Crain's reporter Ally Marotti and host Amy Guth discuss why Chicago's packaged foods giants should be concerned about the proposed Kroger-Albertson's merger, and they talk about the challenges and wins faced by the city's Black restaurant owners. Plus: The candidates for mayor rally for support on the final weekend before Election Day; more people are living downtown now than before the pandemic; Chicago's 25 largest employers exceed pre-COVID headcount; and McCormick Place lands a big convention win.

Crain’s contributor Graham Meyer, who writes the weekly Big Ticket column for Crain's, talks with host Amy Guth about can’t-miss arts and culture events in the month ahead, including how Chicago is boldly presenting new operas. Plus: Illinois gets another credit rating upgrade from S&P, the number of Allstate agents falls to lowest level in memory, New York real estate firm lining up big Fulton Market deal and news group focused on gun crime setting up Chicago bureau.

Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including how the usual winter home sales slowdown is back with a vengeance. Plus: Flight cancellations hit O'Hare and Midway as winter storm rolls through Midwest; BDT takes Weber private as grill maker's financials worsen; Kraft Heinz looks to new sauces, Mexican products and flavor for growth; and $225 million U of C lab project underway in Hyde Park.

Crain's reporter Corli Jay talks with host Amy Guth about a mandate proposed in Evanston that would abolish cashless business. Plus: Big questions remain in the mayor's race as Election Day looms; United Airlines partners with Boeing, JPMorgan Chase on a new fund to develop sustainable aviation fuel; MedMen looks to sell assets in Illinois, Arizona and Nevada; and about half of Chicagoans are back to working in the office—a higher measure than the national average.

Crain’s reporter Danny Ecker talks with host Amy Guth about hotels and union labor as collective bargaining agreements covering thousands of workers are set to expire late this summer. Plus: Former Rush Oak Park Hospital COO indicted for fraud, Deere raises guidance as cashed-up farmers fuel tractor boom, GE HealthCare recalls body scanner for risk of crushing patients and Carmine's prepares to close for Gold Coast rebuild.

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including a look inside the highest-priced condo on the market in Chicago. Plus: Pritzker unveiling $500M plan to spur early childhood care and education, UChicago Medicine’s planned cancer center grows in cost and size, Greyhound bus station near downtown Chicago is up for sale and NU finally catches up to other Big Ten schools with important recruitment

Chicago-based Potbelly closed on a new $25 million loan, ending a relationship with JPMorgan Chase that had been strained since the early days of the pandemic. Crain’s reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the company's finances and its expansion plans. Plus: U.S. inflation stays elevated, ticks slightly downward in Chicago metro area in January; study finds typical Chicago worker spends $2,387 less near office than before pandemic; and White Family Foundation donates $50 million to Purdue's business school.

Though consumers have seen egg prices come down, earlier price surges and the pandemic have fueled a boom of raising backyard chickens, even in the city. Plus: Bally's temporary Chicago casino at Medinah Temple clears gambling panel step, but faces hurdle on buying Tribune site; Ford further cuts Rivian shares; Clean-tech startup LanzaTech goes public; and Illinois craft brewers want to send beer straight to your home.

Crain’s reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about new restaurant openings on the horizon — one going into the former Tavern on Rush space, and others that are heading to O’Hare. Plus: Bill surfaces in Springfield to crack down on auto insurers and advocacy groups push for expansive paid family, medical leave in Illinois; Baxter to reduce workforce as part of cost-cutting plan; weed shop deal illustrates how values are dropping; and AbbVie's 2023 forecast misses expectations as competition to Humira ramps up.

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the housing market, including a look at the 50 highest-priced home sales last year in Chicago and some clues that local home prices may have found their happy place. Plus: Execs pitch 10-year income tax hike to cover pensions, CVS agrees to buy Oak Street Health in $10.6 billion deal, West Loop office landlord hit with foreclosure lawsuit and demographic details revealed for Cook County guaranteed income program.

Crain's contributor Steve Hendershot talks with host Amy Guth about “One City, 50 Wards,” a joint series from Crain’s and the University of Chicago Center for Effective Government that explores the connections between how Chicago’s city government is designed, how it functions, and how it performs. Plus: ComEd trial defendants push to keep information from future jury, FAA needs until 2030 to fix safety system that failed last month, a new report says some Illinois hospitals still don’t comply with price transparency rule and AMC will charge more for the best seats in its movie theaters.

Crain’s health care reporter Katherine Davis talks with host Amy Guth about why hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents could lose Medicaid coverage this year. Plus: Illinois' biometric privacy law strengthened by latest high court ruling, Rivian investment drags down Amazon's quarterly results again, Illinois weed sales picked up in January, Curaleaf workers ask for Illinois judge for class action status in stolen tips lawsuit, and Sleet Home Chicago and six other newly named snowplows are hitting the city's streets.

