Crain's Daily Gist
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.
New Sox stadium hinges on fate of the old one
Justin Ishbia's vision for The Railyards and a White Sox stadium is forcing an early reckoning over what to do with the team's current home. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker discusses what has become a thorny question in the Chicago stadium saga with host Jeanne Sparrow.
Plus: Mayor Brandon Johnson officially launches his re-election bid, GE HealthCare considers a billion-dollar acquisition, a former Chicago trader is headed to federal prison, and Kirkland & Ellis dominates Crain’s list of the largest Chicago law firms.
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Immigration crackdown didn't just hit Chicago's Latino businesses
Research from UIC shows federal immigration enforcement cost Cook County businesses $1.26 billion last year. Crain's reporter John Pletz joins host Jeanne Sparrow to break down the numbers.
Plus: Bally’s blinks on a $4 million threat in its Chicago gambling fight, consumer watchdogs force settlement reducing Nicor rate hike, the newly formed transportation board has named its chairman, and Illinois is set to become the first Midwestern state to allow medical aid in dying.
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Chicago condo market hits a hot streak
Host Jeanne Sparrow talks with Crain’s reporter Dennis Rodkin about the strange math of Chicago’s condo market, and the latest development in litigation over Winnetka’s bluff-protection ordinance.
Plus: Gov. JB Pritzker announces a new PAC, a judge may halt Illinois’ "medical aid in dying" law, a study quantifies the toll of federal immigration enforcement on Cook County, and Ariel Investments changes up leadership for its private equity unit.
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Bridgeport opposition looms over Sox stadium plan
As Justin Ishbia begins laying his cards down for a proposed White Sox stadium, host Jeanne Sparrow talks with Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence about community pushback in Bridgeport that could complicate the plan.
Plus: Barilla scoops up fast-growing mac-and-cheese startup Goodles, a West Coast tech firm eyes a new office on Wacker Drive and Illinois’ new law to cap drug prices hits roadblock in federal court.
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A closer look at Chicago's new transit leadership
In this discussion with host Jeanne Sparrow, Crain’s contributor Richard Day grades Chicago’s new transit board.
Plus: Illinois’ senators step into the conflict between FAA and air traffic control, work resumes on the $1.1 billion project to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes, Prime Healthcare faces a potential nurses' strike, and Illinois tourism is booming.
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Home of ‘gambling king of the stockyards’ faces uncertain fate
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss the latest local housing news, including a mansion built by Mrs. O’Leary’s son that’s headed to demolition court.
Plus: Downtown apartment projects score big construction loans as lending eases, S&P upgrades Illinois’ credit rating, a nonprofit buys Fulton Market loft office for new HQ and Mayor Johnson’s starring role in World Business Chicago videos draws ethics hearing.
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More bets on a Mag Mile resurgence
North Michigan Avenue's recovery is gaining momentum with a drop in vacancy and infusions of capital. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog joins host Amy Guth to discuss.
Plus: State Farm sued by L.A. County for delays and denials to fire victims, UChicago and U of I land $75 million in federal funding for quantum research, Kalshi goes after the big traders on CME and Cboe’s home turf and Deere launches AI assistant named JD to guide farmers’ choices.
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Gibsons set for long-awaited Fulton Market debut
Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti and host Amy Guth discuss the latest dining openings around Chicago.
Plus: South Loop high-rise sold for $166M, Chicago’s second-biggest apartments deal this year, Aon buys mid-market insurance specialist in $17 billion deal, Rivian shares slide after CFO announces surprise departure, ex-Loretto CFO back in Chicago to face fraud charges.
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Illinois' AI regulation puzzle
Crain’s contributor Margaret Littman and host Amy Guth discuss the push within Illinois to place guardrails around AI.
Plus: A new study questions Chicago’s TIF payoff though developers say growth wouldn’t happen without it, Goodell signals Arlington Heights is still alive in Bears stadium race, United CEO says O’Hare’s two-airline era will end and Chicago will be better off, and a judge opens the door for healthcare providers to fight AbbVie’s federal drug discount lawsuit.
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Chicago home prices haven’t surged this much since 2021
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest local housing news, including how Chicago home prices have made their biggest jump in over five years.
Plus: Johnson finds $85 million budget fix and unloads on City Council, Walter’s TWG hits back at fraud claims and says it has no victims, Meta agrees to pay up to $16.7 billion in social media case and Foxtrot lands retail space at former Ann Sather site near Belmont CTA.
