Chicago-area transit agencies face a reckoning that could derail the region. Crain’s Forum editor Cassandra West talks with host Amy Guth about how CTA, Metra and Pace are looking for elusive dollars as lawmakers and others urge the three entities to consolidate.

Plus: Mayor's office faces scrutiny over misconduct accusations against ex-comms chief, Bears make peace with Arlington Heights over Arlington Park property taxes, Illinois Center owner hit with massive foreclosure lawsuit and Howard Brown to pay $1.3 million to laid-off workers.

Despite finance and staffing headaches, the new Cook County Health chief sees path for growth. Crain’s healthcare reporter Katherine Davis discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: True Value's $153 million sale to Do It Best clears bankruptcy court, Grant Thornton reportedly lays off about 150 workers in the U.S., large Hyde Park apartment portfolio up for sale and MacKenzie Scott strikes twice at housing nonprofit with record-breaking $15 million gift.

Pushback has likely stopped Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposed alcohol tax hike in its tracks. Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti joins host Amy Guth to discuss that and more from Chicago's hospitality scene, including the wine world bracing for possible Trump tariffs.

Plus: City panel OKs South Works quantum campus, Deere shares gain on optimism farm gloom will lift in 2025, Medline reportedly could raise $5B in a 2025 IPO and McDonald's targets choosy diners with value menu revamp.

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth chat about news from the local housing market, including the city’s delay on enforcing a new anti-gentrification ordinance.

Plus: S&P warns it may downgrade Chicago's credit rating amid budget fight, Sam Zell estate puts riverfront office building up for sale, boaters will finally be able to dock at Navy Pier next year and CBRE nearing deal for new Chicago office.

Chicago Fire FC owner Joe Mansueto is on the verge of a deal for a new downtown stadium site. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker and host Amy Guth discuss where the club is looking and other Chicago sports teams in search of new homes.

Plus: Friends of the Parks takes aim at South Works quantum plan, ADM restates earnings in latest step to fix accounting issues, a vintage Gold Coast apartment tower trades for $26 million and Chicago hotel owners take issue with Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s valuations.

Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about Midwestern wine production and one maker's mission to boost its popularity.

Plus: UI Health nurses end strike and agree to tentative contract, Ragu sauce maker moving HQ to Schaumburg, Chicago Fed chief Austan Goolsbee says "rates will be a lot lower" in 12 to 18 months and law firm nears deal for move to Wacker Drive.

The City Council unanimously rejected Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed $300 million property tax hike. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence talks with host Amy Guth about the unprecedented action and the work ahead to balance the city’s budget.

Plus: Loop landlords pitch taxing themselves to boost ailing downtown, more hospitalizations and infections reported in E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions served by McDonald’s, Chicago Sports Network launches direct-to-consumer streaming and Illinois begins canceling medical debt for residents.

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin discusses news from the local housing market with host Amy Guth, including the National Association of Realtors’ new standards for conduct after last year's sexual harassment scandal.

Plus: Grubhub sold at steep discount from its peak during the pandemic, UI Health nurses begin open-ended strike, Art Institute of Chicago taps Eric Lefkofsky as board chair and just one Chicagoan made a list of the 100 most powerful people in business.

The Bears are reconsidering the former Michael Reese hospital site for a new stadium. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: A West Loop office developer defies ugly market with new debt, Pitchfork Music Festival’s Chicago exit, the city’s largest accounting firms see decreasing headcounts among major players and why Chicago's in the race to be a leader in eco-friendly jet fuel.

With open enrollment underway, Illinois' insurance agency is in the midst of establishing a state-based health insurance exchange it says could help fill coverage gaps and lower plan costs. Crain’s health care reporter Katherine Davis discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Vizient bulks up at Old Post Office while Uber shrinks, Portillo's appears to be heeding its activist investor's advice, AbbVie tumbles after new schizophrenia drug fails trials, Baxter cuts guidance on hurricane-related plant shutdown and a mixed-income apartment tower trades for $55 million in Lincoln Park.