Crain’s reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about McDonald’s plans to open 1,900 locations this year. Plus: State AGs warn Walgreens and CVS about mailing abortion pills, how Chicago's annual inflation increase compares to other metro areas, U.S. payrolls surprise with surge as jobless rate hits 53-year low, and airline and hotel stocks soar as travel demand takes off.

Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news of the week from the local housing market, including how a lagging housing boom in Chicago could make the market more resilient. Plus: Rivian cutting workforce by 6% while FedEx CEO says the company plans to cut global management jobs by more than 10%, Congress reintroduces bill to stop surge of catalytic converter thefts, and Illinois' COVID disaster proclamation to end in May.

Crain’s reporter Steve Daniels talks with host Amy Guth about Wintrust's outgoing CEO Ed Wehmer and how he's leaving behind an oddity—a commercial bank still based in Chicago. Plus: Groupon to lay off another 500 people, McDonald’s slips as operating margin misses estimates, Caterpillar costs bite in first earnings miss since 2020 and FAA adds safeguards to U.S. flight system to prevent new outages.

Crain’s utilities reporter Steve Daniels talks with host Amy Guth about a pending agreement struck by Mayor Lightfoot that would have ComEd serving the city of Chicago for at least the next 15 years. Plus: The $55 million purchase of one of Chicago's best-known marijuana shops is called off, Tyson Foods lists massive West Loop office for sublease, Oak Brook landlord buys 149 apartments in downtown Wheaton and Northwestern-born nanotech startup designing breakthrough cancer vaccine.

Crain's contributor Graham Meyer—who writes the weekly Big Ticket column—talks with host Amy Guth about can’t-miss arts and culture events for the month ahead. Plus: Uber and Lyft used to be much cheaper than taxis, but now cabs are leveling the playing field; McDonald's former HR chief to face lawsuit over CEO-worker affairs; Uber Freight cuts 150 jobs, some in Chicago; and UChicago Pritzker School of Medicine withdraws from U.S. News rankings.

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including a Gold Coast building that has been empty since the 1990s, and a look at modern luxury cabins made in a Waukegan factory. Plus: Chicago Fed says Midwest economy shows signs of tough times ahead, U.S. sues Google over ad market in escalation of anti-trust fight, city touts 'social bonds' sale as success and Carvana settles long-running dispute with Illinois.

Crain's real estate reporter Alby Gallun talks with host Amy Guth about why 2023 could feel "back to normal" for Chicago renters. Plus: Local warehouse vacancy rate falls to record low, Chicago developer poised to buy Baxter campus, Rush and CVS working to get hospital-level care in Minute Clinics and study finds remote work saves global commuters 72 minutes a day.

Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott's foundation released details of who's benefited from the more than $273 million she's given here. Crain’s reporter Brandon Dupré talks with host Amy Guth about her Chicago donation spree. Plus: Abbott Labs under criminal investigation over baby formula, Ken Griffin's Citadel makes $16 billion to top Paulson's 'greatest trade ever,' FDA lays out annual COVID-19 shot plan similar to flu and Allstate piles on another auto rate hike, with average premiums up $760.

Crain’s reporter John Pletz talks with host Amy Guth about the coming fraud trial for the founders of Outcome Health. Plus: Google to cut 12,000 jobs in 6% slash to global workforce; shareholder sues Abbott leaders, claiming they concealed formula plant issues; Volkswagen sues in Illinois to block extra dealer warranty reimbursements; and Chicago had a record year for venture investment.

Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including how Citadel’s Ken Griffin is now halfway through selling off his downtown Chicago condos on the market and a new wrinkle in a high-profile lakefront deal in Winnetka. Plus: United profit is more than double estimates; Microsoft plans to cut 10,000 jobs, about 5% of its workforce; Jewel-Osco parent Albertsons to pay shareholders $4B; and how O'Hare and Midway compare for guns confiscated at security by TSA.

The co-founders of Gold Coast steakhouse Maple & Ash have settled their months-long court battle. Crain’s restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the lawsuit and how the parties plan to divvy up their portfolio. Plus: ComEd seeks four-year rate hike totaling $1.5 billion, UIC faculty on strike, Advocate Health Care plans Lincoln Park outpatient center and Alamo Drafthouse opening in Chicago next week.

Crain’s reporter Steve Daniels and host Amy Guth analyze a new court filing that offers a glimpse into the coming trial of ComEd executives and associates involved in the alleged influence-peddling scheme tied to Mike Madigan. Plus: FAA computer failure caused by people who damaged data file, Pritzker Traubert Foundation announces winner of $10 million Chicago Prize; top cannabis companies scored on credit quality metrics, and half of Chicago small businesses expect to move offices in the next 5 years, survey finds.

