Crain's Daily Gist

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By: Crain's Chicago Business

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.

Lakeview getting more rental stock
#1412
Yesterday at 10:18 PM

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
#1411
Last Friday at 10:39 PM

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
#1410
Last Wednesday at 11:35 PM

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
#1409
Last Wednesday at 12:22 AM

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
#1408
02/13/2026

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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02/12/26: Chicago's model citizen calls it quits
#1407
02/11/2026

After three decades building Chicago's miniature skyline, a Chicago model-maker is closing up shop. Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about that and other news from the local housing market.

Plus: New Kraft Heinz CEO pauses split to first improve results, apartment tower near Millennium Park trades for $126 million, Dolton claims Fifth Third Bank let disgraced mayor steal $1.9 million and Amazon drone delivery coming to south suburbs.


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02/11/26: American brings O'Hare feud to the lounge
#1406
02/10/2026

Amid an ongoing airline battle, American plans to upgrade its O'Hare lounge in the fight for premium flyers. Crain’s reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Citing fewer jobs and fewer people, Moody's sees Illinois slipping; owners of large Mag Mile retail building get $75 million refinancing; bankrupt First Brands cutting nearly 400 jobs in McHenry; and River North hotel owner hit with $57 million foreclosure lawsuit.


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02/10/26: High-rise plan could open Fulton Market to skyscrapers
#1405
02/09/2026

A Fulton Market proposal has the potential to reshape downtown development. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Judge blocks Trump move to freeze $10 billion in aid to blue-state families, American Airlines CEO faces union no-confidence vote amid O'Hare battle with United, River North hotel owner hit with $57 million foreclosure lawsuit and the city to award what it calls the biggest U.S. airport concessions deal ever.


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02/06/26: Chicago's vinyl bar wave
#1404
02/06/2026

Vinyl-focused listening bars are having a moment in Chicago. Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Pritzker puts a price tag on federal cuts looming over Illinois budget, Shore Capital raises $400M for second industrial fund amid rapid growth, U of I buying Wacker Drive office building for Discovery Partners Institute, Northwestern study shows heart attack risk starts accelerating at age 35 for men and United moves to buy 2 O'Hare gates from Spirit.


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02/05/26: The priciest home sales of 2025
#1403
02/04/2026

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local housing market, including a look at Chicago's 50 highest-priced home sales of 2025.

Plus: Plan for 28-story apartment tower adds to growing number of high-rises in Lincoln Park, Chicago-area retail sales rose amid tariff threats, Ariel closes $250 million fund for women’s sports investments and Trump's National Guard deployments costing $93 million a month.


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02/04/26: Johnson's move to investigate alleged ICE abuse
#1402
02/03/2026

Mayor Brandon Johnson issued an executive order directing police to investigate alleged crimes by federal agents. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Gov. Pritzker draws a line on pensions ahead of tight budget, Chicago's Metropolitan Capital shut down in first U.S. bank failure of 2026, Old Post Office owner buys massive Loop office building and the city kicks off plans for 95th Street redevelopment project.


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02/03/26: What's at stake for Illinois safety-net hospitals
#1401
02/02/2026

Safety-net hospitals are grappling with a future without a critical lifeline as some hospitals in rural parts of the state confront possible service cuts and closures. Crain’s contributor Judith Crown discusses the latest with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Mayor Johnson directs CPD to investigate alleged crimes by federal agents, a local hospitality firm buys a distressed hotel next to the Mag Mile, Monroe Street Partners sells American Roadway after less than two years and a developer buys Trinity International campus for $20 million to create a youth sports complex.


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01/30/26: Signs of retail recovery in the Loop
#1400
01/30/2026

Retail vacancy in the Loop has dropped for the second year in a row. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Illinois job market loses momentum after year-end slide, billionaire Wacker Drive landlord explores sale in test of Chicago office market, immigration decline slows Illinois population growth to a trickle and United Center becomes first major U.S. arena to sell THC drinks.


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01/29/26: Latin School bails on historic homes
#1399
01/29/2026

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local market, including the Latin School of Chicago selling a row of residential buildings it purchased in 2022.
 

