Robert Reed

Wendy’s Super Bowl ad a sassy, disjointed and desperate attempt to take on McDonald’s

May 16, 2019 at 9:48 p.m.

While watching Super Bowl LII on Sunday, keep an eye peeled for another type of high-stakes game: A multimillion-dollar advertising tussle between fast-food rivals Wendy’s and McDonald’s. Wendy’s is spending...

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent CJ Martinez is recognized during the State of the Union address on Jan. 30, 2018.

Trump’s war on regulations has corporations jumping for joy. But what’s the long-term impact?

May 16, 2019 at 9:48 p.m.

President Donald Trump loathes business regulations. Maybe more than some CEOs. In Tuesday’s State of the Union address, the country’s chief executive took credit for terminating what he believes are...

A big, bold plan to save the state's debt-strapped public pension funds is being floated this week in Springfield.

Proposed $107 billion bond isn’t the cure for Illinois’ public pension crisis

May 16, 2019 at 9:48 p.m.

A big, bold plan to save the state’s debt-strapped public pension funds is being floated this week in Springfield. But don’t get your hopes up. It’s not the cure to...

A Boeing 747 sits on the tarmac before its last flight from O'Hare International Airport in Chicago to San Francisco on Thursday, July 27, 2017 in anticipation of United Airlines retiring the plane later this year.

As United Airlines bulks up to chase more customers, does fare war loom?

May 16, 2019 at 9:48 p.m.

United Airlines wants to grow its business at O’Hare International Airport while also beating back any ultralow-cost competitors that get in its way. This is a tricky plan, one passengers...

Bank of America is ending a free customer checking account that doesn't require a minimum balance, part of a "one-two" punch hitting low-income consumers in Illinois.

How Bank of America and Illinois are cashing in by squeezing the poor

May 16, 2019 at 9:48 p.m.

If you’re poor and have to write or cash checks, life got tougher this week, thanks to Bank of America and the state of Illinois. The two entities are out...

Is a bitcoin blow-up a threat to the economy? The University of Chicago panelists don't think so.

What worries economists? ‘When people aren’t worried.’ Maybe it’s time to worry a little.

May 16, 2019 at 9:48 p.m.

Most of us are focused on our own fortunes, not the state of the economy. Meanwhile, business leaders, along with policymakers, tend to let the good times roll until they...

Waging a necessary but tough battle to restore internet’s ‘net neutrality’ rule

May 16, 2019 at 9:48 p.m.

The internet, as we’ve come to know it, is not going down without a fight. Hooray! A dogged and determined effort is shaping up in Congress and the courts to...

Of course Chicago made Amazon’s short list for HQ2. Now we’ll see if it’s a winner, or just a contender.

May 16, 2019 at 9:48 p.m.

No one should be surprised Chicago is on Amazon’s list of 20 potential locations for HQ2, its coveted second headquarters. It would have been astounding — not to mention embarrassing...

The new federal tax law is prompting some large corporations to dole out bonuses to employees -- usually $1,000 each. But CEOs should consider awarding another perk: A boost in workers' retirement funds.

Bonuses are great, but tax law windfall should include workers’ retirement perk

May 16, 2019 at 9:48 p.m.

The new federal tax law is prompting some large corporations to dole out bonuses to employees — usually $1,000 each. But CEOs should consider awarding another perk: A boost in...

Sears says it has no plans to close its Portage Park store, shown on June 4, 2010. The company has been a retail standard-bearer at Six Corners since 1938.

How long can Chicago’s last Sears store beat the odds?

May 16, 2019 at 9:48 p.m.

It’s the last Sears store operating in Chicago. But considering the woeful financial health of its owner, you have to wonder: How long can it stick around? It’s a question...

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