A rebound is underway for retail on North Michigan Avenue, but slowly and not everywhere. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: S&P warns Chicago that pension cost-hike to pressure budget, Buffett's Berkshire hit with $3.8 billion Kraft Heinz charge, law firm ArentFox Schiff slashing Willis Tower …

Northwestern University faculty members are urging the school's president not to strike a deal with the Trump administration. Crain’s education reporter Brandon Dupré discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Gov. Pritzker signs bill that boosts Chicago police and firefighter pensions, tractor makers warn tariffs will raise machinery prices for farmers w…

The city’s restaurant industry is showing signs of stress. Crain’s Forum editor Cassandra West talks with host Amy Guth about the sector’s many migraines. Plus: Chicago stands to win — and lose — in the rail industry’s first coast-to-coast merger, AbbVie raises guidance as key drugs and pipeline deals boost growth, Illinois co-leads states’ lawsuit…

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest news from the local housing market, including home prices hitting record highs all over the map here in part because of a tight inventory and a lack of new homes, of which Chicago is dead last among major U.S. metros. Plus: Johnson revives head tax talk…

Chef Bill Kim joins host David Manilow to talk about his days cooking at the great Charlie Trotter’s. Now he's a partner with Cornerstone Restaurant Group, which is opening up a new place just down the block called Dimmi Dimmi, and chef Matt Eckfeld is set to helm the kitchen.Cornerstone CEO Josh Zadikoff also joins the conversation to share storie…

Farmer's Fridge is keeping its foot on the gas after doubling its locations in recent years. Crain’s reporting intern Laura Turbay discusses the Chicago startup's plans for expansion with host Amy Guth. Plus: Two Chicago hospitals rank among nation's 20 best in annual report, GTCR buying marketing software firm FMG Suite in private-equity deal, Pen…

Planned Parenthood of Illinois has named a new CEO as financial pressure on the nonprofit provider keeps building. Crain’s contributor Jon Asplund discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Chicago wins dismissal of Trump suit over sanctuary city policy, jury sides with CME in $2.1 billion class action by former pit traders, former Loop W hotel goes up fo…

Wrigley Field will host the MLB All-Star Game in 2027, marking a return of the Mid-Summer Classic to the North Side after a 37-year absence. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence talks with host Amy Guth about how Chicago is preparing for an event comparable to a major convention. Plus: Mayor Johnson rules out property tax hike in 2026 budget; …

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss news from the local housing market, including including realtors going on the offensive over a plan to rescue the CTA with real estate taxes. Plus: Chicago CFO says property tax hike likely in 2026 budget package, Northern Trust denies holding merger talks with Bank of…

Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest with Sterling Bay as the developer nears a deal to buy Boeing's West Loop office tower and looks to sell property next to the site for its embattled Lincoln Yards megaproject. Plus: Former ComEd CEO sentenced to two years in prison for Madigan bribery sche…

NASCAR isn’t coming back to Chicago in 2026, but it's keeping the door open for 2027. Crain’s reporter Jack Grieve discusses with host Amy Guth.Plus: Justice Department appeals Jenner & Block's win in fight with Trump, Sterling Bay nears deal to buy Boeing's West Loop office tower, Rivian seating supplier will set up facility in Normal and Cresco L…

Chicago is poised to win in the age of AI. Crain’s technology reporter John Pletz joins host Amy Guth to explain. Plus: As new tariffs loom, United shrugs while Abbott braces for a hit; LanzaJet expects to start running world’s first ethanol-to-jet fuel plant soon; Rivian picks Atlanta for East Coast HQ as $6 billion Georgia plant nears; and Rush a…

Crain's reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about new Chicago restaurants with family roots and more restaurant moves from former Bear Israel Idonije. Plus: Mendoza teases 2027 mayoral run as she exits comptroller stage, Delta adds first nonstop between O'Hare and LAX, downtown Wheaton apartment development lands $124 million in financin…

James Beard Award-winning and Michelin-starred chef Tony Mantuano brought Italian fine dining to Chicago for decades via the legendary Spiaggia, which closed in 2021. Mantuano then opened Nashville’s Yolan, which was ranked as Food & Wine’s top restaurant in the country for its inaugural reader’s choice awards in 2023.In this episode, host David Ma…

As the ADA turns 35, some Chicago architects, designers and officials are working to expand accessibility beyond what the law requires. Crain’s assistant managing editor Cassandra West discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Pritzker signs executive order to analyze tariff impact on Illinois; Chicago transit's $771 million fiscal cliff could shrink bec…

Kraft Heinz reportedly plans to break itself up a decade after the megamerger that formed the packaged-food giant. Crain's consumer products reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: FCC greenlights T-Mobile's $4.4 billion U.S. Cellular acquisition, U.S. Foods in talks to acquire rival distributor, Boston battery startup is moving t…

