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.
Chicago's grocery store surge
Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog talks with host Amy Guth about two brands' plans for new Mag Mile spots and what’s driving the latest wave of grocery chain expansion in Chicago.
Plus: Pritzker pushes speed on Bears tax package but predicts changes ahead; Morningstar eyes Google’s Thompson Center revamp for potential new HQ, Claire’s is moving its HQ to distressed Rosemont office building and an executive in $15 million Loretto Hospital embezzlement case pleads not guilty and released on bond.
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'Zombie mortgages' awaken around Chicago
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest from the local housing market, including how the mortgage crisis of the early 2000s is coming back to haunt Chicago-area homeowners.
Plus: Illinois lawmakers push Bears stadium plan tied to tax overhaul, American gains O’Hare gates as United loses ground, West Suburban property owner sues to take control of troubled hospital and River North offices put up for sale after $35 million redevelopment plan scrapped.
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Chicago's 100 biggest private companies
This year's list of Chicago’s largest private companies has a newcomer near the top. Crain’s researcher David Nusbaum discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: New details on Ishbia-Amtrak land deal as Sox future takes shape, Loop office tower owner hit with $223 million foreclosure lawsuit, Baird raises $450 million amid sluggish private equity environment and Trump pans United-American merger while pushing for a Spirit buyer.
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Momentum building for downtown apartments
A Fulton Market apartment project landed a $102 million construction loan, among Chicago’s largest in years. Crain’s Rachel Herzog talks with host Amy Guth about the companies involved and the apartment project loan landscape.
Plus: Huron Consulting shrinks West Loop HQ as downtown office attrition persists, AbbVie signs $745 million deal to develop pain medicines from Chinese drugmaker, judge puts WGN parent’s merger plans on hold until final court ruling and feds crack down on Federal Savings Bank over misleading ads for VA loans.
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A potential seismic event for O'Hare
Crain’s airlines reporter John Pletz talks with host Amy Guth about what Chicago stands to lose in potential United-American merger.
Plus: Illinois to get $50 million in Jewel-Osco parent’s $774 million opioid settlement, Golub recapitalizes Century Tower in $65 million deal, West Coast fintech company plans big River North office and Whole Foods to open new store in Lakeview.
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After surprise hospital shutdown, a sudden reopening
West Suburban Medical Center began reopening under pressure after surprise shutdown as Springfield weighs tougher rules on hospital closures. Crain’s contributor Jon Asplund talks with host Amy Guth about the medical center and other local hospital headwinds.
Plus: Former ComEd CEO and lobbyist granted new trials in Madigan bribery case, Thoma Bravo signs multiyear deal with Google for AI adoption, logistics firm RJW extends suburban warehouse leasing tear and city seeks to shut down Ford City Mall over ‘imminent’ health and safety threat.
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Office-to-apartments deals build momentum
Residential conversions are gaining steam around downtown with the sale of two office buildings. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: United Airlines CEO has pitched a possible tie-up with rival American, Conagra’s new CEO faces a pricing bind with no clear fix, New York firm bets on downtown office revival with deal for distressed Loop tower and Jesse Jackson’s son picked to lead Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
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Pritzker wants data centers to cover their power tab
Gov. JB Pritzker joined a coalition of governors urging the operator of the power grid in Illinois and other a dozen other states to force data centers to pay up. Crain’s reporter John Pletz discusses the push to shield consumers from rising electricity costs with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Conagra CEO Connolly is out after 60% stock slide, Abbott hit with $70 million verdict in Chicago infant-formula trial, Pritzker says DHS threat over O’Hare customs will hurt economy and housing advocates sue to undo CHA leadership pick.
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The biggest Mag Mile lease since 2015
Crain’s reporter Rachel Herzog talks with host Amy Guth about local commercial real estate news, including the Candy Hall of Fame coming the Mag Mile.
Plus: Mayor Johnson reshuffles key safety and transportation posts amid staff churn, Madigan’s high-powered appeals team urges 7th Circuit to overturn speaker’s conviction, AbbVie suing feds over 340B provider audits and Quigley bill aims to speed up pipeline of new homes.
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Highland Park's biggest batch of new homes in decades
Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local housing market, including the more than 200 for-sale homes coming to Highland Park’s long-empty Solo Cup factory site.
Plus: Proposed $55 million tax break for United Center’s 1901 Project hits a speed bump, Chicago startups eye long-awaited exits as IPO market warms up, Starbucks and 7-Eleven expansion planned for Chicago-based overnight oats maker and lawsuit against Evanston’s reparations program gets judge’s OK to move forward.
