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.
07/04/25: Northwestern navigates federal scrutiny
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.
07/03/25: Live like Michael Jordan — for $15,000 a night
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about the local housing market, including how the Highland Park former homes of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen are now on Airbnb.
Plus: Fulton Market landlord defies office market struggle with big refi; CommonSpirit commits $6M to mental health efforts in Chicago; developer buys distressed Oak Brook office complex and plans revamp; and Tempus AI plans $650M note sale to pay down debt.
07/02/25: Ken Griffin’s latest splurge
Citadel's Ken Griffin breaks Sotheby's record with bids for two Civil War-era documents. Crain’s Laura Turbay discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: An audit reveals Chicago blew through a key budget reserve in 2024, Gov. Pritzker selects former deputy governor Christian Mitchell for running mate as Lt. Gov. Stratton raises $1M in U.S. Senate bid, Shore Capital targets food and beverage deals with $450 million fund and a Chicago investor buys Tribune Tower retail space.
07/01/25: A look at Gov. Pritzker's record
Gov. Pritzker’s numbers tell a mixed story of his record so far as he seeks a third term. Crain’s reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Rivian cuts more than 100 salaried jobs in Normal, hospital staffer slams cuts at former Ascension hospitals as Illinois senators step up oversight, a jury awards nearly $60 million in trial over waste-hauling technology and a trading firm is poised to leave its troubled Loop tower home for the Old Post Office.
06/27/25: Where Chicago's restaurateurs are placing their bets
Reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about restaurant business news including Potbelly's turnaround plan, Chicago chefs betting on casino dining, and the first restaurant with direct access to The 606 trail.
Plus: Brandon Johnson faces fresh ethics scrutiny after lobbyist donation, Walgreens beats Wall Street expectations ahead of sale to Sycamore Partners, New York firm buys distressed Wacker Drive tower at massive discount and MCA Chicago announces its next board chair.
06/26/25: Home prices in Chicago keep climbing
Crain’s residential real estate Crain’s reporter Denns Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing market news including how Chicago-area home prices are rising at four times the nation's.
Plus: AI gold rush fuels ComEd crackdown on data center speculators, push for mandatory security cameras puts City Hall at odds with biz and the ACLU, three suburban Mariano's set to close and a lakefront hotel goes up for sale as either a hospitality or a housing bet.
06/25/25: Illinois' research university scientists left reeling
The Trump administration’s federal cuts that have gutted grants threaten the work of Illinois researchers. Crain's contributor Judith Crown talks with host Amy Guth about the potential long-term impacts of such funding cuts.
Plus: Gov. Pritzker to announce he's running for a third term; Ronald McDonald House buys neighboring Streeterville property and eyes expansion; GE HealthCare and Stanford Medicine renew partnership to push total body scanning tech; and McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme end partnership over cost issues.
06/24/25: Oberweis Dairy's 'aggressive' expansion plans
A year ago, Oberweis Dairy was in bankruptcy. Now it's expanding. Reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the ice cream brand’s next chapter. Plus: Northern Trust reportedly approached by Bank of New York Mellon about merger, American Bar Association sues Trump over alleged "intimidation" of law firms, a big West Loop apartment tower up for sale and Berlin Packaging to move HQ to Merchandise Mart.
06/20/25: Changes coming for the top of iconic Chicago tower
A new view is coming to the former John Hancock Center’s old Signature Room space. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: United and other airlines suspend some Middle East flights as tensions rise, McDonald's settles Byron Allen's $10 billion ad discrimination lawsuit, study finds Illinois home insurance rates jump 60% in six years and Jefferson Park staple Gale Street Inn abruptly closes.
06/19/25: Anti-gentrification rules get pushback in City Council
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about the latest local housing news, including two City Council members who want to drop their wards from Chicago's new anti-gentrification ordinance.
Plus: Developers get $69 million construction loan for South Loop tower, local toymakers ask Supreme Court to hear challenge to Trump's global tariffs, Kraft Heinz to remove all artificial dyes by end of 2027 and former Loretto Hospital exec indicted in alleged $300 million COVID test fraud.
06/18/25: Changing winds in gig economy labor fight
The city pulled the plug on a vote to boost pay for rideshare drivers as Uber backs a statewide union push. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: With latest deal, United Center owners cross $100 million in land purchases; Colorado investor nears big discount for LaSalle Street office tower; city taps developer for $48 million Roseland housing and retail project; and Chicago garners two wins at the prestigious James Beard Awards.