Two Chicago deep-dish chains want to expand nationally. Crain’s restaurants reporter Brandon Dupré talks with host Amy Guth about their plans and economic factors in the pizza business. Plus: Walgreens shareholders approve private-equity buyout, Ferrero is buying WK Kellogg in $3.1 billion deal, developers reveal new "scaled down" plan for Lincoln …

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss the latest news from the local market, including record-breaking sales in Chicago's higher housing tier and Cook County’s push for affordable modular homes. Plus: Office demand freefall resumes as downtown vacancy reaches a new record high, Rivian's micro-EV spinoff va…

Looking to woo value-hungry customers, some Chicago restaurant operators are dropping $20 cocktails. Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks about the latest hospitality pivot with host Amy Guth.Plus: NASCAR is negotiating with city officials on its Chicago return, Notre Dame loses protection from endowment tax in GOP bill, Monroe Capital i…

CME Group faces former pit traders as its $2 billion trial gets underway. Crain’s finance reporter Mark Weinraub talks with host Amy Guth about the trial that will decide if traders will be compensated for the shift to screen-based trading. Plus: Baxter names a new CEO, Ald. Walter Burnett in the running to lead the Chicago Housing Authority, Black…

Northwestern’s president is set to again appear in front of Congress this summer. Crain’s reporter Brandon Dupre talks with host Amy Guth about the university and other higher ed institutions in the crosshairs of the Trump administration and congressional Republican leaders. Plus: Pritzker signs bill cracking down on pharmacy benefit managers, CBRE…

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about the local housing market, including how the Highland Park former homes of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen are now on Airbnb. Plus: Fulton Market landlord defies office market struggle with big refi; CommonSpirit commits $6M to mental health efforts in Chicago; d…

Host David Manilow has been eating his way around town via sandwich shops, chicken places and taco joints. He’s also gone upscale at the Alston, a new French steakhouse in the Gold Coast.In this episode, Manilow catches up with two of the Alston partners, chef Jenner Tomaska and Scott Weiner of The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group. Hear why this isn’t you…

Citadel's Ken Griffin breaks Sotheby's record with bids for two Civil War-era documents. Crain’s Laura Turbay discusses with host Amy Guth.Plus: An audit reveals Chicago blew through a key budget reserve in 2024, Gov. Pritzker selects former deputy governor Christian Mitchell for running mate as Lt. Gov. Stratton raises $1M in U.S. Senate bid, Shor…

Gov. Pritzker’s numbers tell a mixed story of his record so far as he seeks a third term. Crain’s reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth.Plus: Rivian cuts more than 100 salaried jobs in Normal, hospital staffer slams cuts at former Ascension hospitals as Illinois senators step up oversight, a jury awards nearly $60 million in trial over w…

Reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about restaurant business news including Potbelly's turnaround plan, Chicago chefs betting on casino dining, and the first restaurant with direct access to The 606 trail. Plus: Brandon Johnson faces fresh ethics scrutiny after lobbyist donation, Walgreens beats Wall Street expectations ahead of sale to…

Crain’s residential real estate Crain’s reporter Denns Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing market news including how Chicago-area home prices are rising at four times the nation's. Plus: AI gold rush fuels ComEd crackdown on data center speculators, push for mandatory security cameras puts City Hall at odds with biz and the ACLU, th…

The Trump administration’s federal cuts that have gutted grants threaten the work of Illinois researchers. Crain's contributor Judith Crown talks with host Amy Guth about the potential long-term impacts of such funding cuts. Plus: Gov. Pritzker to announce he's running for a third term; Ronald McDonald House buys neighboring Streeterville property …

A year ago, Oberweis Dairy was in bankruptcy. Now it's expanding. Reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the ice cream brand’s next chapter.Plus: Northern Trust reportedly approached by Bank of New York Mellon about merger, American Bar Association sues Trump over alleged "intimidation" of law firms, a big West Loop apartment tower up…

A new view is coming to the former John Hancock Center’s old Signature Room space. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: United and other airlines suspend some Middle East flights as tensions rise, McDonald's settles Byron Allen's $10 billion ad discrimination lawsuit, study finds Illinois home in…

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about the latest local housing news, including two City Council members who want to drop their wards from Chicago's new anti-gentrification ordinance. Plus: Developers get $69 million construction loan for South Loop tower, local toymakers ask Supreme Court to hear chal…

The food scene in Bridgeport has experienced a significant evolution in recent years. Chef Won Kim, who is changing the perception of Asian cuisine with his Korean-Polish fusion restaurant Kimski, has much to say about the neighborhood’s changing tastes. In this episode, host David Manilow talks to Kim about his chaotic journey as a chef, artist an…