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Michelin-starred chefs want to open a neighborhood bar
Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the latest from Chicago's dining scene, including some notable openings, expansion plans for Mediterranean chain Roti and this year’s local James Beard Award finalists.
Plus: New DHS chief floats crackdown on sanctuary city airports, including O’Hare; Chicago options clearing hub fuels clash between Goldman, Citadel and retail brokers; investors pay $61 million for Lombard apartment complex and a hedge fund signs deal for new Chicago office at BMO Tower.
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What brought down West Suburban Medical Center
Crain’s contributor Jon Asplund talks with host Amy Guth about the latest health care news, including West Suburban’s sudden closure and Walgreens’ private equity owner plans to double the pharmacy chain’s profits.
Plus: Downtown office vacancy sets another record while top space tightens, Chicago’s Madison Air seeks to raise $2.23B in IPO, fund founded by Pritzkers inks private credit deal for PLZ and downtown office vacancy sets another record while top space tightens and Court ruling could slash payouts in Illinois biometric privacy lawsuits.
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Johnson's struggle with CHA leadership
Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence and host Amy Guth discuss the latest on the Bears stadium saga, with the park district pushing for a $630 million Museum Campus overhaul, and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s effort to oust the acting CHA leader.
Plus: ABA backs Jenner & Block in fight with Trump administration, CFTC sues Illinois and other states over prediction markets rules, Oak Park apartments trade for $23 million and United raising bag fees as fuel prices soar.
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For Michael Jordan estate owner, setback after setback
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local housing market, including the latest on the saga of the former Michael Jordan estate and relief for Chicago-area homebuyers that comes with a caveat.
Plus: Goodell presses Bears as Illinois, Indiana await stadium call; Rivian bike spinoff lands $1 billion valuation and DoorDash partnership; office landlord faces another hit in Evanston after Fulton Market setback; and Mondelez and Radio Flyer among 70 Illinois companies suing Trump for tariff refunds.
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AI's massive water usage raising alarms
Plans for AI data centers are raising concerns about the long-term health of the Great Lakes region's most critical natural resource. Crain’s contributor Steve Hendershot discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Government still dominates as largest employer in Chicago for 2026, university funding overhaul bill advances in House despite U of I opposition, Sofitel Chicago goes up for sale and three Chicago chefs named James Beard Award finalists
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Cook County property tax hikes outpace inflation
Cook County property taxes have grown at more than double the inflation rate since 1995. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Jenner & Block fires back at Trump administration in executive order appeal, Chicago-based benefits administrator Alight risks NYSE delisting after stock plunges below $1, Trader Joe’s advances on possible Uptown store and public-private Illinois abortion fund gives out its first $1 million.
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Apartment landlords push to sell despite headwinds
Crain’s reporter Rachel Herzog joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest commercial real estate news, including a Streeterville mid-rise office building that could go residential as well as apartment towers hitting the market in River North, Gold Coast and Uptown.
Plus: JetBlue reportedly exploring sale to United; Ariel names new president as Hobson and Rogers relinquish parts of their portfolios; CME and Bank of Montreal team up to launch tokenized cash service; and West Suburban blames billing system failure as officials air frustration over closure.
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Ken Griffin isn't done selling Chicago portfolio yet
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth about to talk the latest local housing news, including Ken Griffin’s last Chicago condo going back up for sale, a divisive push to preserve west Lakeview greystones and more.
Plus: Commercial landlords avoid penalties amid Cook County’s twice-delayed property tax sale, United Airlines warns of 20% fare hike to cope with oil surge, Mars to add 600 jobs and invest $100 million in Chicago operation and a South Loop developer lands $83 million construction loan for long-planned Riverline project.
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For Illinois, a huge congressional turnover
Sen. Dick Durbin’s retirement will reduce Illinois’ clout in D.C. Crain’s reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Supreme Court justices signal skepticism of post-Election Day mail ballot deadlines, including Illinois’; Fed’s Goolsbee says he could see circumstances for rate hike; Uber to invest up to $1.25 billion in Rivian in robotaxi bet; and Uncommon Ground seeks new operator as longtime Wrigleyville restaurateurs plan to retire.
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Landlords show cautious optimism after Hynes' assessor win
Some investors see Patrick Hynes' primary win over incumbent Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi as a chance to rebuild Chicago's real estate cred. Crain’s reporter Danny Ecker talks with host Amy Guth about the election news and the new City Council-approved downtown hotel surcharge.