06/17/25: Michael Madigan's final chapter
Crain’s reporter John Pletz joins host Amy Guth to discuss the former Illinois House speaker's seven and a half-year sentence.
Plus: City pulls plug on rideshare pay vote as Uber backs statewide union push, public transit agencies begin planning for "doomsday" funding scenario, Texas firm pays $32 million for Near North Side apartments and UChicago spinout raises $4 million to take saliva-based cancer test to market.
06/13/25: You're Chicago's new brand ambassador
Choose Chicago President and CEO Kristen Reynolds talks with host Amy Guth about the city’s new branding campaign and why she believes it's a “new era” for the city.
Plus: Gov. JB Pritzker fires back at D.C. hearing on ICE action, global rare earth fight hits home with Ford plant shutdown in Chicago, University of Chicago gets $25 million from trustee for K–12 education research and YMCA of Chicago taps next CEO.
06/12/25: The North Shore's top home sale of 2025
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss the latest local housing news, including recent activity at the upper end of the market.
Plus: Northwestern announces cuts, cost-saving measures as federal funding freeze hits home; American Bar Association defends role reviewing judges against Trump AG's freeze-out; AMA opposes RFK Jr.'s dismantling of vaccine panel, seeks Senate investigation; and CareerBuilder & Monster plans nearly 400 layoffs.
06/11/25: Illinois colleges feel the funding squeeze
The state's public universities face a crisis as funding fails to keep up with rising costs. Crain’s contributor Judith Crown talks with host Amy Guth about cutbacks at schools around Illinois.
Plus: CoinFlip's billion-dollar ambition is another sign the crypto biz is growing up, Bally's settles suit by white men over Chicago casino stake, more job cuts planned at former Ascension hospitals and Brandon Johnson's COO joins the Obama Foundation.
06/10/25: Could Kraft start getting lean?
Kraft Heinz is reviewing its options as Berkshire Hathaway exits the board. Crain's reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Illinois’ $55.2 billion budget "incomplete," Civic Federation president says; North Aurora warehouse sale shows industrial property strength; Chicago’s new highest-paid CEO; and downtown rents jump as supply pipeline dries up.
06/10/25: Could Kraft start leaning up?
Kraft Heinz is reviewing its options as Berkshire Hathaway exits the board. Crain's reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Illinois’ $55.2 billion budget "incomplete," Civic Federation president says; North Aurora warehouse sale shows industrial property strength; Chicago’s new highest-paid CEO; and downtown rents jump as supply pipeline dries up.
06/06/25: Diners are eating like a recession is coming
From skipping cocktails to splitting meals, recession indicators hit Chicago restaurants. Crain's reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about how the combination of lower foot traffic and reeled-in spending is causing restaurant operators to tweak their strategies.
Plus: Reinsdorf lines up White Sox sale to another Chicago billionaire, McDonald's keeps "core" inclusion programs despite DEI backlash, Northwestern trumpets AI tool that could open up a glaring health care bottleneck and Green Mill building in Uptown is for sale.
06/05/25: Anti-gentrification measure creates stumbling blocks
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth talk news from the local housing market, including about how some buyers and sellers are hitting snags under Chicago's new anti-gentrification ordinance.
Plus: A massive, 20-year deal with Meta throws a lifeline to an Illinois nuclear power plant, Thoma Bravo raises $34.4 billion for technology investments, Trump’s attorney general steps up fight with American Bar Association and a local investor bets on new Ryan Field with Evanston hotel deal.
06/04/25: A downtown stadium project forges ahead
Chicago Fire owner Joe Mansueto revealed his vision for a $650 million soccer stadium in the South Loop. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker talks with host Amy Guth about the latest plans at The 78.
Plus: Lawmakers OK new perks for manufacturers that stick with Illinois, Rivian eyes new debt deal as expected vehicle deliveries slump, distressed State Street building hits market at steep discount and Ascension nears $3.9 billion deal for outpatient centers, including three around Chicago.
06/03/25: Public transit overhaul derailed
What’s next for Chicago transit agencies after a proposed bailout fell apart in Springfield? Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: New taxes on sports bets, nicotine products as Democrats pass $55.2 billion budget; feds recommend 12.5 years of prison time for Michael Madigan, United Airlines is bulking up again at O'Hare; and Blues affiliate launches basic health plan for part-time and seasonal workers.
