Crain's Daily Gist

Crain’s 2025 list of the best places to work puts the spotlight on 100 Chicago-area companies that are offering workers the benefits, perks and support they need to thrive. Crain’s assistant managing editor for special projects Ann Weiler talks about this year’s list with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Developers line up $96 million in financing for West Loop apartment tower, Rivian recalls more than 24,000 vehicles over highway assist software fix, Merchandise Mart lands new lease with health care consultancy and Cboe leans into crypto in latest bid to woo retail traders.

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local market, including  jittery homebuyers walking away from their contracts and new data on Fritz Kaegi's property tax assessments.

Plus: PsiQuantum raises $1 billion to help fund Chicago quantum computer, Potbelly to be acquired by convenience store chain in $566 million deal, Supreme Court to weigh Trump tariffs in case tied to Chicago toymakers and Fire South Loop soccer stadium wins alderman's blessing — if Sox stay away.

Illinois is considering moving ahead independently on vaccines as longstanding federal immunization expertise is dismantled. Crain’s contributor Jon Asplund discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Bears CEO invokes Super Bowl in latest bid to gain support for move to Arlington Heights, developers sue Loop tower owner over office-to-residential plan, Kin Insurance raises another $50 million for push into high-risk markets and Chicago medtech startup adds mHub and Endeavor Health to $10 million seed round.

The Department of Homeland Security says its Chicago immigration crackdown, which many anticipated for weeks, has begun. Crain’s reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Chicago Fed chief wants inflation data before making rate call, Chicago investor sells Park Forest apartments for $23 million, ex-Mayer Brown attorneys launch Akin Gump's Chicago office and Northwestern first to integrate Tempus' AI assistant into health records system.

Crain’s education reporter Brandon Dupré talks with host Amy Guth about Northwestern University President Michael Schill’s resignation amid blowback from the Trump administration.

Plus: Citadel's former Loop office tower HQ goes up for sale, Madison Dearborn buys NFP wealth businesses back from Aon for $2.7 billion, Chicago e-commerce platforms combine to create $3.5 billion firm and the Vatican picks two Chicagoans to open the first restaurant at the Pope's summer estate.

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss the latest news from the local housing market, including a suburb ranked as the safest and wealthiest town in the U.S. for the second year in a row and the rehab of an East Garfield Park mansion aiming to spotlight to city’s West Side.

Plus: Pritzker says Texas Guard is prepping for Chicago posting as Trump vows federal action, Ulta raises sales outlook in signal of consumer strength, Advocate becomes latest health system to halt gender-affirming care for minors and McDonald's CEO says...

With its purchase and breakup of Walgreens Boots Alliance finalized, Sycamore Partners has installed a new CEO. Crain's contributor Jon Asplund talks with host Amy Guth about the future of the now-private retail pharmacy giant.

Plus: Kraft Heinz to split into two separate public companies, judge rules Trump's L.A. troop deployment violated federal law, Johnson signs order to brace for potential immigration crackdown, downtown apartment rents continue to climb with little being built and Grubhub settles false advertising class action for $7 million.

The University of Chicago is laying off staff and making budget cuts, while growing legal costs are weighing on Northwestern. Crain’s education reporter Brandon Dupré talks with host Amy Guth about the latest struggles for Chicago's prestige universities.

Plus: With takeover complete, Walgreens' private equity owner installs Staples execs in top jobs, Capital One laying off 215 at former Discover headquarters in Riverwoods, Naperville apartments trade for $136 million in highest-priced suburban sale of 2025 and Chicago Amtrak routes see fastest ridership growth in the nation.

A federal shakeup of SNAP will mean more stress on food distribution around Illinois. Crain’s contributor Judith Crown discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: UIC medical school under congressional scrutiny in antisemitism probe, Trump team is weighing options to extend influence to Fed banks, U.S. attorney's Chicago office launches health care fraud unit and developer buys Gold Coast site for $39 million.

Developers redrawing plans for the northern portion of the former Lincoln Yards site have shared more details on the project. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Thoma Bravo strikes $2 billion software deal as private equity rebounds, DOJ demands all Illinois voter data by Labor Day, local investors buy distressed River North office building and Waterton lists big South Loop apartment complex.