Plus: CTA sues Trump administration over frozen Red Line extension funds; Johnson proposes $55 million tax break for Bulls, Blackhawks 1901 development; legal data firm Relativity confidentially files for IPO; and Illinois House approves bill giving regulators power to reject insurance rate hikes.
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Sox owner-to-be lines up possible stadium site
Justin Ishbia is set to buy a massive South Loop rail yard for a potential White Sox stadium site. Crain’s reporters Danny Ecker and Justin Laurence discuss with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Amazon wants to eat Costco’s lunch in Chicago’s suburbs, United CEO games out "higher for longer" oil prices, Motorola rival ordered to pay $50 million fine for stealing trade secrets and Illinois high court finds employers could be on the hook for time worked outside normal hours
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The typical Chicago homeowner is getting older
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including the rising age of the average homeowner in Chicago.
Plus: Justin Ishbia set to buy massive South Loop rail yard for potential White Sox stadium, a roundup of the state’s high-stakes primary night, BP’s union worker lockout plan and a New York investor pays $77 million for River North apartments.
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Blue Cross Illinois, Prime Healthcare locked in contract dispute
Crain’s contributing reporter Jon Asplund joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest local health care news, including Baxter's new CEO getting a cool $29.8 million pay package in 2025, eight Chicago-area hospitals that could soon exit Blue Cross's network and local surgical center rankings.
Plus: FAA seeks deeper-than-expected flight cuts at O’Hare, federal railroad agency eyes HQ move to LaSalle Street, Signature Bank acquired by New York-based Esquire for $348.4 million and Morningstar inks $5M tech partnership with U of I to secure talent pipeline.
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New restaurant options on Chicago riverfront
With a new dining spot opening under Chicago Cut and Levy’s planning a major event space makeover, Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti joins Amy Guth to talk the latest dining news around the riverfront.
Plus: Tech giants sue Chicago over social media tax, calling it unconstitutional; airline CEOs urge Congress to end shutdown standoff as TSA lines grow; developer Mike Reschke plans Burnham Center office-to-hotel conversion; and Trump tariffs have cost automakers at least $35 billion since 2025.
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Downtown apartment rents surge again
Downtown Chicago apartment rents keep climbing as new supply lags. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog talks about the downtown rental outlook with host Amy Guth.
Plus: City Council budget coalition blocks local video gambling bans, Chicago urges FAA to rethink its plans to cut summer flying at O’Hare, CME and Cboe chiefs urge crackdown on fast-growing prediction markets and airlines brace for turmoil as fuel costs surge amid war in the Middle East.
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You missed your chance to rent Michael Jordan's old mansion
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth talk the latest news from the local housing market, including the latest development in the saga of Michael Jordan's former Highland Park home.
Plus: As Bears eye Arlington Heights, a Soldier Field-area megaproject resurfaces; UChicago, U of I and Northwestern rally top tech schools to plant startup flag in San Francisco; West Loop apartments trade for $66 million as market headwinds persist; and Italian conglomerate buying offices near Fulton Market.
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How the Obama Center is already changing its environs
As the Obama Center nears its opening this summer, signs of a changing neighborhood are emerging around it. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Banks take fight over Illinois credit card swipe-fee law to appeals court; biotherapy maker CSL plans $1.5 billion expansion near Kankakee; small cities are a big part of the O’Hare expansion that alarmed the FAA; and Ford’s CEO gifts Pope Leo an Explorer — built in Chicago by one of his former students.
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Nursing faces a demographic cliff
Nursing schools are racing to stave off a looming workforce crisis. Meanwhile, the Illinois attorney general joined pushback from states and nurses against changes to federal student loans. Crain’s contributing reporter Jon Asplund joins host Amy Guth to talk the latest from teh health care beat.
Plus: Trump defends law firm exec orders in revived Jenner appeal, Obama Presidential Center sets June opening celebration, Saks Fifth Avenue leaving the Mag Mile and Sens. Durbin and Duckworth tell FAA O’Hare needs more air traffic controllers.
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Chicago's $14 billion stadium question
With Chicago facing a turning point on public funds for stadiums, Chicago Fire FC broke ground on its new, privately funded South Loop stadium. Crain’s reporter Danny Ecker discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Illinois joins states suing Trump over new tariffs, developers pay $20 million for Clybourn Corridor retail center to gain air rights for high-rise, Capital One cutting over 1,100 jobs in latest layoffs related to Discover deal and World Business Chicago kicks off competition for city’s next big idea.
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Anxiety over housing affordability deepens
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth top talk news from the local market, including a new poll that found housing costs now top crime as Chicago voters’ biggest concern.