Plus: Trump factor looms as Johnson questions Chicago's shot at 2028 DNC, CME bets on struggling White Sox with new jersey sponsorship deal, ADM to pay $40 million to settle SEC accounting fraud probe, Deere to build Indiana distribution center in stateside production shift and Amazon is closing its Fresh grocery and Go convenience stores.


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01/28/26: United, American lock horns at O'Hare
#1398
01/28/2026

Chicago-based United Airlines and rival American Airlines are engaged in an increasingly fierce battle at O’Hare airport. Crain's reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Chicago-area warehouse vacancy ended 2025 near historic low, Illinois says Coinbase sports contracts are bets and not financial instruments, pediatricians buck CDC's childhood vaccine schedule overhaul and AMA warns ICE activity at hospitals fuels fear and deters care.


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01/27/26: Keep an eye on these new restaurants
#1397
01/26/2026

From Mexican bagels to an Italian steakhouse and a “hidden” Paris-inspired bar, Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about a handful of new spots around Chicago.
 

Plus: Chicago bids to host 2028 and 2032 Democratic National Conventions, CTA leader hopes to get Red Line project dispute resolved soon, local insurance startup focused on high-risk markets expands into auto and a California firm pays $31 million for Bronzeville shopping center.


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01/23/26: Chicago's airport sponsorship experiment
#1396
01/23/2026

The city is considering selling sponsorships or naming rights at its airports. Crain’s reporter John Pletz talks with host Amy Guth about the Department of Aviation’s move to gauge interest in the idea.

Plus: Empty suburban office space ended 2025 at new record high, Illinois targeted in Trump review of federal funds to Democratic states, American signals it's not backing down in O'Hare grudge match with United and a new report finds indie music venues drive $2.8 billion to Chicago's economy.


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01/22/26: Illegitimate listing pops up for Frank Lloyd Wright house
#1395
01/21/2026

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including about a Frank Lloyd Wright house listed for sale that actually isn't on the market after all.

Plus: ComEd plans to invest over $15 billion in grid upgrades; Berkshire Hathaway weighs selling Kraft Heinz shares; a logistics company expands HQ and eyes hiring run with move to River North; and Transwestern moving Chicago office to Wacker Drive tower.


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01/21/26: Johnson shelves costly parking meter buyback
#1394
01/20/2026

Mayor Brandon Johnson has walked away from a $3 billion-plus plan to undo the city's parking meter deal. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Cardinal Cupich joins rare rebuke of U.S. foreign policy, Chicago-based Protein Bar acquired by the company that owns Dos Toros and Chopt, River North office building teed up for residential conversion and a report finds Illinois wage gap persists despite transparency efforts.


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01/16/26: Financial pros split on 2026 forecasts
#1393
01/16/2026

Crain's finance reporter Mark Weinraub talks with host Amy Guth about Chicago experts' stock market and economic predictions for the year.

Plus: Bally's seeks more time for Chicago casino construction, Mag Mile tower sold in priciest office deal since 2022, Edgewater residents sue city over Broadway corridor rezoning and Time Out Market is closing its Fulton Market food hall.


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01/15/26: Hope, and risk, for housing market recovery in 2026
#1392
01/14/2026

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local market, including a Realtors group economist expecting better affordability in 2026 — but not without some caveats.

Plus: Stock market experts in Chicago predict boom or bust for 2026, Pritzker keeps door open to Bears as Indiana stadium threat heats up, Morningstar investment chief leaves to start new firm and a rare Michael Jordan rookie card to be auctioned off.


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01/14/26: Illinois' cannabis equity pledge falls flat
#1391
01/13/2026

Illinois said it was all in on cannabis equity. Crain’s reporter John Schroyer talks with host Amy Guth about where it stands on that promise.

Plus: Illinois and Chicago seek court order to halt "militarized" immigration enforcement tactics, AbbVie pledges $100 billion U.S. investment to avoid tariffs, longtime Loop Alliance CEO to step down and Chicago's largest farmers market organizer bought a permanent brick-and-mortar home.


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01/13/26: Michelin's growing footprint brings risk for restaurants
#1390
01/12/2026

Michelin's expansion of its restaurant coverage areas could be testing trust in its stars. Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Illinois hospitals now on the clock to report policies on dealing with law enforcement, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore to report to prison, Amazon plans Walmart-style big box store in Orland Park, Chicago Tribune sues Perplexity AI as copyright war rages on and a trial date set for Maple & Ash case as more investors try to join lawsuit.


