Crain's Daily Gist

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.     

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sen. Dick Durbin's retirement announcement has begun what could be a massive generational shift in Illinois politics. Crain's political columnist Greg Hinz discusses with host Amy Guth.Plus: Despite strong start to 2025, banks cast wary eye as tariff threats loom, American Bar Association cuts 300 jobs after Justice Department pulls grant funding, Oak Brook investor seizing shuttered Northbrook Crowne Plaza hotel and Bears confront their Soldier Field landlord as they scope out Arlington Park move.

Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including counties suing Illinois over delinquent tax sales the Supreme Court calls unconstitutional.Plus: Durbin not seeking re-election, Chicago developer set to buy riverfront office building from Sam Zell estate, Capital One profit climbs 10% as credit-card spending increases, Exelon CEO says clean energy no longer tops agenda for utilities, and with growing list of Trump suits, Illinois AG seeks $15 million budget bump. 

A Loop office tower developer is planning a restaurant on Randolph. Crain's reporter Ally Marotti talks about the move with host Amy Guth.Plus: Bears' Arlington Heights stadium push hits "significant milestone," Baker Tilly merging with Moss Adams to create sixth-biggest U.S. accounting firm, developer pitches 30-story apartment tower for Fulton Market site and Thoma Bravo buys Boeing digital businesses for $10.6 billion.

Jenner & Block is fighting the Trump administration's bid to shut down the firm's lawsuit, calling the executive order against it "patently unconstitutional." Crain's law reporter Mark Weinraub discusses with host Amy Guth.Plus: Fed's Goolsbee warns against curbing central bank independence; Abbott to add 200 Illinois jobs, expand U.S. manufacturing as tariffs loom; Linden shoots past target with $5.4 billion health care buyout fund; revamped Fulton Market property portfolio up for sale; and Rainbow Cone set to open on "Street of Treats" near Millennium Park.

How people buy cosmetics is changing. Crain's retail reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about how Chicago-based Ulta is trying to keep up.Plus: Northwestern to keep bankrolling research despite $790 million federal funding freeze, Lincoln Yards lender "as patient as we need to be" on stalled megaproject, FDA's baby formula research in Illinois gutted after RFK Jr. safety pledge and the tariff-fueled market retreat cost Chicago's pensions $1 billion.

Chicago's largest law firm has no formal agreement backing the deal it reached with the Trump administration. Crain's reporter Mark Weinraub and host Amy Guth discuss why the deals with Big Law are nowhere to be found.Plus: Durbin pushes to save DOJ's Chicago antitrust office from chopping block, Chicago names a City Hall vet as acting aviation commissioner, Raoul joins state AGs urging Congress to break up pharmaceutical middlemen and new stores slated for shuttered Dom's in Old Town, Whole Foods in River North.

O'Hare International Airport ranked among the busiest U.S. airports last year, despite still lagging pre-pandemic traffic levels. Crain's reporter Pawan Naidu discusses the data with host Amy Guth.Plus: Ariel execs departing with buyouts as firm resets amid market upheavals, Chicago brokerage R.J. O'Brien acquired for $900 million, New York investor pays $170 million for Fulton Market apartments and University of Chicago gets $100 million gift for business school.

Low space demand is no problem for Chicago-area warehouse owners. Crain's commercial real estate reporter Denny Ecker and host Amy Guth discuss why.Plus: ADM quits China domestic crop trading, adding to global job cuts; Scott Kirby gets a big pay bump at United Airlines; CME sells OSTTRA, its joint venture with S&P Global, to KKR in $3.1 billion deal; DOJ bans staffers from ABA activities; and a look at Crain's list of the Chicago area's 100 largest privately held companies.

The head of Chase Business Banking says U.S. economic strength is outweighing President Donald Trump's tariffs, at least for now. Crain's finance reporter Mark Weinraub discusses with host Amy Guth.Plus: Pritzker called to testify on Illinois' immigrant policy in D.C.; empty former Aon campus sold at 96% discount; Goolsbee says tariffs present a stagflationary shock for the Fed; Outcome Health founders, free on bail, appeal fraud convictions; and DoorDash partners with Coco for food delivery robots.

Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about top stories including the potential impact of tariffs on the Chicago housing market. Plus: Who's up and who's down as the city's aviation team reshuffles O'Hare gates, Bally's parent makes a play to bail out Australian casino operator, Sterigenics finalizes $30.9 million settlement in Willowbrook emissions cases and the Trump administration freezes $790 million in federal funds for Northwestern.