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including how the new year is starting out red hot at the upper end of the Chicago housing market. Plus: U.S. flights resume after FAA lifts ground stop, assault weapons ban and expansion of abortion and gender-affirming care in Springfield, lender seizes Chicago Board of Trade Building, and top Rivian execs reportedly head for the exits.

Crain’s reporter Danny Ecker talks with host Amy Guth about how a booming Fulton Market could force issues with infrastructure. Plus: Illinois Senate passes assault weapons ban after heated debate; CVS exploring a $10 billion-plus acquisition of Oak Street Health; Sterigenics to pay $408 million in ethylene oxide settlement; and in on-time performance rankings, Southwest slips while United soars.

Crain’s reporter John Pletz talks with host Amy Guth about significant funding at U of I and University of Chicago and what that means for the state as a major tech center. Plus: McDonald's ex-CEO Easterbrook faces SEC charges, Peoples Gas rate hike to total more than $400 million, Stellantis may shut more plants as electrification costs bite and Jim Durkin announces resignation from state Legislature.

Crain’s health care reporter Katherine Davis talks with host Amy Guth about how Illinois plans to spend its multimillion-dollar opioid settlement money. Plus: Baxter follows botched purchase with major restructuring, Deere launches electric excavator in tech transformation, Cedar Street's plans for a 28-story Fulton Market tower and what a 'middle class' income means in Chicago.

Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including a look ahead to the 2023 market. Plus: White House says Southwest 'failed' customers during travel meltdown; Rivian misses 25,000 production target, but not by much; apartments in Lincoln Park and Bolingbrook sell in $192 million deal; and Illinois tees up new rules for pot-shop licenses.

Crain’s restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about how the downtown lunch biz has changed throughout the pandemic and how local operators are approaching the (historically slow) months ahead. Plus: Exelon to stay based in Chicago; developers pitch $1.2 billion of LaSalle Street residential conversions; Weiss and West Suburban hospitals' new owners complete real estate purchase; and from Zach LaVine to Marcus Stroman, a look at the 25 highest-paid athletes in Chicago.

Crain’s contributor Graham Meyer—who writes the weekly Big Ticket column—talks with host Amy Guth about must-see arts and culture events in January and previews events coming up in February. Plus: Allstate jacking up homeowners rates for most Illinois customers by 23%, trading firm adds two floors to Loop office, Chicago Fire FC hires ticket sales exec as new team president and candy giant Mars Wrigley expands charity for children's dental care.

Crain’s reporters Danny Ecker and Alby Gallun talk with host Amy Guth about the year in commercial real estate and look ahead to 2023. Plus: McDonald's sued for alleged racial discrimination, Northwestern Medicine plans $389M expansion of Lake Forest Hospital, Pritzker signs Ukraine aid and EV incentives bills, and Chicago is getting a new major league team—in pickleball.

Gerardo Garcia, deputy commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning & Development and leader of Mayor Lightfoot’s Invest South/West Initiative, talks with host Amy Guth about his goals of building unique Chicago communities. Plus: Investors argue McDonald's ex-CEO should have paid more in salary claw-back, Joint Commission makes major revisions to quality and safety standards, office building near Hawthorn Mall hits the market, and Great Lakes preservationists urge Illinois to opt into project keeping Asian carp out.

Crain’s real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth to recap some of the biggest housing news of the year. Plus: As Chicago heads out for the holidays, Illinois AG dings airlines; Arthur J. Gallagher makes biggest-ever employee-benefits deal; Mondelez selling gum business for $1.35 billion; and hate crimes on the rise in the Midwest, even with gaps in data reporting.

Crain’s health care reporter Katherine Davis talks with host Amy Guth about Horizon's nearly $28 billion sale to Amgen. Plus: Chicago-focused VC outfit debuts first fund with backing of Grubhub and Cameo veterans, Pritzker family; United CEO meets Mesa pilots after carrier's split with American; Kirkland & Ellis inks deal for big Miami office; and Walgreens, CVS limiting sales of kids' pain and fever medicine amid high demand.

Blake-Anthony Johnson, CEO of Chicago Sinfonietta, talks with host Amy Guth about his work reimagining live music experiences, equity in classical music spaces, giving Chicago its creative and historical due, and more. Plus: Economy chills investments in EVs and mobility, Amazon cited by OSHA for failing to record warehouse injuries, landmark apartments in Edgewater sell in $46 million deal and Cresco Labs joins effort to spark cannabis innovation at 1871 Chicago.

