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Crain's Chicago Business
Get a head start on your workday with the stories that matter most. Listen to our roundup of essential Chicago headlines and analysis from Crain’s reporters and host Amy Guth.
11/23/21: The future of EVs in Illinois
Crain’s reporter John Pletz talks with host Amy Guth about transportation news, including the upcoming holiday air travel outlook and the key to electric vehicle infrastructure in Illinois.
Plus: Chicago's COVID figures "not good," says health chief; U of I seeks to boost faculty numbers after record enrollment; Jeff Bezos gives $100 million to Obama Foundation; and Ford and Rivian cancel plans to jointly develop an EV.
22:1422/11/2021
11/22/21: Forecasts for Chicago's commercial landscape
Crain's reporters Danny Ecker and Alby Gallun join host Amy Guth for a discussion about the commercial real estate outlook in the Loop, Fulton Market and suburbs, as well as conflicting narratives about tax assessor Fritz Kaegi.
Plus: WGN-TV property selling for nearly $31 million, State grants Nicor record rate hike, ag-tech startup gets $300 million from ADM and others, and Walgreens rival CVS to close 900 stores in big retail strategy shift.
34:4819/11/2021
11/18/21: @properties grows to a whole new level
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including @properties going global with a deal to buy Christie's, West Loop condos on the market now reaching $6 million price point and more.
Plus: Metropolitan Planning Council names new CEO, Sterling Bay plans to turn Fulton Market flour mill site into apartment towers and office space, Brookfield Asset Management faces 'imminent default' on a Loop office building and a new analysis shows that Fritz Kaegi's a big improvement over his predecessor.
37:3717/11/2021
11/17/21: A real cakewalk around Chicago's bakeries
David Manilow is back for our weekly series on the business of food. This week, he recommends local bakeries, including Chicago classics like Dinkel’s, Lutz and Roeser's, as well as new spots like Aya Pastry, La Fournette and Lost Larsen. He also shares highlights from his recent conversation with Stephanie Hart of Brown Sugar Bakery.
Plus: Stellantis to lay off about 400 workers at Jeep Cherokee plant in Illinois, West Loop landmark handed over to lender, Salesforce to acquire Chicago AI pioneer and Foxtrot opening flagship store at Tribune Tower.
28:4816/11/2021
11/16/21: Pressure building on McDonald's
Crain’s reporter Katherine Davis talks with host Amy Guth about the racial and cultural controversy swirling around McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski since his private texts to Mayor Lori Lightfoot came to light.
Plus: Boeing 'encouraged' China may soon clear Max to fly, former local CEO takes over Six Flags, U of C's Zimmer quits Austin university board and Mondelez says it sees the online snack-shopping boom lasting beyond pandemic.
12:2315/11/2021
11/15/21: Black-owned businesses scaling upward
Crain’s John Pletz and Cassandra West talk with host Amy Guth about equity—including challenges facing Black businesses owners and ongoing equity issues in the cannabis industry.
Plus: Northwestern expands computer science faculty with $5 million IBM donation, Airlines rush toward sustainable fuel but supplies are limited, Advocate Aurora Health to increase wages starting in December and former U.S. Bancorp staffer alleges racist lending practices.
27:1812/11/2021
11/11/21: The friendly neighborhood landlords
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including neighbors taking a redevelopment project into their own hands and more.
Plus: Naperville office lease deal unravels; AbbVie and U of C extend cancer research collaboration, Rivian's IPO; and Oak Street Health under federal investigation.
38:0510/11/2021
11/10/21: What's to eat around Pilsen?
David Manilow is back for our weekly conversation about the business of food, the joy of eating and the challenges of working in the hospitality industry. This week, we get David’s recommendations for new and traditional dining in the Pilsen neighborhood, including Del Toro, La Luna, Birrieria Reyes de Octotlan, Frida Room, Taqueria El Milagro, Cafe Jumping Bean, SKY, Hai Sous, Pleasant House Pub, and Duseks.
Plus: United wins injunction battle, but not within warning from judge; weed-tech firm Fyllo lands another $40 million; in stunning breakup, GE splitting into 3 units; and Chicago’s 'milestone moment' for tourism.
17:4109/11/2021
11/9/21: Meet the new 40
Crain’s contributing editor Jan Parr talks with host Amy Guth about this year’s 40 Under 40 class.
Plus: A new law could add billions to city police pension costs, United Airlines 'saddened' by death of disability rights advocate, warehouse developer poised to buy Allstate campus, and CTA, Metra and Pace resolve fight over federal COVID funding.
14:2608/11/2021
11/8/21: What now for the Blackhawks?
Crain’s reporters Danny Ecker and John Pletz talk with host Amy Guth about the future of the Blackhawks and why Denver International Airport’s rise should worry O'Hare and Midway.
Plus: Job growth gets back on track, Defense Department's innovation division to open Chicago office, developer set to break ground on 27-story Fulton Market apartment tower and ex-Rivian exec sues over 'toxic bro culture' ahead of IPO.
25:4105/11/2021