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The O'Hare express train dream lives again
Crain’s reporter John Pletz talks with host Amy Guth about a proposed rail line to move travelers between downtown and O’Hare in 15 minutes.
Plus: Chicago-based United Airlines adds 10 destinations to Europe and Asia; Supreme Court sides with Trump for now on his mail ballot curbs; Bronzeville development site pitched for Pete’s Fresh Market and hundreds of apartments; and Deere workers reject contract extension, setting up 2027 labor showdown.
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Homeowners brace for another tax hit
Cook County homeowners are still paying the price for the commercial real estate slump. Crain’s Danny Ecker discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Data center giant set to buy Hawthorne Race Course; Trump tries to strip ABA's authority as law school accreditor; Intuit TurboTax opening store at the base of Tribune Tower; and a new Austin health center is part of wider push to fill West Side health gaps.
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C-suite moves at Chicago health giants
Chicago healthcare players GE HealthCare and Baxter International found new finance chiefs at a turning point for both companies. Crain’s healthcare reporter Jon Asplund talks with host Amy Guth about the C-suite moves and other health business news.
Plus: Morgan & Morgan signs onto Loop office tower poised for revamp, Pritzker names new transit board members, judge orders Outcome Health execs to pay at least $271 million and Chicago firms tied to Mark Walter probe could face legal woes.
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Dealmaking slows down even further
Deals remain scarce for Chicago’s biggest private equity and venture capital firms. Crain’s finance reporter Mark Weinraub discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Former Willis Tower owner testifies real estate empire now worth negative $80 million amid financial woes, Amazon to expand drone delivery to the Chicago area, Chicago Quantum Exchange CEO stepping down and developer buys Lakeview apartments for $61.5 million with plans to expand.
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Another way to get Chicago’s hardest restaurant reservations
Chicago’s hottest restaurant tables have a new pay-to-play option. Crain’s contributing food and wine writer Ari Bendersky talks with host Amy Guth about the new platform for hard-to-get reservations.
Plus: JPMorgan Chase opens Mag Mile flagship as wealth management competition heats up, developer buying Ford City Mall tweaks industrial plan in bid for city approval, feds want Outcome Health founders’ bond revoked and NASCAR is pulling the plug on its Chicago street race.
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Stellantis boosts its Belvidere reset
Crain's reporter John Pletz talks with host Amy Guth about Stellantis’ plans to restart the idled Belvidere plant and Madison Air’s $5.4 billion acquisition.
Plus: Federal rail funding clears path for Justin Ishbia’s big South Loop plans, Bally’s issues "going concern" warning to investors, an old name in Chicago business gets set to fold and Chicago Fed’s Goolsbee wants to see more evidence of cooling inflation.
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What's behind Chicago's falling death rate
Crain’s healthcare reporter Jon Asplund talks with host Amy Guth about healthcare news, including recent successes Chicago has seen in lowering opioid overdoses.
Plus: Johnson says Chicago will make full advance pension payment, Chicago Auto Show veteran named new McCormick Place GM, Durbin still waiting for FAA answers on O’Hare flight caps and Meta bringing first Midwest retail store to Gold Coast.
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The hottest spots in Chicago's already hot housing market
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest local housing news, including where Chicago-area home prices are rising fastest.
Plus: Johnson calls for a moratorium on new data centers in Chicago, Josh Kushner and Bob Iger buy L.A. Lakers from Mark Walter for more than $12 billion after a federal probe of the Guggenheim CEO reaches Chicago, nearly 250 call-center workers to be laid off as Pace contract shifts and an analysis finds Illinois farmers saw nation’s biggest jump in seasonal planting diesel costs.
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Another big bet on Mag Mile's recovery
The owner of the Shops at North Bridge plans a $40 million revamp for the vertical mall. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog discusses the shopping center, and other Mag Mile news, with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Bears eye second Hammond site as Indiana push advances, why Bally’s is slowing casino construction in its fight with City Hall, CME seeks 24/7 trading of silver futures in retail push and CEOs pushed White House to delay ultra-processed food definition.
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Refunds won't end companies' tariff headaches
Illinois companies are reporting an $857 million tariff windfall, but tariff and supply chain issues persist. Crain’s reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Congress eyes boosting quantum funds as global race heats up, Portillo’s is cutting HQ staff by 18%, Pritzker presses Welch for quick action on sexual-harassment reforms and Fairlife breaks ground on $650 million expansion in Michigan.