CME Group is pushing the boundaries of retail trading with its FanDuel venture. Crain’s finance reporter Mark Weinraub discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Trump calls Chicago a "killing field" as report says Pentagon drew up National Guard plan, double-digit rate hikes in store for Illinois ACA plans next year, FTC says GTCR's Surmodics buy would harm medical device market and Chicago business schools lean into AI as job market evolves.

Rosebud Restaurant Group is staging a renaissance. Crain's reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the group's revival and a possible second act for Greektown.

Plus: Trump signals Chicago's next up for D.C.-style National Guard deployment, developers reveal new Foundry Park details at former Lincoln Yards site, Northwestern and fired coach Pat Fitzgerald reach settlement, CME pushes the boundaries of retail trading with FanDuel bet and Navy Pier seeks ideas to revamp eastern end.

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to discuss news from the local housing market, including the sales of Ernest Hemingway's newlywed apartment in the Gold Coast and a South Shore home with ties to the Manhattan Project.

Plus: NASCAR will return to Chicagoland Speedway in July 2026, Vernon Hills apartment complex fetches $100 million, priciest suburban sale of 2025; lender seizing distressed hotel in Loop tower set for conversion; and nurses sue Endeavor Health alleging wage theft and dangerous understaffing.

Work is underway on the new $730 million concourse at O’Hare, the first of three major projects remaining that are part of a major upgrade and expansion of the airport’s terminals. Crain’s aviation reporter John Pletz discusses the project with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Sterling Bay puts its only finished Lincoln Yards building up for sale, CPS seeks $1 billion of short-term debt as cash gone, Pritzker Private Capital raises $3.4 billion for latest fund and historic church turned event venue on West Loop's edge is for sale.

Mayor Brandon Johnson's plan to push out the current zoning board chair has sparked independence concerns from City Council. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Work begins on $730 million O'Hare concourse, Pritzker signs toxic-tort bill that biz groups fear will open door to more lawsuits, Chicago developer buys River North loft office building and Bally's falls far short of $250 million casino stock sale target.

President Donald Trump has hinted at reviving the pot industry’s rescheduling hopes. Crain’s cannabis reporter John Pletz talks with host Amy Guth about the potential impact on local big players in the cannabis industry.

Plus: South Loop residents weigh in on Chicago Fire stadium plan, Northwestern Memorial plans $96.5 million project to expand and bridge ICUs, Deere plunges as struggling farmers delay machinery rebound and unions rally at Jesse Brown after report shows VA hospitals' worsening staff shortages and a separate report shows physician pay declines despite rising workloads.

Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss the latest from the local housing market, including a Frank Lloyd Wright home in the architect's Oak Park epicenter that’s for sale and how Chicago State hopes to make a college town out of 95th Street.

Plus: Gotion to start making EV batteries in Manteno next month, CIBC names new U.S. head amid exec shakeup, AbbVie plans $195 million expansion of North Chicago plant in U.S. production push and lawsuit alleges Lettuce Entertain You staged a "corporate coup."

Two experiential venues are coming to the Mag Mile. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog joins host Amy Guth to discuss a growing trend on North Michigan Avenue.

Plus: Johnson, firefighters reach tentative deal after four-year standoff; Trump trades barbs with Pritzker hinting at a D.C.-style police takeover in Chicago; nearly 6,500 providers reject $2.8 billion Blue Cross antitrust deal; and Northwestern and UChicago both named in price inflation conspiracy lawsuit.

Federal job and spending cuts around Chicago are expected to lead to a cooler economy, while some still on the job are bracing for more uncertainty. Crain's contributor Judith Crown talks with host Amy Guth about the effects of federal workforce reductions and how the cuts land across race and gender.

Plus: Pritzker won't rule out a presidential run; Bears make changes to board and push Arlington Heights stadium, but Springfield remains an obstacle; ADM expects biofuel mandate to spark profit rebound; and a torrent of bogus papers threatens to drown legit science, Northwestern researchers warn.

Mayor Brandon Johnson said city and state finances are at a "point of no return" and imposed hiring limits as his finance team considers a list of politically risky tax moves to plug a $1 billion budget gap. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: PepsiCo division leases space at logistics hub on former Allstate campus, Weiss Memorial Hospital closes after getting cut from Medicare and Medicaid, US Foods urges Performance Food to engage in merger talks and Portillo's hits speed bump in Texas expansion.