 


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01/09/26: What's causing Chicago's crime decline?
#1389
01/09/2026

Chicago closed out 2025 with a 10-year low in violent crime. But the reason why isn't simple or straightforward. Crain’s contributor Steve Hendershot discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Judge narrows scope of lawsuit over Walgreens' rosy VillageMD claims, Texas ends ABA role in law school approvals as other states may follow suit, Barnes & Noble's expansion rolls on including on State Street and Michelin's expansion of its restaurant guides is testing trust in its stars.


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01/08/26: Banner year for high-end homes
#1388
01/07/2026

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local market, including a recap of a blowout year for Chicago mansions.

Plus: ComEd demands guarantees from data centers and wins, Mayor Johnson's CFO Jaworski leaves City Hall after bruising budget battle, Mondelez to launch creative review for Oreo as new marketing leader steps in and Brookfield's retail division has a new name — its old one.


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01/07/26: Chicago steakhouses shatter the classic mold
#1387
01/06/2026

The city's steakhouse scene is undergoing a cultural revolution. Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Sterling Bay unloads more property near Lincoln Yards; Peoples Gas seeks another rate hike for Chicago heating bills; Rush expands reach with Amazon One Medical partnership; and Midway slips as O'Hare soars, but Southwest plans a rebound.


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01/06/25: Crypto race intensifies in Chicago
#1386
01/05/2026

Crain’s finance reporter Mark Weinraub joins host Amy Guth to review cryptocurrency moves in 2025 and likely themes in the year ahead, including bank and institutional adoption of digital currencies and growth among retail trading customers.

Plus: Trump's Venezuela move sparks sharp divide among area pols, online sports betting lives on in Chicago as tax lawsuit moves ahead, Lakeview apartment tower trades for $57 million and McCormick & Schmick's closes in the Loop.


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12/24/25: Big aviation news to watch in 2026, including O'Hare's revamp
#1385
12/23/2025

Crain’s reporter John Pletz talks with host Amy Guth to review the major aviation industry stories of 2025 and those that are likely to be big themes in the year ahead, including the O’Hare renovation project and tech improvements.

Plus: Mayor Johnson blinks on budget veto and pivots to executive orders, investors tee up $455 million deal for Chicago-area apartment portfolio, Beat Kitchen sues Chicago over Riverwalk contract and Chicago hotels want to tax themselves to supercharge city tourism.


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12/23/25: What shaped health care in 2025 — and what’s ahead
#1384
12/22/2025

Crain’s health care reporter Jon Asplund talks with host Amy Guth to review major health care stories of 2025 and those that could be big themes in the year ahead, including changes to Walgreens and Medline, access to research funding and care, and the evolving role of AI in health care and the role of the state.

Plus: The City Council 2026 budget passed over Mayor Johnson's objections; feds say CTA security plan isn't good enough; apartment investor pays $135 million for West Loop tower; and Pritzker Traubert Foundation names new winner of $10 million Chicago Prize.


Ho...


12/19/25: Chicago's 2026 budget draft, piece by piece
#1383
12/19/2025

Crain's politics reporter Justin Laurence joins host Amy Guth to break down elements of the 2026 Chicago budget disputed in City Hall.

Plus: Friends of the Parks wants a $50 million cut of the South Works quantum revamp, Baker Tilly enters South Florida market with deal for Berkowitz Pollack Brant, MetraMarket retail space up for sale and Lake Forest MBA program to shutter in June due to declining enrollment.


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12/18/25: Plan B for Michael's Jordan's old mansion
#1382
12/17/2025

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss the latest local market news, including the owner of Michael Jordan's former home pitching a new plan for the estate.

Plus: JPMorgan Chase to open Mag Mile flagship catering to affluent clients, Illinois among states suing Trump over $100,000 H-1B visa fee, Winston & Strawn creates new transatlantic law firm with Taylor Wessing merger and report warns northern Illinois just a few years away from electricity shortage.


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12/17/25: Illinois flexes with ACA enrollment deadline
#1381
12/16/2025

Illinois' marketplace has extended its health insurance enrollment deadline for plans starting Jan. 1. Crain’s contributor Jon Asplund discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Chicago dealmaking primed for 2026 uptick as tariff woes ease, Kraft Heinz replaces CEO ahead of split into two public companies, law firm beefs up Wacker Drive office space, DePaul University cuts more than 100 jobs and Portillo's plans to open in the Loop.