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05/30/25: Execs acting on tariff, AI fears
Half of C-suite executives say tariff and artificial inteligence anxieties are driving major business decisions. Crain’s reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Ulta tops estimates as beauty demand bucks consumer pullback, GTCR slams FTC in court as it fights to save $627 million deal, Skittles removes controversial additive targeted by RFK Jr. and Art Institute president returns following in-flight misconduct probe.
05/29/25: Chicago home price growth triples the U.S. rate
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin chats with host Amy Guth about news from the local market, including how Chicago home prices are still rising — and faster than almost anywhere else.
Plus: Fitch downgrades Chicago's financial outlook to "negative," Cboe executive steps down weeks after Craig Donohue gets top job, New York firm nears deal to buy Wacker Drive skyscraper, Economic Club picks its next board chair and University of Chicago lands more than $18 million for new institute.
05/28/25: Who's slated to become Chicago's biggest public company?
Crain's latest list may be the final appearance of what has long been the largest public company in the Chicago area. Reporter Jack Grieve talks about this year’s rankings with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Jenner & Block wins ruling blocking Trump’s executive order, court upholds dismissal of AbbVie-Allergan merger suit, Trump Tower to pay $4.8 million to settle Chicago River pollution lawsuit and Beyoncé helps drive Chicago hotel bookings above Messi’s record.
05/23/25: Demand for European summer travel is wobbly
Summer vacation travel to and from Europe looks weak, an ill sign for airlines, Chicago tourism and O’Hare. Crain's reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Investors rescue Lion Electric from bankruptcy but idled Joliet plant will remain dark, pharmas push back as deadline looms for contentious drug discount bill, Bison Gear to lay off 167 workers in St. Charles and Wrigley Field close to landing 2027 All-Star Game.
05/22/25: Dolton wants to seize Pope Leo's home
Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including Dolton's plan to take Pope Leo XIV's childhood home through eminent domain.
Plus: The Red Line extension is now a $5.75 billion gamble for the CTA and taxpayers, Motorola Solutions nears $4.5 billion deal for radio maker Silvus, developer proposes residential redevelopment at Blue Man Group's longtime Lakeview home and Northwestern's Kellogg School launching new program for veterans.
05/21/25: Chicago reverses population slide
The city's population is growing again. Crain’s reporter John Pletz discusses what’s behind the uptick with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Trump officials launch hiring probe after Johnson touts number of Black advisers, Mesirow raises $1.25 billion fund for multifamily real estate investments, LanzaTech is laying off 44 from its Skokie HQ amid clean energy pullback and Lyft revives pooled rides at O'Hare in push for cheaper trips.
5/20/25: Rift between Johnson, City Council allies
Members of the progressive coalition that helped bring Mayor Brandon Johnson to the Fifth Floor worry their movement is stalled. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Pathos raises $365 million in funding round, touts $1.6 billion valuation; higher patient volumes at CommonSpirit don't offset losses; Geico opens corporate hub in Merchandise Mart; and lawmakers seek to reverse Illinois law penalizing companies that boycott Israel.
05/16/25: Bears are back on Arlington Park stadium plan
The Chicago Bears have paused plans for a downtown stadium to focus instead on Arlington Heights. Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Jenner & Block lawyer's security clearance pulled by Trump administration; Kraft Heinz plans $3 billion plant upgrades despite lower profit outlook; another United hub hit by air traffic outage; and with federal action looming, Northwestern hits the gas on lobbying efforts.
05/15/25: Strong start to 2025 for Chicago new home sales
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including insights form the latest Chicago-area new home sales data and not one but two properties with ties to the new pope.
Plus: Pritzker budget team slashes state's revenue forecast by $536 million, City panel OKs subsidy for 400-unit office-to-apartment conversion, Northwestern facing federal civil rights investigation over alleged discrimination and United Center owners revamping arena's upper suites.
05/14/25: Street fests are on the brink
Chicago's street festivals are having an existential crisis. Crain's reporter Ally Marotti explains the growing plight to host Amy Guth.
Plus: Chicago taps Loop Capital founder to fix $1 billion budget hole, U of I's scrapped Discovery Partners Institute project in South Loop to undergo state audit, Hub International lands $29 billion valuation in $1.6 billion round and a mixed-income housing plan for old Cabrini grounds lines up $46 million for final phase.