The city pulled the plug on a vote to boost pay for rideshare drivers as Uber backs a statewide union push. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: With latest deal, United Center owners cross $100 million in land purchases; Colorado investor nears big discount for LaSalle Street office tower; city taps develop…

Crain’s reporter John Pletz joins host Amy Guth to discuss the former Illinois House speaker's seven and a half-year sentence. Plus: City pulls plug on rideshare pay vote as Uber backs statewide union push, public transit agencies begin planning for "doomsday" funding scenario, Texas firm pays $32 million for Near North Side apartments and UChicago…

Choose Chicago President and CEO Kristen Reynolds talks with host Amy Guth about the city’s new branding campaign and why she believes it's a “new era” for the city. Plus: Gov. JB Pritzker fires back at D.C. hearing on ICE action, global rare earth fight hits home with Ford plant shutdown in Chicago, University of Chicago gets $25 million from trus…

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss the latest local housing news, including recent activity at the upper end of the market. Plus: Northwestern announces cuts, cost-saving measures as federal funding freeze hits home; American Bar Association defends role reviewing judges against Trump AG's freeze-out; A…

The state's public universities face a crisis as funding fails to keep up with rising costs. Crain’s contributor Judith Crown talks with host Amy Guth about cutbacks at schools around Illinois. Plus: CoinFlip's billion-dollar ambition is another sign the crypto biz is growing up, Bally's settles suit by white men over Chicago casino stake, more job…

Kraft Heinz is reviewing its options as Berkshire Hathaway exits the board. Crain's reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Illinois’ $55.2 billion budget "incomplete," Civic Federation president says; North Aurora warehouse sale shows industrial property strength; Chicago’s new highest-paid CEO; and downtown rents jump as supply …

From skipping cocktails to splitting meals, recession indicators hit Chicago restaurants. Crain's reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about how the combination of lower foot traffic and reeled-in spending is causing restaurant operators to tweak their strategies. Plus: Reinsdorf lines up White Sox sale to another Chicago billionaire, McD…

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth talk news from the local housing market, including about how some buyers and sellers are hitting snags under Chicago's new anti-gentrification ordinance. Plus: A massive, 20-year deal with Meta throws a lifeline to an Illinois nuclear power plant, Thoma Bravo raises $34.4 bill…

Looking for the right spot for a memorable lunch meeting? In this episode, host David Manilow gives his recommendations for business-friendly lunches in the heart of the city. He shares half a dozen spots from the South Loop to River North to the West Loop; there’s a Thai spot, a Greek place, a French eatery, a couple Italian restaurants and more.P…

Chicago Fire owner Joe Mansueto revealed his vision for a $650 million soccer stadium in the South Loop. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker talks with host Amy Guth about the latest plans at The 78. Plus: Lawmakers OK new perks for manufacturers that stick with Illinois, Rivian eyes new debt deal as expected vehicle deliveries slum…

What’s next for Chicago transit agencies after a proposed bailout fell apart in Springfield? Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: New taxes on sports bets, nicotine products as Democrats pass $55.2 billion budget; feds recommend 12.5 years of prison time for Michael Madigan, United Airlines is bulking up aga…

Half of C-suite executives say tariff and artificial inteligence anxieties are driving major business decisions. Crain’s reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Ulta tops estimates as beauty demand bucks consumer pullback, GTCR slams FTC in court as it fights to save $627 million deal, Skittles removes controversial additive targete…

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin chats with host Amy Guth about news from the local market, including how Chicago home prices are still rising — and faster than almost anywhere else. Plus: Fitch downgrades Chicago's financial outlook to "negative," Cboe executive steps down weeks after Craig Donohue gets top job, New York firm…

Crain's latest list may be the final appearance of what has long been the largest public company in the Chicago area. Reporter Jack Grieve talks about this year’s rankings with host Amy Guth. Plus: Jenner & Block wins ruling blocking Trump’s executive order, court upholds dismissal of AbbVie-Allergan merger suit, Trump Tower to pay $4.8 million to …

Summer vacation travel to and from Europe looks weak, an ill sign for airlines, Chicago tourism and O’Hare. Crain's reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth.Plus: Investors rescue Lion Electric from bankruptcy but idled Joliet plant will remain dark, pharmas push back as deadline looms for contentious drug discount bill, Bison Gear to lay o…

Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including Dolton's plan to take Pope Leo XIV's childhood home through eminent domain. Plus: The Red Line extension is now a $5.75 billion gamble for the CTA and taxpayers, Motorola Solutions nears $4.5 billion deal for radio mak…

When host David Manilow can’t go all the way to Italy for a meal, he visits Tortello in Wicker Park. Chef Dario Monni handcrafts his pasta right in a window overlooking Division Street.In this episode, Monni shares his journey from Sardinia to Chicago as a restaurateur, why flour from Italy is his key ingredient and which regional Italian cuisine m…

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 …