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss the latest news from the local housing market, including the bad week downtown Chicago's condo market just had.

Plus: Brandon Johnson says city and state finances are at a "point of no return;" RTA warns fare hikes are coming, one way or another; ADM expects biofuel mandate to spark profit rebound; the Merchandise Mart hits the market as owner Vornado eyes N.Y.-only portfolio; and retailer Claire's files bankruptcy for U.S. operations.

A rebound is underway for retail on North Michigan Avenue, but slowly and not everywhere. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: S&P warns Chicago that pension cost-hike to pressure budget, Buffett's Berkshire hit with $3.8 billion Kraft Heinz charge, law firm ArentFox Schiff slashing Willis Tower footprint with lease extension and Rivian sues Ohio over direct-sales ban that exempts EV rival Tesla.

Northwestern University faculty members are urging the school's president not to strike a deal with the Trump administration. Crain’s education reporter Brandon Dupré discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Gov. Pritzker signs bill that boosts Chicago police and firefighter pensions, tractor makers warn tariffs will raise machinery prices for farmers worldwide,
Mag Mile's retail rebound slowly begins and AMA decries CDC's move to cut experts out of panels that develop vaccine policy.

The city’s restaurant industry is showing signs of stress. Crain’s Forum editor Cassandra West talks with host Amy Guth about the sector’s many migraines.

Plus: Chicago stands to win — and lose — in the rail industry’s first coast-to-coast merger, AbbVie raises guidance as key drugs and pipeline deals boost growth, Illinois co-leads states’ lawsuit against Trump administration’s transgender care crackdown and M&M’s owner is helping a premium chocolatier crack the U.S. market, starting in Chicago.

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest news from the local housing market, including home prices hitting record highs all over the map here in part because of a tight inventory and a lack of new homes, of which Chicago is dead last among major U.S. metros.

Plus: Johnson revives head tax talk as City Hall stares down $1 billion shortfall, Mondelez reiterates guidance as earnings beat estimates, electronic trading firm eyes new West Loop office after foiled lease talks and United Airlines flight attendants reject higher-paying contract.

Farmer's Fridge is keeping its foot on the gas after doubling its locations in recent years. Crain’s reporting intern Laura Turbay discusses the Chicago startup's plans for expansion with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Two Chicago hospitals rank among nation's 20 best in annual report, GTCR buying marketing software firm FMG Suite in private-equity deal, Penny Pritzker warns Trump cuts threaten U.S. in global tech race, watching a Cubs game on Comcast is about to get pricier.

Planned Parenthood of Illinois has named a new CEO as financial pressure on the nonprofit provider keeps building. Crain’s contributor Jon Asplund discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Chicago wins dismissal of Trump suit over sanctuary city policy, jury sides with CME in $2.1 billion class action by former pit traders, former Loop W hotel goes up for sale and O'Hare closing in on passenger traffic record after years of recovery.

Wrigley Field will host the MLB All-Star Game in 2027, marking a return of the Mid-Summer Classic to the North Side after a 37-year absence. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence talks with host Amy Guth about how Chicago is preparing for an event comparable to a major convention.

Plus: Mayor Johnson rules out property tax hike in 2026 budget; NASCAR wants to revive the Chicagoland Speedway; Sterigenics reaches $34 million settlement on more Willowbrook emissions claims; and Michael McClain, longtime Madigan adviser, sentenced to 2 years in prison on 'ComEd Four' charges

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss news from the local housing market, including including realtors going on the offensive over a plan to rescue the CTA with real estate taxes.

Plus: Chicago CFO says property tax hike likely in 2026 budget package, Northern Trust denies holding merger talks with Bank of New York Mellon, NASCAR names new city for 2026 street race and AI boom drives power costs to new record on biggest U.S. grid.

Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest with Sterling Bay as the developer nears a deal to buy Boeing's West Loop office tower and looks to sell property next to the site for its embattled Lincoln Yards megaproject.

Plus: Former ComEd CEO sentenced to two years in prison for Madigan bribery scheme, Streeterville hotel sold to local investor at discount, Chicago firm picks up riverfront office building on the cheap and plans $50 million revamp, and CDW cuts more workers in fourth round of layoffs over two years.

