Crain's Daily Gist

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.