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.
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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Eight new restaurants to try this summer
From Roman pizza to New York bagels, Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti and host Amy Guth discuss some of the fresh faces in Chicago's dining scene.
Plus: Larry Snelling is retiring as Chicago’s top cop, lawsuit threatening $184 million Loop office conversion gains traction, Rivian boosts delivery outlook as EV sales top estimates and strip mall near Foundry Park development site trades for $18 million.
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Chicago's home price hot streak reaches 3 months
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest local housing news, including how the Chicago housing market still defies national downswings as prices hit another high.
Plus: West Suburban hospital sends 500 layoff notices as rescue talks roll on, Mariano’s parent Kroger to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion in Midwest push, Stripe signs massive Chicago office lease expansion and Lightfoot claims Bally’s work doesn’t violate revolving door rules.
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Fight over renter protections brewing in City Hall
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s legislation to overhaul the city’s Residential Landlord & Tenant Ordinance faces pushback from local landlords. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Nation’s largest industrial landlord bets $100M on Chicago warehouse demand, AHA taps Massachusetts hospitals exec as next CEO, CME launches new beef contracts as U.S. cattle prices surge and Nuveen doubles down on grocery-anchored retail with $26M Park Ridge purchase.
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Chicago restaurants cash in for World Cup
Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the 82 local spots that have earned national honors for their wine programs and how World Cup crowds are packing bars and restaurants around the city.
Plus: Chicago’s quantum bet starts taking shape on the lakefront, Third Coast Foundry opens San Francisco hub for Midwest startups, Hub International files confidential plans to go public and Illinois farm bankruptcies rise for third straight year.
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A revelation in Chicago parking meter bid
Stonepeak Partners has agreed to pay more than $2.5 billion to take over the remaining decades of Chicago’s parking meter lease, hundreds of millions less than Mayor Brandon Johnson's initial bid before deciding to walk away. Crain's politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Chicago locks in price for first major piece of O’Hare expansion; local firm eyes discount deal for distressed River North office building; Chicago tourism grew in 2025, but city still chasing pre-pandemic high; and world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe is opening in downtown Chicago.
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Bears speculation becomes selling point in Indiana listings
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest local housing news, including northwest Indiana home listings already name-dropping a possible Bears stadium.
Plus: Chicago sues Airbnb, local real estate investor over illegal short-term rentals, Mike Quigley to make mayoral bid official with Saturday kickoff, Hoffmann family taking over Pittsburgh Penguins after NHL approves deal and an office building next to O’Hare hits the market ahead of loan deadline.
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Longtime affordable housing developer looks to unload
Peter Holsten is selling a 17-building portfolio and the firm as he prepares for retirement. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Pritzker wants legislators to take up data centers in the fall, AbbVie to buy immunology drugmaker Apogee for close to $11 billion, Gracias’ Valor to raise $2.5 billion fund amid SpaceX backing and Chicago Fed’s Goolsbee says too-high inflation is "going the wrong way."
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Breaking down Chicago's top earners
Crain’s reporter John Pletz talks with host Amy Guth about Chicago’s highest paid executives, including both CEOs of top local companies and non-CEO leaders.
Plus: The first cracks are showing in Indiana’s Bears stadium plan, distressed West Loop office skyscraper sold at historic discount, real estate data firm CoStar and major brokerages accused of rent-fixing and Midway Airport starts to claw its way back.
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Slow progress on Pope Leo preservation efforts
Efforts to preserve Pope Leo XIV’s Dolton roots are slowly inching forward. Crain’s reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Controversial Fulton Market high-rise gets City Council sign-off, CME sues CFTC as battle over perpetual futures heats up, Blackstone unit reaches $7 million settlement in RealPage price-fixing lawsuit and Fulton Market retail hub aims to give online brands IRL exposure.
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A reversal in fortune for Chicago home listings
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest from the local market, including how Chicago home sellers are poised to profit while pandemic boomtowns face losses.
Plus: CME Group’s Terry Duffy to step down from CEO post next year, Justice Department joins challenge to Evanston’s reparations program, Rivian cuts hundreds of jobs days after launching new EV model and federal appeals court says retrial is on the table for two of the "ComEd Four."
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Chicago’s first skyscraper project since COVID
Law firm Sidley Austin will anchor a new West Loop office skyscraper. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker talks with host Amy Guth about what will be the first new high-rise office building project to kick off downtown since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Plus: Parking meter hearing delayed amid debate over Stonepeak deal, a Chicago startup chasing the quantum holy grail of a better qubit, Walker Sands acquires Atlanta-based consulting firm and one Chicago chef notches win at James Beard Awards.
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West Suburban forced to shut down again
Crain’s healthcare reporter Jon Asplund joins host Amy Guth to discuss West Suburban Medical Center's second forced closure this year and federal prosecutors dropping charges in the $300 million Loretto Hospital fraud case.