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12/16/25: What's next for commercial real estate in Chicago?
#1380
12/15/2025

Crain's commercial real estate reporters Rachel Herzog and Danny Ecker talk with host Amy Guth about the themes that have defined 2025 — including economic uncertainty, office distress, stadium developments and the challenges facing the apartment market — as well as looking ahead to 2026.

Plus: CME adds new crypto futures contracts in push for more retail traders, McKinsey plans thousands of job cuts in consulting industry slowdown, Byline Bank plans stock repurchase as shares hit 12-month high and a food pantry network gets $5 million from a new kind of Endeavor award.


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12/12/25: The forces behind your next meal
#1379
12/13/2025

Crain's reporter Ally Marotti joins host Amy Guth to reflect on trends and themes in the food and beverage industry throughout 2025, including rising costs and shifts in consumer behavior, and what's in store for the year ahead.

Plus: New study says Cook County property tax incentives need a refresh, Pritzker signs controversial "medical aid in dying" bill into law, Enova inks $369 million deal to transform from online lender to bank holding company and philanthropists give $11 million for Lurie Children's rare genetic disease program.


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12/11/25: Rivian elbows into Edens dealership row
#1378
12/10/2025

Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog joins host Amy Guth to discuss recent retail news, including Rivian’s planned dealership in Northbrook, Culver’s coming to the South Loop and Stratford Square Mall’s revamp.

Plus: Judge rules Cook County's tax sale system unconstitutional, holiday spending slowdown squeezes smaller Chicago shops, American Airlines is picking up more O'Hare gates from Spirit and details emerge about the Gibson’s spot opening in Fulton Market.


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12/10/25: Hospital CEOs sound the alarm
#1377
12/09/2025

At a recent Crain’s event, hospital CEOs warned of fraying health care safety nets in the year ahead. Crain’s health care reporter Jon Asplund talks with host Amy Guth about where local health care leaders say they are planning their focus in the year ahead.

Plus: Feds warn CTA to boost policing or lose transit funding, Mars wins unconditional EU nod for $36B Kellanova deal, United Airlines CEO Kirby nets nearly $13M in first big stock sale and GE HealthCare touts slate of new tech plus collaboration with Mayo Clinic.


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12/09/25: What steep discount on State Street retail property signals
#1376
12/08/2025

Another State Street retail property sells at a big discount. Crain’s reporter Rachel Herzog discusses the Loop retail corridor with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Blue Cross parent CEO got a hefty raise in 2024 despite 54% income drop; CME data center outage caused by human error, Cyrus One says; Morningstar to revamp analysis of mutual funds; and Smith family of Northern Trust and ITW gives record-breaking donation to Rush cancer center.


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12/05/25: Another shot for controversial Glenview plan
#1375
12/05/2025

A local developer is reviving and expanding an office-to-warehouses plan in Glenview that fell apart amid opposition from residents. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Mayor Johnson pours cold water on council bloc's alternative budget plan, New York investor buys Orland Park shopping center, Ulta Beauty raises outlook as demand for cosmetics remains robust and Foxtrot is reopening its old Loop location.


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12/04/25: No relief for Chicago homebuyers
#1374
12/03/2025

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local housing market, including the region's shrinking home affordability at every tier.

Plus: Breakaway aldermen offer counter-budget that kills head tax, developer seeks $47 million tax break for Loop office-to-residential project, Streeterville high-rise sale marks priciest local apartment deal since 2023 and Medline to weigh marketing $5 billion IPO.


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12/03/25: Outage uncovers shortcomings in CME system
#1373
12/02/2025

CME Group's recent Aurora data center outage exposed a flaw in the exchange operator’s disaster recovery plan. Crain’s finance reporter Mark Weinraub discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: City asks airlines to rethink terminal construction plans as O'Hare traffic rises, Goldman Sachs to pay $2 billion for ETF issuer Innovator Capital, NU's ex-football coach Pat Fitzgerald hired by Michigan State and a new report says Trump cuts could shrink Illinois economy by $10 billion.


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