05/13/25: Johnson touts two years of biz-friendly bona fides
With Brandon Johnson halfway through his first term in office, Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence talks with host Amy Guth about his recent conversation with the mayor reflecting on the last two years.
Plus: Stellantis yanks plans for Belvidere battery plant and parts hub; a Texas investor picks up Arlington Heights shopping center; Northwestern medical school cuts and consolidates research centers, including one focused on equity; and largest U.S. grid operator warns extreme heat risks summer power shortages.
05/08/25: A South Sider runs the Vatican
Chicago’s Robert Prevost made history as Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope. Here's a rundown of how the city's brands and residents reacted in the following days.
Plus: Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence talks with host Amy Guth about the latest chapter in the Lincoln Yards project saga. And, Michael Polsky's Invenergy awards $1.7 billion as part of largest U.S. power line project, McDermott Will & Emery in merger talks with New York law firm and why Chicago street festivals are struggling.
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05/08/25: Home sellers reaching higher with asking prices
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about the latest news form the local housing marketing, including how asking prices for Chicago-area homes hit record highs last month.
Plus: Fed urged to reconsider Capital One's $35 billion deal for Discover, Rivian cuts EV delivery forecast and cites tariffs as hurting demand, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly both enter race for Durbin’s seat, imperiled immigrant health programs reportedly help buoy hospitals, Morningstar will now call out lackluster private investments and Grubhub owner Wonder tops $7 billion valuation in new funding.
05/07/25: Assessing tariff damage for Chicago companies
The local impact from the Trump administration's tariffs is at $1 billion, and that's just counting five local companies so far. Crain’s reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: ADM sees profits at low end of guidance on trade uncertainty; first, United said it wouldn't fly to Newark anymore, then the reason why became clear; Golf Mill shopping center put up for sale amid plans for $440 million overhaul; and Art Institute president takes leave amid in-flight misconduct probe.
05/06/25: Chicago's best restaurants for business dinners and happy hours
Crain's list of the best restaurants offers recs for client dinners, lunch, post-workday drinks with colleagues and even a breakfast meeting option. Reporter Ally Marotti and host Amy Guth discuss about this year’s list and the restaurant group betting big on the Loop with new spots anchored to hotels.
Plus: Gov. Pritzker shuts door on state funding for revised One Central megaproject, a business-backed group raises $10 million in bid to reshape City Hall, Rivian ups its Illinois investment with supplier park and a hotel group warns of travel hit as Trump administration policies chill tourism.
05/02/25: Even restaurant staff trainers are setting up in Fulton Market
A hospitality staffing company is bringing a training hub to Fulton Market. Crain’s restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the new operation and the latest from Chicago's dining scene.
Plus: Casino construction paused after mob-linked hauler flagged, Microsoft drops law firm that cut Trump deal and turns to Chicago's Jenner & Block, Chicago banks double down on one of the hottest parts of the biz and Stephanie Izard opening burger spots in Aurora and Joliet casino food courts.
05/01/25: Cities with highest property taxes clustered in Illinois
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including four Illinois metros appearing at the top of a new list of the highest-taxed cities in the U.S.
Plus: Johnson joins lawsuit seeking to prevent Trump's federal government overhaul; a developer looks to force a vote on $1 billion residential project near planned Bally's casino; Wacker Drive office tower hits the market, setting up a nasty blow for seller; and McDonald's still sees risks to operating in Russia.
04/30/25: Renewed scrutiny on Northwestern president
Northwestern University President Michael Schill was called to Congress for questioning — again. Crain’s higher education reporter Brandon Dupré discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: Judge probes whether Trump retaliated against Jenner & Block, what American Airlines says about its battle with United at O'Hare, Advocate doctors to drop Blue Cross Illinois HMO plan and United Airlines just unveiled its exclusive Polaris lounge makeover.
04/29/25: The best new wine and dine locales for 2025
Restaurants reporter Ally Marotti and host Amy Guth break down Crain’s latest list of Chicago’s new private dining spaces.
Plus: Baxter spinout plants HQ in Deerfield, moving into former Caterpillar office; Mondelez has a lot of work to do if it wants to hit 2025 recycling goal; Sterling Bay seeking buyer for Loop office building as loan deadline looms; and in a legal fight over disputed artwork, judge rules against Art Institute.