You could say the O’Hare Modernization Program has been stuck in the air, circling the airport for some time now. Two major airlines are trying to put the brakes on a new runway at O’Hare. American and United say the City of Chicago has mucked up the expansion deal with its plans to increase rent and landing fees. The airlines say they can’t afford to pay more, especially now that the entire travel industry is struggling. Which begs the question—is an additional runway even necessary anymore? Eight Forty-Eight’s business contributor and Chicago News Cooperative reporter David Greising goes over the numbers.

Music Button: Mark Farina, “Love Makes”, from the CD Air Farina, (Om records)