Amy Guth about state of higher education in Illinois on the heels of layoffs and course restructuring at Columbia College.

Plus: Bally's offers 25% stake in Chicago casino to historically underrepresented investors, census data indicates Illinois population is growing again, Endeavor Health plans $100M expansion and renovation of Elmhurst Hospital and Eater Chicago consolidates under new Midwest branch as company undergoes more layoffs.

Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about how a Chicago meat supplier is using AI to cut down on labor costs.

Plus: Vote delayed on Johnson's $17.3 billion 2025 budget over lack of support, AbbVie to acquire Wisconsin biopharma for $200 million, former Dixon comptroller who embezzled tens of millions and a Northbrook financial exec granted clemency, and Michael Jordan's house sold, at last, for $9.5 million.

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local market, including how the number of Chicago-area homes under contract jumped in November.

Plus: Albertsons sues Kroger for breach of contract in failed deal after Jewel-Mariano's parent merger blocked by judge, Chicago Department of Aviation inks big office lease near O'Hare, The Onion's bid for Alex Jones' Infowars rejected by judge and state leaders tell Bears and Sox to look elsewhere as tough budget year looms.

The feds are hustling to finalize money for rebooting the Belvidere auto plant before Donald Trump's administration takes control. Crain’s manufacturing reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Walgreens reportedly in talks to sell itself to private equity, Sterling Bay project opposed by Ald. Scott Waguespack rejected by Zoning Committee, Shops at North Bridge lender taking over Mag Mile mall, new report shows Illinois ranks near bottom for wage gains and Michelin stars are out and Chicago has a new entrant.

Crain's consumer products reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about how the latest experiment at Butterfinger’s Franklin Park factory as the brand tries to innovate.

Plus: Snack maker Hearthside settles Illinois child labor probe, Coca-Cola and Fairlife nearing move to vintage Fulton Market building, downtown Wheaton apartments sold for $101 million, feds hurry to finalize money for Belvidere auto plant reboot before Trump takes over and Mondelez is exploring a takeover of Hershey.

The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has shocked the insurance industry — and prompted a reckoning. Crain’s health care reporter Katherine Davis discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: More tax fights loom as Brandon Johnson and City Council near budget deal, private-equity firm leaving Mag Mile for West Loop, CME to offer one-ounce gold futures as retail trade surges, and though the data shows most crime in Chicago is exaggerated, theft really is that bad.