties, Mayor Johnson vetoes intoxicating hemp ban, law firm Loeb & Loeb eyes expansion and move to Loop tower and Illinois swipe fee ruling marks rare win for retailers — b...
Feb 18, 2026•27 min•Ep. 1409
Under the Trump administration, the Department of Housing & Urban Development has hardened the policies behind a program meant to shelter the city’s unhoused population. Crain’s contributor Judith Crown discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Chicago to sell $1 billion in debt from unpaid fees despite uncertain buyers; investors trade sports, Oscars and the price of gold as prediction markets take off; Rivian warns losses will persist ahead of next-generation EV debut and Springfield reignites f...
Feb 13, 2026•29 min•Ep. 1408
After three decades building Chicago's miniature skyline, a Chicago model-maker is closing up shop . Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about that and other news from the local housing market. Plus: New Kraft Heinz CEO pauses split to first improve results, apartment tower near Millennium Park trades for $126 million, Dolton claims Fifth Third Bank let disgraced mayor steal $1.9 million and Amazon drone delivery coming to south suburbs. Hosted by Simp...
Feb 11, 2026•39 min•Ep. 1407
Amid an ongoing airline battle, American plans to upgrade its O'Hare lounge in the fight for premium flyers. Crain’s reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Citing fewer jobs and fewer people, Moody's sees Illinois slipping; owners of large Mag Mile retail building get $75 million refinancing; bankrupt First Brands cutting nearly 400 jobs in McHenry; and River North hotel owner hit with $57 million foreclosure lawsuit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com...
Feb 10, 2026•25 min•Ep. 1406
A Fulton Market proposal has the potential to reshape downtown development . Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Judge blocks Trump move to freeze $10 billion in aid to blue-state families, American Airlines CEO faces union no-confidence vote amid O'Hare battle with United, River North hotel owner hit with $57 million foreclosure lawsuit and the city to award what it calls the biggest U.S. airport concessions deal ever. Hosted by Simplecast, an...
Feb 09, 2026•29 min•Ep. 1405
Vinyl-focused listening bars are having a moment in Chicago. Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Pritzker puts a price tag on federal cuts looming over Illinois budget, Shore Capital raises $400M for second industrial fund amid rapid growth, U of I buying Wacker Drive office building for Discovery Partners Institute, Northwestern study shows heart attack risk starts accelerating at age 35 for men and United moves to buy 2 O'Hare gates from Spirit. Hosted...
Feb 06, 2026•24 min•Ep. 1404
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local housing market, including a look at Chicago's 50 highest-priced home sales of 2025 . Plus: Plan for 28-story apartment tower adds to growing number of high-rises in Lincoln Park, Chicago-area retail sales rose amid tariff threats, Ariel closes $250 million fund for women’s sports investments and Trump's National Guard deployments costing $93 million a month. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz com...
Feb 04, 2026•54 min•Ep. 1403
Mayor Brandon Johnson issued an executive order directing police to investigate alleged crimes by federal agents . Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Gov. Pritzker draws a line on pensions ahead of tight budget, Chicago's Metropolitan Capital shut down in first U.S. bank failure of 2026, Old Post Office owner buys massive Loop office building and the city kicks off plans for 95th Street redevelopment project. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. Se...
Feb 03, 2026•22 min•Ep. 1402
Safety-net hospitals are grappling with a future without a critical lifeline as some hospitals in rural parts of the state confront possible service cuts and closures. Crain’s contributor Judith Crown discusses the latest with host Amy Guth. Plus: Mayor Johnson directs CPD to investigate alleged crimes by federal agents, a local hospitality firm buys a distressed hotel next to the Mag Mile, Monroe Street Partners sells American Roadway after less than two years and a developer buys Trinity Inter...
Feb 02, 2026•28 min•Ep. 1401
Retail vacancy in the Loop has dropped for the second year in a row. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Illinois job market loses momentum after year-end slide, billionaire Wacker Drive landlord explores sale in test of Chicago office market, immigration decline slows Illinois population growth to a trickle and United Center becomes first major U.S. arena to sell THC drinks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for i...
Jan 30, 2026•22 min•Ep. 1400
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local market, including the Latin School of Chicago selling a row of residential buildings it purchased in 2022. Plus: Trump factor looms as Johnson questions Chicago's shot at 2028 DNC, CME bets on struggling White Sox with new jersey sponsorship deal, ADM to pay $40 million to settle SEC accounting fraud probe, Deere to build Indiana distribution center in stateside production shift and Amazon is c...
Jan 29, 2026•43 min•Ep. 1399
Chicago-based United Airlines and rival American Airlines are engaged in an increasingly fierce battle at O’Hare airport . Crain's reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Chicago-area warehouse vacancy ended 2025 near historic low, Illinois says Coinbase sports contracts are bets and not financial instruments, pediatricians buck CDC's childhood vaccine schedule overhaul and AMA warns ICE activity at hospitals fuels fear and deters care. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. S...
Jan 28, 2026•27 min•Ep. 1398
From Mexican bagels to an Italian steakhouse and a “hidden” Paris-inspired bar, Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about a handful of new spots around Chicago. Plus: Chicago bids to host 2028 and 2032 Democratic National Conventions, CTA leader hopes to get Red Line project dispute resolved soon, local insurance startup focused on high-risk markets expands into auto and a California firm pays $31 million for Bronzeville shopping center. Hosted by Simplecast, an Ad...