Crain's health care reporter Katherine Davis talks with host Amy Guth about Walgreens' plan to reinvent itself. Plus: U of I plans marijuana research center at Discovery Partners Institute, Pritzker eyes big EV opportunity for Stellantis, Google gives $3 million to Indiana university to build an equity database and Goose Island is exiting its Clybourn brewpub for a spot next to the Salt Shed.

A.J. Patton, CEO and founder of 548 Enterprise, talks with host Amy Guth about his work in building a culture of equity into energy-efficient housing, the early childhood experience that shaped his vision, and the leadership lesson he learned during early days of the pandemic. Plus: Credit card delinquencies to rise next year, TransUnion says; Near North Side apartment project would target the 'missing middle'; Wirtz family plan for 3,200 homes in Lake County passes first test; and Gov. Pritzker moves to sweeten new EV incentives as Stellantis mulls its future in Belvidere.

Brad Parker, founder of Parker Hospitality, talks with host Amy Guth about his restaurant group, what’s next and how the leadership lessons he learned during early days of the pandemic sparked an idea for his company's next concept. Plus: Plan Commission greenlights Lightfoot's casino plan, SEC says Sam Bankman-Fried defrauded investors of $1.8 billion, Sears Hometown files for bankruptcy and United places a massive order for Boeing planes.

Crain’s restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the current state of the craft beer industry, once the darling of the beverage world. Plus: Amgen to buy Horizon Therapeutics in $27.8 billion deal, Stellantis to idle Jeep Cherokee assembly plant in Belvidere, Rivian to be added to Nasdaq 100 and ex-McDonald's chief’s investing in farm robot tech.

Stephanie Willding, CEO of CommunityHealth, talks with host Amy Guth about her work, the organization, and the leadership lesson she learned during the early days of the pandemic. Plus: More customers are shunning ComEd rivals, Thoma Bravo raises $32.4 billion for three tech-focused funds, Chicago landlord selling portfolio in $600 million deal and cannabis measure left off defense bill in setback for industry.

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about the local housing market, including a look at the biggest residential property tax bills in the city and more. Plus: COVID and flu cases rise in Chicago following Thanksgiving holiday, Kroger gets FTC request for more details on $25 billion Albertsons deal, United CEO Scott Kirby sees signs of business travel plateau and Real ID deadline changed again for air travelers.

Crain's reporter Jack Grieve talks with host Amy Guth about the Chicago to Michigan bike trail that recently cleared its last major fundraising hurdle. Plus: Chicago reaches $10M settlement with Uber Eats and Postmates, neighbors take last shots at Bally's casino proposal, PepsiCo reportedly laying off hundreds of workers, BMO takes $621 million charge in jury verdict stemming from 2011 buyout, and in addition to shopping at Old Orchard, you soon may be able to live there, too.

Crain's reporter Ally Marotti and host Amy Guth discuss what Chicagoans expect to spend over the holidays, the shop-within-a-shop trend, what's driven Ulta Beauty stock to an all-time high and more. Plus: Mayor Lightfoot returns questionable campaign contributions; United Airlines considers signing blockbuster jet deals with Boeing and Airbus; Advocate Aurora and Atrium complete their merger; and U.S. Rep. Chuy Garcia faces questions about contributions from a PAC heavily funded by crypto king Sam Bankman-Fried.

Crain's contributor Judith Crown talks with host Amy Guth about the future of Michigan Avenue, as some stakeholders say it's time to reimagine the struggling strip beyond a shopping destination. Plus: A retooled SAFE-T Act and a bill to boost electric vehicle incentives pass the Legislature and are headed for Gov. Pritzker's desk; Austan Goolsbee, Obama adviser and UChicago professor, is the next Chicago Fed chair; and the state and city health departments are getting millions in federal funding.

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including how Chicago house flipping hit a new high in the first half of 2022, a repurposed schoolhouse in Humboldt Park for sale, and the home of the "Lord of the Dance" Michael Flatley's family on the market. Plus: Senators push Kroger-Albertsons CEOs on concerns over $25 billion merger, a Northwestern tech spinoff wins a Department of Defense contract, Jump Trading and DRW join group investing in Cboe's crypto unit, and Thanksgiving air travel falls short of 2019.

Crain’s finance reporter Steve Daniels and host Amy Guth talk about a worrying sign of how inflation is hitting consumers. Plus: United and American potentially clearing the way for their rivals at O’Hare, Gov. Pritzker names new pot chief, indicted alderman Ed Burke won't run for re-election and Chicago area back up to medium COVID risk.

Crain’s reporter Corli Jay talks with host Amy Guth about the possible rail workers union strike and its implications. Plus: Baxter's blunder with Hillrom raises questions about its future, Deere sees fragile supply chain as challenge for tractor boom, Wirtz family plans huge residential development in Lake County and what the average Chicagoan may spend this holiday season.