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McDonald's value problem is bigger than just prices
Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti and host Amy Guth discuss McDonald’s struggle with its value strategy.
Plus: Landmark Loop office building takes step toward data center conversion; Pritzker pens letter to Trump, seeking tariff refunds for Illinois families; Outcome Health founders’ fraud convictions upheld; and Indiana preps for Bears with plan for new South Shore Line stop in Hammond.
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No one is building homes slower than Illinois in mainland U.S
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest local housing news, including Illinois' rank near the bottom on building new housing.
Plus: Portillo’s taps Olive Garden exec as CFO in leadership reboot, Kraft Heinz turnaround progress leaves investors wanting more, Adams Street Partners moving HQ to West Loop riverfront building and ADM raises 2026 outlook as biofuels drive growth.
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Another downtown icon joins apartments wave
The owner of NBC Tower plans to convert part of the building to hundreds of apartments. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Johnson loses budget director days after CFO exit, Illinois joins 24 other states in suit challenging Trump’s latest tariffs, AbbVie seeks at least $8 billion in debt to fund Apogee deal and McDonald’s replaces U.S. president in slow-growth shakeup.
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Latest sign of Mag Mile's value reset
A Chicago investor got a discount for Palmolive Building retail space in a deal that illustrates the Mag Mile's fallen property values. Crain’s reporter Rachel Herzog discusses the trade, and other commercial real estate news, with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Alexi Giannoulias kicks off mayoral run with pledge to raise the minimum wage, trading firm eyes expansion and a move to Fulton Market, Sterling Bay and a JPMorgan fund get $213 million refi for Fulton Market office tower and alcohol distributor Republic National cutting nearly 300 jobs in Illinois.
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Chicago restaurants skip the salad
Amid the nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak, Chicago restaurant operators are switching suppliers and remixing menus. Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Illinois Tech to lay off 160 as enrollment and financial struggles force restructure; push to sideline Mayor Johnson from picking new police chief draws mixed response; Streeterville garage listing tests market for downtown parking; and Senators Durbin and Duckworth ask FAA to justify decision to limit O’Hare flights.
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Running the numbers on Chicago's housing dearth
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including what the latest round of data says about the market.
Plus: Grant Thornton to acquire CBIZ for $5 billion, Chicago’s acting CFO exits ahead of Johnson’s next budget showdown, CME plans futures tied to sports to be used as new hedging tool and Northwestern lands $20 million for first publicly accessible AI-powered protein lab in U.S.
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Alexi Giannoulias' shadow campaign for mayor
Big campaign money for Alexi Giannoulias is reshaping the Chicago mayoral race before he’s even entered it. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: U of I launches search for next president at one of Illinois’ most important engines, CME’s debut of 24/7 gold futures trading met with strong demand, nine Illinois communities say they’re interested in new nuclear facilities, and crime continues historic decline as homicide rates approach century lows.
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Safety-net hospitals reach breaking point
Chicago safety-net hospitals are searching for a lifeline as their funding crisis deepens. Crain’s healthcare reporter Jon Asplund talks with host Amy Guth about Roseland Hospital's request for state aid and Weiss Memorial’s extension against possible closure.
Plus: Trump administration reveals energy grant cuts targeted blue states, Jewel parent cuts forecast amid soft grocery demand, United reportedly quietly pursued a merger with Delta last year and a court approves $90 million Hawthorne Race Course sale, ending Chicago-area racing.
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Next up in the Charlie Trotter’s rotation
The Alinea Group is launching a limited-time restaurant in one of Chicago’s most storied fine-dining addresses: the former home of the famed Charlie Trotter’s. Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Chicago-area warehouse vacancy inches up as companies shed space, United suspends 10 new routes to small cities from O’Hare, Trump’s 100% generic drug duty threatens U.S. low-cost supply and crypto lobby sues Illinois to block new digital asset tax.
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You had to play the lotto to get in early on these new homes
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss the latest from the local housing market, including locals putting dibs on new houses in an Elk Grove Village lottery and more.
Plus: MHub is planning a massive West Side campus bigger than The 78; Northwestern’s $121 million settlement tab reportedly spanned Fitz, football and Trump; power grid serving northern Illinois faces breakup risk as feds weigh fate; and Roseland Hospital seeks emergency state aid to keep doors open.