Jan 26, 2026•23 min•Ep. 1397
The city is considering selling sponsorships or naming rights at its airports. Crain’s reporter John Pletz talks with host Amy Guth about the Department of Aviation’s move to gauge interest in the idea. Plus: Empty suburban office space ended 2025 at new record high, Illinois targeted in Trump review of federal funds to Democratic states, American signals it's not backing down in O'Hare grudge match with United and a new report finds indie music venues drive $2.8 billion to Chicago's economy. Ho...
Jan 23, 2026•22 min•Ep. 1396
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including about a Frank Lloyd Wright house listed for sale that actually isn't on the market after all. Plus: ComEd plans to invest over $15 billion in grid upgrades; Berkshire Hathaway weighs selling Kraft Heinz shares; a logistics company expands HQ and eyes hiring run with move to River North; and Transwestern moving Chicago office to Wacker Drive tower. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz c...
Jan 21, 2026•38 min•Ep. 1395
Mayor Brandon Johnson has walked away from a $3 billion-plus plan to undo the city's parking meter deal . Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Cardinal Cupich joins rare rebuke of U.S. foreign policy, Chicago-based Protein Bar acquired by the company that owns Dos Toros and Chopt, River North office building teed up for residential conversion and a report finds Illinois wage gap persists despite transparency efforts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz compa...
Jan 20, 2026•20 min•Ep. 1394
Crain's finance reporter Mark Weinraub talks with host Amy Guth about Chicago experts' stock market and economic predictions for the year. Plus: Bally's seeks more time for Chicago casino construction, Mag Mile tower sold in priciest office deal since 2022, Edgewater residents sue city over Broadway corridor rezoning and Time Out Market is closing its Fulton Market food hall. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal da...
Jan 16, 2026•21 min•Ep. 1393
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local market, including a Realtors group economist expecting better affordability in 2026 — but not without some caveats. Plus: Stock market experts in Chicago predict boom or bust for 2026, Pritzker keeps door open to Bears as Indiana stadium threat heats up, Morningstar investment chief leaves to start new firm and a rare Michael Jordan rookie card to be auctioned off. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsW...
Jan 14, 2026•43 min•Ep. 1392
Illinois said it was all in on cannabis equity. Crain’s reporter John Schroyer talks with host Amy Guth about where it stands on that promise . Plus: Illinois and Chicago seek court order to halt "militarized" immigration enforcement tactics, AbbVie pledges $100 billion U.S. investment to avoid tariffs, longtime Loop Alliance CEO to step down and Chicago's largest farmers market organizer bought a permanent brick-and-mortar home. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for ...
Jan 13, 2026•24 min•Ep. 1391
Michelin's expansion of its restaurant coverage areas could be testing trust in its stars . Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Illinois hospitals now on the clock to report policies on dealing with law enforcement, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore to report to prison, Amazon plans Walmart-style big box store in Orland Park, Chicago Tribune sues Perplexity AI as copyright war rages on and a trial date set for Maple & Ash case as more investors try t...
Jan 12, 2026•26 min•Ep. 1390
Chicago closed out 2025 with a 10-year low in violent crime . But the reason why isn't simple or straightforward. Crain’s contributor Steve Hendershot discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Judge narrows scope of lawsuit over Walgreens' rosy VillageMD claims, Texas ends ABA role in law school approvals as other states may follow suit, Barnes & Noble's expansion rolls on including on State Street and Michelin's expansion of its restaurant guides is testing trust in its stars. Hosted by Simplecas...
Jan 09, 2026•38 min•Ep. 1389
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local market, including a recap of a blowout year for Chicago mansions. Plus: ComEd demands guarantees from data centers and wins, Mayor Johnson's CFO Jaworski leaves City Hall after bruising budget battle, Mondelez to launch creative review for Oreo as new marketing leader steps in and Brookfield's retail division has a new name — its old one. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswiz...
Jan 07, 2026•41 min•Ep. 1388
The city's steakhouse scene is undergoing a cultural revolution . Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Sterling Bay unloads more property near Lincoln Yards; Peoples Gas seeks another rate hike for Chicago heating bills; Rush expands reach with Amazon One Medical partnership; and Midway slips as O'Hare soars, but Southwest plans a rebound. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of persona...
Jan 06, 2026•22 min•Ep. 1387
Crain’s finance reporter Mark Weinraub joins host Amy Guth to review cryptocurrency moves in 2025 and likely themes in the year ahead, including bank and institutional adoption of digital currencies and growth among retail trading customers. Plus: Trump's Venezuela move sparks sharp divide among area pols, online sports betting lives on in Chicago as tax lawsuit moves ahead, Lakeview apartment tower trades for $57 million and McCormick & Schmick's closes in the Loop. Hosted by Simplecast, an...
Jan 05, 2026•26 min•Ep. 1386
Crain’s reporter John Pletz talks with host Amy Guth to review the major aviation industry stories of 2025 and those that are likely to be big themes in the year ahead, including the O’Hare renovation project and tech improvements. Plus: Mayor Johnson blinks on budget veto and pivots to executive orders, investors tee up $455 million deal for Chicago-area apartment portfolio, Beat Kitchen sues Chicago over Riverwalk contract and Chicago hotels want to tax themselves to supercharge city tourism. ...
Dec 23, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1385