NASCAR isn’t coming back to Chicago in 2026, but it's keeping the door open for 2027. Crain’s reporter Jack Grieve discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Justice Department appeals Jenner & Block's win in fight with Trump, Sterling Bay nears deal to buy Boeing's West Loop office tower, Rivian seating supplier will set up facility in Normal and Cresco Labs to sell off California facilities amid cannabis industry struggles.

Chicago is poised to win in the age of AI. Crain’s technology reporter John Pletz joins host Amy Guth to explain.

Plus: As new tariffs loom, United shrugs while Abbott braces for a hit; LanzaJet expects to start running world’s first ethanol-to-jet fuel plant soon; Rivian picks Atlanta for East Coast HQ as $6 billion Georgia plant nears; and Rush and UChicago Medicine both pause gender-affirming therapies for minors.

Crain's reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about new Chicago restaurants with family roots and more restaurant moves from former Bear Israel Idonije.

Plus: Mendoza teases 2027 mayoral run as she exits comptroller stage, Delta adds first nonstop between O'Hare and LAX, downtown Wheaton apartment development lands $124 million in financing and fast-casual chicken restaurant Zaxbys is coming to Chicago.

As the ADA turns 35, some Chicago architects, designers and officials are working to expand accessibility beyond what the law requires. Crain’s assistant managing editor Cassandra West discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: Pritzker signs executive order to analyze tariff impact on Illinois; Chicago transit's $771 million fiscal cliff could shrink because of extra sales tax; BlackRock marks Chicago milestone with new office and plans to grow; and John Hooker, first of "ComEd Four" to be sentenced, gets 1.5 years in prison.

Kraft Heinz reportedly plans to break itself up a decade after the megamerger that formed the packaged-food giant. Crain's consumer products reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth.

Plus: FCC greenlights T-Mobile's $4.4 billion U.S. Cellular acquisition, U.S. Foods in talks to acquire rival distributor, Boston battery startup is moving to Fulton Market and a developer eyes Ford City Mall demolition and new warehouse project.

Two Chicago deep-dish chains want to expand nationally. Crain’s restaurants reporter Brandon Dupré talks with host Amy Guth about their plans and economic factors in the pizza business.

Plus: Walgreens shareholders approve private-equity buyout, Ferrero is buying WK Kellogg in $3.1 billion deal, developers reveal new "scaled down" plan for Lincoln Yards site and new owner of Wacker Drive tower floats hotel conversion plan.

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss the latest news from the local market, including record-breaking sales in Chicago's higher housing tier and Cook County’s push for affordable modular homes.

Plus: Office demand freefall resumes as downtown vacancy reaches a new record high, Rivian's micro-EV spinoff valued at $1 billion, Blue Cross parent renames Medicare offerings following Cigna deal and CME debates the meaning of "trading floor" as $2 billion trial gets underway.

Looking to woo value-hungry customers, some Chicago restaurant operators are dropping $20 cocktails. Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks about the latest hospitality pivot with host Amy Guth. Plus: NASCAR is negotiating with city officials on its Chicago return, Notre Dame loses protection from endowment tax in GOP bill, Monroe Capital invests $100 million in NFS Capital and American Airlines goes back to court to stop gate shuffle at O'Hare.

CME Group faces former pit traders as its $2 billion trial gets underway. Crain’s finance reporter Mark Weinraub talks with host Amy Guth about the trial that will decide if traders will be compensated for the shift to screen-based trading.

Plus: Baxter names a new CEO, Ald. Walter Burnett in the running to lead the Chicago Housing Authority, BlackRock to buy real estate firm with $7.3 billion in assets and Chicago area ranks among nation's most expensive rental markets.

Northwestern’s president is set to again appear in front of Congress this summer. Crain’s reporter Brandon Dupre talks with host Amy Guth about the university and other higher ed institutions in the crosshairs of the Trump administration and congressional Republican leaders.

Plus: Pritzker signs bill cracking down on pharmacy benefit managers, CBRE lures office leasing team from its new Chicago landlord, Rivian slows EV output to prep for model change and optimism among Illinois business leaders takes a nosedive.