Plus: American blames United’s "reckless scheduling" for O’Hare woes, CME and Cboe shares rallied to record high as volumes surge on Iran war, Oak Brook retail center sold for $44 million and Chicago Fire FC breaks ground on new South Loop stadium.
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The haves and have nots of work lunch
Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog talks with host Amy Guth about the Loop’s uneven recovery creating a tale of two work lunches.
Plus: Chicago on shortlist for 2028 Democratic National Convention, Trump administration drops fight over executive order targeting Jenner & Block, logistics firm RJW adds to spree of suburban warehouse leasing deals and quantum firms set up across Chicago ahead of South Works campus.
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Blame game over Chicago's credit downgrade
Mayor Brandon Johnson and City Council members are pointing fingers over Chicago's latest credit downgrades. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: FAA targets O’Hare flight growth as airline feud heats up; Blackhawks unveil ice center addition as 1901 Project nears spring start; Northwestern Memorial, Rush, UChicago hospitals ranked among best in the world by Newsweek; and Cook County Health and City Colleges to train 1,000 health care workers with $5 million from Pritzker Traubert Foundation.
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Chicago's coming transit revamp
As regional transit is preparing for its historic overhaul, it stands to potentially reinvent how people get around the area. Crain's reporter John Pletz discusses the public transportation overhaul with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Springfield inches toward a Bears deal as Indiana governor signs stadium bill into law, Mayor Johnson and City Council trade blame as Chicago’s credit is downgraded, Schaumburg reportedly settles Motorola TIF fight over remote work and distress specialist nears deal for Citadel’s former Loop HQ.
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Chicago-area home sales dip to new lows
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local housing market, including how Chicago home prices flattened out as sales plunged in January.
Plus: After weeks of tension, Pritzker strikes more upbeat tone on Bears tax talks; AbbVie investing $380 million on two new plants in North Chicago, adding 300 workers; Rivian doubles down on Illinois for mass-market R2; and Chicago Fed's Goolsbee says tariff ruling could help cool inflation.
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Two Chicago giants hit the reset button
Crain's reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the playbooks of the CEOs behind Ulta Beauty and Kraft Heinz.
Plus: Uber is acquiring parking app SpotHero, Trump funding cuts and threats to Illinois reach $61.5 billion and counting, Abbott lines up one of the year's biggest bond sales at $20 billion and government still dominates as largest employer in Chicago for 2026.
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Lakeview getting more rental stock
Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog joins host Amy Guth to talk the latest in apartments and retail news, including 300 new apartments coming to Lakeview and a pickleball company buying a West Loop ice rink.
Plus: After Indiana gambit, Bears signal progress in Illinois; Wells Fargo cuts jobs, closes Rosemont office following $4.2 billion sale of rail business; data-center development could stall under new Illinois move; and potential strike at BP refinery is a test of labor leverage in a changing economy.
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The Bears stadium saga's new chapter
Crain’s reporter Justin Laurence talks with host Amy Guth about the ongoing Bears stadium saga.
Plus: Walgreens cuts hundreds of jobs after private equity buyout, Fulton Market high-rise plan moves ahead despite zoning objection, CME Group moves closer to 24/7 crypto derivatives trading and Northwestern Medicine takes AI accelerator program to Europe.
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Chicago's home affordability shrinks
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local market, including how housing affordability is improving in many big cities — but not Chicago.
Plus: The state’s EV push meets market reality, Hyatt exposed to Epstein scandal despite Tom Pritzker’s exit, Illinois erases $1.1 billion in medical debt for residents and Ikea to open third store in Chicago area.
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The life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson
Crain’s Steven Strahler joins host Amy Guth to reflect on the local and global impact of the Rev. Jesse Jackson after his passing.
Plus: Crain’s contributor Jon Asplund talks with host Amy Guth about Baxter and federal funding cut impacts in health care sector, Tom Pritzker quits exec chairman role at Hyatt, citing Epstein ties, Mayor Johnson vetoes intoxicating hemp ban, law firm Loeb & Loeb eyes expansion and move to Loop tower and Illinois swipe fee ruling marks rare win for retailers — but fight is far from over.
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02/13/26: Dramatic reversal in care for Chicago's homeless population
Under the Trump administration, the Department of Housing & Urban Development has hardened the policies behind a program meant to shelter the city’s unhoused population. Crain’s contributor Judith Crown discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Chicago to sell $1 billion in debt from unpaid fees despite uncertain buyers; investors trade sports, Oscars and the price of gold as prediction markets take off; Rivian warns losses will persist ahead of next-generation EV debut and Springfield reignites fight over who pays for Illinois' data center boom.
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