Robert Channick

Robert Channick is a business reporter for the Tribune. A former broadcast consultant and radio station manager, he began freelancing for the Chicago Tribune in 2002, joining the Tribune staff as a business reporter in 2011. He has a bachelor's degree in English from Kenyon College and a master's in journalism from Northwestern University.

A person walks past a BMO branch near Canal Street on Sept. 25, 2024, in Chicago. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago-based BMO sells 138 branches in 11 states to First Citizens Bank, including one in Illinois

October 17, 2025 at 11:10 a.m.

In what it calls a strategic “branch optimization,” BMO also plans to open 150 banking locations over the next five years, with a focus on expanding in California.

The new Hollywood Casino before its grand opening on Aug. 7, 2025, in Joliet. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Hollywood Casino Joliet posts higher revenue at new land-based facility in September

October 15, 2025 at 5:56 p.m.

The new Joliet casino generated more than $11.2 million in adjusted gross receipts last month, ranking fourth in revenue among the state’s 17 casinos.

The Belvidere Assembly Plant on Nov. 9, 2023. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Stellantis investing $600M to reopen Belvidere plant to build Jeep Cherokee and Compass

October 15, 2025 at 11:11 a.m.

The automaker is investing more than $600 million to reopen the Belvidere plant and expand production of the Jeep Cherokee and Compass.

In an image from video, federal immigration agents detain Debbie Brockman in the 2400 block of West Foster Avenue on Oct. 10, 2025. Brockman worked as a producer for WGN-TV since 2011. (Josh Thomas)

WGN-TV producer hires attorney to ‘pursue all legal avenues’ after ICE detention

October 14, 2025 at 3:48 p.m.

Debbie Brockman and her legal team "adamantly deny” allegations that she assaulted federal officers during an immigration enforcement action.

Northwestern University professor Joel Mokyr, center, is congratulated for winning the Nobel Prize in economics by interim president of Northwestern, Henry Bienen, left, and Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences Dean Adrian Randolph after a news conference in Evanston on Oct. 13, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Northwestern University professor shares Nobel Prize in Economics

October 13, 2025 at 6:15 p.m.

Joel Mokyr was lauded by the Nobel committee Monday for demonstrating how innovations become a “self-generating process.”

WGN-TV producer detained during ICE enforcement action in Lincoln Square

October 10, 2025 at 6:40 p.m.

A WGN-TV video editor and producer was roughly detained by two Border Patrol agents on Friday morning during a highly visible rush hour enforcement action in Lincoln Square.

Walter Smithe, left, Mark Smithe and Tim Smithe tape a parody commercial of a popular iPod-U2 spot on Feb. 23, 2005. The brothers taped a series of commercials for the family-owned Walter E. Smithe Furniture stores at the offices of Corplex Inc., in Northfield. (Chris Walker/Chicago Tribune)

After years on TV, Tim Smithe sues his brothers for allegedly pushing him out at Walter E. Smithe Furniture

October 10, 2025 at 3:35 p.m.

Tim Smithe alleges he was squeezed out of the family-owned business nearly a decade ago in an undervalued buyout.

Nicor Gas headquarters in Naperville on Dec. 7, 2010. (Corey R. Minkanic/for the Chicago Tribune)

ICC judges recommend trimming record gas rate hike proposed by Nicor

October 8, 2025 at 11:36 a.m.

Two Illinois Commerce Commission administrative law judges issued a recommendation Monday to slash a proposed $314 million Nicor Gas rate increase.

A camera for Chicago Sports Network is used in the dugout while the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers play June 5, 2025, at Rate Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

After a rough first year, Chicago Sports Network has Comcast, a new CEO and hope that fans will watch

October 6, 2025 at 11:56 a.m.

It was a challenging rookie season for Chicago Sports Network. One year later, the picture looks a little brighter.

People walk with suitcases outside the Congress Plaza Hotel before the first day of Lollapalooza on July 30, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Choose Chicago data shows record summer hotel occupancy despite being painted as a war zone by Trump

October 1, 2025 at 12:41 p.m.

Chicago may be a “hellhole” according to Donald Trump, but the city proved a pretty attractive destination for visitors over the summer, generating records for hotel occupancy and revenue.

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