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First test of Northwest Side anti-gentrification law
Logan Square tenants have sued their landlord in the first case under an anti-gentrification ordinance. Crain’s commericial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Illinois cannabis demand grows despite falling prices; Chicago developer buys River North office building for conversion that would add two stories; Save A Lot ending deal with Yellow Banana, putting seven Chicago stores at risk of closing; and Illinois-led quantum effort lands $30 million in federal funding.
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O'Hare reclaims its spot in airport rankings
O’Hare airport's passenger numbers rebounded last year, but its rivals also made gains. Crain’s airlines reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Feds subpoena Chicago law firms in Trump’s fight with ABA, Shore Capital unloads veterinary real estate portfolio for $268 million, AbbVie’s Allergan gets European nod for its Botox-lite treatment and more lawyers join Resilience legal scrum, delaying settlement and West Suburban reopening.
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Big sign-off for The 78, Fire stadium TIF deal
A $425 million TIF deal for The 78 mega-development and Chicago Fire FC stadium infrastructure got key committee approval. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Chicago eyes layoffs as Johnson and alders spar over potential $89 million budget shortfall, United will use bigger planes at O’Hare to cope with FAA flight caps, Vintage East Loop office tower sold for conversion to apartments and Amazon nears deal for vertical warehouse next to Goose Island.
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Chicago's luxury home market settles down to merely 'hot'
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk the latest local housing news, including how Chicago’s high-end home sales are hot at mid-year but nothing like 2025.
Plus: AI bumps power cost 60% as Chicago’s grid fails to hit supply goal, Chicago’s tallest rental tower lands $332 million refinancing, Midway’s private-aviation facilities are getting a $100 million-plus makeover and the James Beard Awards team is seeking its next host city after more than a decade in Chicago.
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Neighbors build their own safety nets around Chicago
Chicago-area mutual aid groups have stepped in to fill gaps left by institutions. Crain's assistant managing editor Cassandra West talks with host Amy Guth about the focus of this month’s Crain's Elevate series.
Plus: Council committee punts parking meter vote as buyout fight takes another twist, Indiana gives $3.4 million in incentives for True Value HQ, Allstate taps new CFO from CoStar amid management shakeup and CPS lays off 162 employees as it works to close budget deficit for 2026-27 school year.
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Another year of Illinois ACA price hikes
Crain’s healthcare reporter Jon Asplund joins host Amy Guth to discuss Illinois ACA insurers' proposed double-digit rate hikes for 2027, along with a labor dispute between unionized UI Health’ clinicians and the hospital.
Plus: West Loop TIF funds to back infrastructure around Chicago Fire FC stadium, Johnson moves to reclaim control of rogue CHA board, River North rental tower trades for $119 million amid apartment deal surge and FAA extends flight limits at O’Hare.
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New hurdle for cannabis shops in Illinois
A judge enforced Illinois' distance rule for cannabis shops, dealing a blow to a planned South Loop dispensary. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: True Value’s HQ is moving to Indiana, AI firms’ office demand seen spreading to Chicago, investor looks to cash out on Trader Joe’s-anchored North Side retail portfolio and Mayor Johnson reveals why City Hall abandoned its $3.2 billion bid for parking meters.
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Big price reset for downtown condos
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss the latest local housing news, including the latest hit for the downtown condo market and Chicago-area homes that are selling fast.
Plus: Downtown office vacancy dips for first time since 2022, Shore Capital buys employee benefits firm in healthcare push, Mayor Johnson picks Rush exec as next public health chief and airlines hit with soaring fuel bills amid Mideast conflict.
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Lawyers drop out of fight over closed hospitals
Resilience Healthcare's lawyers have dropped out amid a settlement dispute with the failed health system and Prime Healthcare maintenance workers averted a strike after ratifying contracts. Crain’s healthcare reporter Jon Asplund discusses the latest hospital news with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Pritzker signs landmark AI regulation bill that aims to mitigate risks, Hub International seeks $3 billion in IPO, Lincoln Park apartment high-rise sold for $125 million and with federal funding back, Planned Parenthood of Illinois preps for its next battle.
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Setback for North Side rezoning opponents
A judge dismissed Edgewater residents' lawsuit to overturn Broadway's rezoning. Crain’s commercial real reporter Rachel Herzog talks with host Amy Guth about what’s next for the neighborhood.
Plus: Developer withdraws rezoning request for controversial Hoffman Estates data center, office building near Fulton Market trades at a major discount, Northwestern plans $275 million facility do-over in Orland Park amid cancer care race and AbbVie faces federal probe over drug trials in China.
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