Crain’s politics reporter Leigh Giangreco talks with host Amy Guth about CTA ridership, particularly about a growing cluster of riders swapping their Ventra cards for car keys as the agency struggles to get back to pre-pandemic service levels. Plus: Restaurateur's plan for Goose Island dining and entertainment complex scrapped, Durbin wants Buttigieg to broker O'Hare expansion, Blackstone to pay $10 billion for apartment company and a judge orders Motorola rival to pay $1 million-a-day fine and suspend sales.

04/09/24: Frustrated CTA riders hit the road

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.

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Chicago steakhouses and other high-end restaurants are increasingly implementing dress codes, establishing a new generation of attire requirements in a city that has long sought to curate its fine-dining scene. Reporter Ally Marotti talks about the move, and specific concerns that come with it, with host Amy Guth. Plus: Zurich North America offloads big part of Schaumburg HQ to Wheels; Chicago has third-most Fortune 500 companies in the U.S.; American Dental Association finalizes HQ sale to Lurie, move to Mag Mile; and Chicago Park District expands free internet access in parks.

06/10/24: No more dining in flip-flops

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local market, including Chicago’s sagging downtown home prices and a lawsuit that claims Evanston's reparations program is unconstitutional. Plus: Foxtrot stores will start reopening this summer, Blue Cross parent shedding big office block in East Loop HQ, United throttles back hiring but still is adding thousands of Chicago jobs and Congress expands Northwestern probe over antisemitism.

06/06/24: What sets Chicago's downtown price slump apart

One of the U.S. senators investigating private equity’s push into health care is now targeting Ascension Illinois over its move to outsource some hospital staff. Crain’s health care reporter Katherine Davis discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: IBM eyes a quantum computing play in Chicago, South Loop apartment tower handed over to lender, investor weighing sale of Oak Street retail corner and Boeing 737 deliveries to China still halted amid restart reports.

06/05/24: Ascension outsourcing gets senator's attention

Amid declining sales, many craft brewers have turned to hemp-derived THC drinks, which just avoided tighter restrictions in the General Assembly despite cannabis companies' lobbying efforts. Crain's consumer products reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Waste Management agrees to buy Stericycle in $7.2B deal, Boeing executives unlikely to be charged for 737 Max crashes, Deere to cut some salaried workers, Fulton Market apartment building set for hotel conversion and Rivian CEO expects U.S. EV growth to pick up with more model choices.

06/04/24: Cannabis vs. craft brewing in Springfield

A last-minute measure tucked in the Illinois budget meant to give retailers a break is infuriating airlines and credit card companies. Crain’s politics reporter Leigh Giangreco discusses the provision with host Amy Guth. Plus: Michigan Avenue office landlord hit with $29 million foreclosure lawsuit, Oberweis Dairy sold in bankruptcy auction, FAA vows to maintain scrutiny on Boeing, why Amazon now owns a big slice of Grubhub and Columbia College Chicago lays off 70 staffers amid budget crisis.

04/09/24: Frustrated CTA riders hit the road

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