Plus: Huntington Bank expands office footprint, bucking Loop downsizing trend; distressed Gold Coast hotel goes up for sale; CFTC considers blocking CME’s 24/7 oil contract bid; and how the FAA’s O’Hare flight cuts could affect your summer travel.
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Fallout from Obama Center construction issues
The Obama Presidential Center was meant to lift up local contractors. Some say they’re paying a high price for the project’s delays and cost overruns. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker talks with host Amy Guth about how some contractors say they’re fighting to collect millions of dollars in unpaid bills.
Plus: Illinois joins states’ challenge to Trump’s anti-DEI contract rules, CME plans to offer 24/7 oil and gold contracts, Prada’s Oak Street flagship building up for sale and Chicago gets one more shot at fixing the parking-meter mess.
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A renewal for Gold Coast housing market
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss the latest local housing news, including the Gold Coast showing signs of a revival with recent high-end home sales.
Plus: Pritzker opens door to new Bears talks, blames team for stadium stumbles; Baker Tilly moving headquarters out of Chicago with acquisition of New York’s Anchin; Magnetar will replace humans with AI bots in new offering; and American Airlines teams up with Google on eco-friendly jet fuel purchase at O’Hare.
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Penny-pinching diners go back to beer
Beer sales have seen a boost at some Chicago restaurants as customers opt out of more expensive cocktails. Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about changes in diner behavior.
Plus: For Chicago suburbs, Bears’ Indiana play presents a new kind of limbo, Monroe Capital enforces 5% redemption cap on private credit fund, GoHealth files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization and Chicago investment adviser charged with fraud in alleged Ponzi scheme.
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What to know ahead of Obama Center's opening
One week away from the Obama Presidential Center's June 19 opening, Crain’s reporter John Pletz previews the museumwith host Amy Guth.
Plus: O’Hare gate shuffle gives American an edge — and trims United’s lead, Foundry Park slated for $202 million in TIF money for roads and parks, Capital One cuts nearly 300 jobs in fourth round of Discover layoffs and Pritzker moves to end data-center incentives.
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Chicago's office-to-apartments wave keeps growing
Another vintage Loop office building has been teed up for residential conversion and a big South Loop apartment complex traded for $104 million. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog talks with host Amy Guth about what's playing out in Chicago's apartments scene.
Plus: Bears vote to advance stadium project in Hammond, but several hurdles remain before a deal could be final; AI data center boom risks breakup of nation’s biggest power grid operator; Ascension completes acquisition of three Chicago-area surgery centers and former Citadel HQ trades at 76% discount from 2006 sale price.
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An 'NFL Draft' for Chicago-area homes
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to discuss the latest local housing news, including Elk Grove Village’s first new subdivision in the 21st century selling to locals first and the plan to phase out county tax-lien sales in Illinois.
Plus: Susana Mendoza launches bid for Chicago mayor, Chicago-area data center tied to CoreWeave raises $900 million in junk-bond sale, developer sells pair of warehouses on former Allstate HQ campus and World Business Chicago names six finalists in competition for city’s next big idea.
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What's next after punt on Bears deal
After the Chicago Bears tax-break plan stalled out in Springfield, the search for a stadium deal continues. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence talks with host Amy Guth about the path forward for the team.
Plus: NASCAR eyes return to downtown Chicago in 2027; California firm nears discount deal for Wacker Drive office tower; Big South Loop apartment complex trades for $104 million; and McDonald’s is testing wings, bigger chicken tenders and AI drive-thrus.
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Bears bill collapse in Springfield
The Chicago Bears’ tax-break plan died in the final stretch of the spring legislative session, clouding the team's future in Illinois.
Plus: Crain’s healthcare reporter Jon Asplund talks with host Amy Guth about a company making a big bet on Chicago as a biotech hub. And, West Suburban remains in current CEO’s hands amid legal fight over shuttered hospital; Springfield delays swipe fee law for second time after bankers push back; and beer sales are up at some Chicago restaurants as diners opt out of more expensive cocktails.
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Mixed success for CTA development plan
The South and West sides of Chicago are gaining more CTA-area development, but gaps still persist. Crain’s reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Trump Tower lands first retail tenant more than 17 years after opening, Mag Mile office tower extends run of downtown distress, FTC chair says agency is probing fertilizer industry over price hikes and a luxury steakhouse is set to open in the old Esquire Theater.
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Buyers' ferocity propels home prices here
Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth talk the latest news from the local market, including how high demand is pushing Chicago-area home prices to record levels.
Plus: University of Chicago spinout bets $55 million on city as Midwest biotech hub, abortion advocates urge additional reproductive health support from Illinois, Northwest suburban apartments sell for $23 million and a Fulton Market development site next to shuttered Time Out food hall hits the market.
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