With Sterling Bay surrendering a section of Lincoln Yards, what will happen next? Crain's commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker discusses the latest on the megaproject with host Amy Guth.Plus: Why Johnson's industrial zoning plans are giving the business community heartburn, Walgreens tops profit estimates as it heads toward private ownership, Capital One-Discover deal waved ahead by antitrust officials and former Northwestern football players settle with university over hazing lawsuits.

Giordano's new CEO is eyeing an expansion and a digital overhaul. Crain's reporter Brandon Dupre talks with host Amy Guth about the pizza chief's company vision and about Michelin-starred Moody Tongue's new tasting menu.Plus: United Airlines makes a play for O'Hare's road warriors, Microsoft pulls back on data centers from Chicago to Jakarta, Illinoisans on Forbes' latest billionaires list and new Choose Chicago CEO embraces "challenge" of marketing the city.

Despite the first quarter often being the slowest time for Chicago's dining scene, Crain's reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about seven Chicago restaurants that have opened since January.Plus: Market value down billions for Chicago's largest public companies after Trump administration tariff announcement; workers say unsanitary practices persist at Abbott formula factory whose shutdown led to mass shortages; Foxtrot's rebirth has the backing of a Pritzker; and The Art Institute returned a sculpture to Nepal but obscured its connection to a wealthy donor.

Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about the local housing market, including a report that shows how home prices here have changed in 25 years.Plus: Report finds Illinois home insurance premiums jump 50% in three years; Fitch downgrades Bally's, citing 'execution risk' at Chicago casino; Rahm Emanuel returns to investment banking; and Linden Capital closes new health care fund with $400 million.

Crain's politics reporter Justin Laurence talks with host Amy Guth about details of the tentative contract agreement between Chicago Public School and the Chicago Teachers Union.Plus: Discover ups CEO's pay as it looks to close Capital One deal, Lakeview property up for sale as senior housing to rentals conversion, SEC drops crypto trading case against Don Wilson's firm and Northwestern details progress in combating antisemitism on campus.

Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about how lunch business is faring for downtown restaurants.Plus: Sterling Bay surrendering part of Lincoln Yards to lender, United's first Starlink-equipped plane will take flight in May, Downers Grove landlord inks new lease and fights to save part of complex from distress and a 'significant' donation will fund upgrade for Lurie Children's ER data science.

Jenner & Block sued the Trump administration over an executive order that would hinder a key piece of its practice. Crain's contributing reporter Steven Strahler discusses with host Amy Guth.Plus: Pritzker leads trade mission to Mexico, Rivian spins out startup focused on "micromobility" EVs, developers kick off work at Loop office-to-apartments conversion and Illinois EV sales surged, fueled by incentives.

Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news including a Gold Coast long-vacant 'phantom building' sold to condo developer and Chicago home price growth more than doubled the national rate in February. Plus: Jenner & Block latest law firm to be targeted by Trump; Boeing reportedly seeks to withdraw 737 Max guilty plea deal; Walgreens settles long-running kickback lawsuit for $5M; and United hikes airport lounge fees in bid to curb overcrowding.

Crain's health care reporter Katherine Davis talks with host Amy Guth about the latest news from the local health scene, including innovations from a Northwestern wearable sensor tech spinout.Plus: Stellantis offers buyouts, retirement incentives to workers in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio; Evanston hedge fund Magnetar has a huge stake in one of Wall Street's most anticipated IPOs;  a big downtown office tenant that isn't cutting back on space; and Crain's newest list ranks Chicago's largest wealth management firms.

Bargain-hunting investors could reshape the future of the heart of the city. Crain's commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker discusses with host Amy Guth.Plus: Chicago transit "doomsday scenario" comes into focus as region faces up to $2.6 billion in economic losses, Fed's Goolsbee sees transitory inflation from one-time tariffs, Trump Organization sued over alleged malfeasance at Chicago tower and Abbott gets green light for clinical trials of new heart treatment system.

Chicago's boutique retail corridors are thriving. Crain's retail reporter Ally Marotti and host Amy Guth discuss what's fueling them.Plus: Developer pitches 26-story hotel near Obama Presidential Center, Illinois sues EPA and Citibank for release of $20 billion for clean energy projects, Centrust Bank parent acquired by SmartBiz in $31.5 million deal and insurers are fleeing California but a Chicago upstart is running toward the market.

Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including the NAR taking a hit in a new survey, a West Garfield Park builder's vision for an ecosystem of improvement vision and more.Plus: Where consumers spent money as Chicago-area retail sales rose almost 5% last year, Blackstone facing $346 million foreclosure at River North office building, Gold Coast's distressed Ambassador Chicago hotel finds a rescuer and remote software firm Nerdio gets $1.2 billion valuation in $500 million equity round.

Crain's restaurants and retail reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the return of one of Chicago's most famed restaurants and the latest sweet having a moment in the local food scene.Plus: NASCAR loses another major sponsor of its Chicago Street Race, Walgreens chair reportedly doubling down his stake in Sycamore deal, Salesforce Tower Chicago developers refinancing with massive loan and LaSalle Network names its next CEO.

Crain's health care reporter Katherine Davis talks with host Amy Guth about the latest news from Chicago's health scene, including 13 hospitals around northern Illinois earning high marks in the latest list of patient safety rankings.Plus: Chan Zuckerberg, Portal, P33 add space at Fulton Labs; Cindy Pritzker, family matriarch who put her own stamp on the city, dies at 101; private security firm laying off 300 local workers; and Chicago wants city contractors to share in budget pain.

At a recent Crain's event, Illinois university leaders showed a united front as President Donald Trump's threats to crack down on higher education loom. Crain's education reporter Brandon Dupré discusses with Amy Guth.Plus: Sterling Bay moving Fulton Market HQ; in remarks to teachers union, Gov. Pritzker lashes out at Trump's education cuts; according to census data, the Chicago metro area and Cook County are growing again; plans for Lakeview hotel focused on LGBTQ+ community move forward.

Crain's commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog talks with host Amy Guth about news from around the market, including the latest on two Mag Mile and Rush Street retail corridors, an investor pitch for office-to-residential conversion for the Pittsfield Building and more.Plus: Johnson's labor liaison to leave City Hall, first startups chosen for Northwestern-Techstars accelerator, "private IPO" could value Chicago's Hub International at $30B, McDonald's beefs up C-suite to speed innovation and an iconic Chicago hot dog spot is expanding with a California location.

Uber made a peace deal with a powerful union, threatening talks over a city rideshare ordinance. Crain's politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth.Plus: RFK Jr. gives food companies an ultimatum to remove artificial dyes, United Airlines moves to blunt the effects of Trump administration's DOGE initiative, Skokie hotel developer hit with $24 million foreclosure lawsuit, Chicago added as host city for Premier League's summer series and Michelle Obama starts podcast with her brother.

Crain's health care reporter Katherine Davis discusses the Walgreen-Sycamore take-private deal and what it means for the Deerfield-based pharmacy giant.Plus: Cboe plans options product for traders wary of stocks concentration risk, United begins installing Elon Musk's Starlink Wi-Fi in its planes, Mondelez turns to new SEC guidance to quiet call for Russia transparency, and the return of Charlie Trotter's.

That martini isn't just there to entice — it's a statement from the restaurant. Crain's reporter Ally Marotti discusses host Amy Guth.Plus: Mag Mile retail space up for sale; Gotion set to start production, ramp up hiring in Manteno; online payments company Stripe doubles Chicago footprint; and leases for nearly 800 Joann properties, 17 around Chicago, set for auction.

Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from around the local housing market, including how the next big piece of Michigan City's pivot to resort town is underway and seven Chicago buildings in need of a rescue.Plus: Mayor Brandon Johnson says sanctuary city law keeps Chicago safer in high-profile House testimony, the Justice Department files to join legal challenge to Illinois nonprofit diversity law, the Art Institute returns a stolen sculpture to Nepal, and Elgin-based Middleby is spinning off its food processing business.

Crain's contributor Dan McGrath joins host Amy Guth to discuss the changing landscape of college ball, from the flood of NIL cash to the many roster moves it brings.Plus: As Trump tariffs move from threat to reality, some Chicago industries brace for the impact; private-equity firm closes in on acquisition of Walgreens; GSA moves to close some SEC regional offices, including Chicago's; and NASCAR returns to Chicago with reduced concert lineup and ticket prices.