Crain's Daily Gist

By Crain's Chicago Business

What's Crain's Daily Gist about?

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. Presented by Wintrust.

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Crain's Daily Gist episodes:

05.17.2024
05/20/24: The new restaurants you should know
Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the best new spots for lunch, dinner or drinks downtown. Plus: Chicago won't give up nearly $50 million it's owed under Bears proposal, United Airlines says FAA has lifted operational...
05.15.2024
05/16/24: Downtown Chicago's big condo chill
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local housing market, including sellers facing the reality of a downtown condo slump while other luxury markets soar. Plus: Museum of Science & Industry finally...
05.14.2024
05/15/24: How Johnson has wielded power so far
One year into his mayorship, Brandon Johnson touts he's built inroads with Chicago's business community. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence and host Amy Guth recap his time in office up to now and look ahead at headwinds awaiting him in...
05.13.2024
05/14/24: The City Club's new look
With new leadership, a more diverse board and the lifting of the governor's freeze-out, the City Club of Chicago has a new lease on life. Crain's political columnist Greg Hinz talks with host Amy Guth about how the public affairs...
05.10.2024
05/13/24: Heightened tensions on Chicago campuses
Congress has called on Northwestern University President Michael Schill to testify amid calls for his ouster. Crain’s education reporter Brandon Dupré talks with host Amy Guth about the situations on Northwestern and other Chicago university campuses over the Israel-Hamas war. Plus:...
05.08.2024
05/09/24: A 'compact luxury' home experiment
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including a big idea behind a little house, how low mortgage rates factor into the job market and more. Plus: Legalizing video...
05.07.2024
05/08/24: Seeking a $20 billion quantum-computing campus
The state of Illinois is closing in on what it believes could be the biggest technology project in state history: a $20 billion quantum-computing campus. Crain's reporter John Pletz discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Congress calls on Northwestern University president...
05.06.2024
05/07/24: Duly Health's financial outlook
Following layoffs and compensation cuts, Moody's downgraded Duly Health & Care for "deteriorating" performance. Crain's health care reporter Katherine Davis talks with host Amy Guth about the private-equity-backed physicians group's financial outlook. Plus: Airlines and City Hall reach agreement on O'Hare...
05.03.2024
05/06/24: CTA takes another hit
The embattled Chicago Transit Authority is taking another hit from Springfield, this time from a bill that would dramatically change the face of mass transit around the city and who controls it. Crain's political columnist Greg Hinz discusses the issue...
05.01.2024
05/02/24: How Rockford became a housing hotbed
Small Midwestern cities dominated the latest list of hot home markets, with Rockford at the top. Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin explains the phenomenon to host Amy Guth. Plus: The impact of rescheduling marijuana, Walgreens stock lashed, Loop office...
04.30.2024
05/01/24: ShotSpotter's competition gets in line
Another gunshot detection company is looking for a way in with the city. Crain’s politics reporter Leigh Giangreco and host Amy Guth discuss ShotSpotter’s uncertain fate in Chicago. Plus: Peeling back the sticker price on Bears stadium reveals even more costs,...
04.29.2024
04/30/24: The Bears' flashy, and costly, stadium play
The Chicago Bears are angling for a large cut of revenue from events under their new stadium plan. Crain’s reporters Danny Ecker and Justin Laurence talk with host Amy Guth about the team’s proposed vision for its reimagined lakefront home. Plus:...
04.26.2024
04/29/24: The sudden flameout of Foxtrot and Dom's
Crain's retail reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the abrupt closure of Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen & Market. Plus: Bears angling for huge cut of cash-flow pie at new stadium — including concerts; Walgreens launches gene, cell therapy...
04.24.2024
04/25/24: A low point for home affordability in Chicago
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local housing market, including how affordability here is the lowest it’s been in at least 17 years. Plus: Foxtrot and Dom's facing lawsuit one day...
04.23.2024
04/24/24: A sudden surge for labor
Crain’s reporters Katherine Davis and Brandon Dupré talk with host Amy Guth about local labor movements in the worlds of health care, academia, and arts and culture. Plus: At O'Hare, senators sound an optimistic note despite earlier turbulence; Reinsdorf offers to...
04.22.2024
04/23/24: Humira's hold on the market loosens
AbbVie's Humira dam is beginning to crack. Crain’s health care reporter Katherine Davis talks with host Amy Guth about how the tide appears to be turning as CVS' pharmacy benefit manager replaces the blockbuster drug on its formulary list. Plus: City...
04.19.2024
04/22/24: Investors aren't happy with Mary Dillon
Mary Dillon's Foot Locker turnaround plan has Wall Street tapping its feet. Crain's retail reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the former Ulta CEO’s plans so far. Plus: Sterling Bay looks to sell more properties next to Lincoln...
04.17.2024
04/18/24: Property tax sales targeted in Illinois
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including a lawsuit that aims to stop Illinois counties from selling homes over unpaid taxes. Plus: Ukrainian PM makes pitch for U.S....
04.16.2024
04/17/24: City set to tap reserves for migrant funding
Mayor Brandon Johnson's request for an $70 million to care for those seeking asylum who have been sent to Chicago, is advancing to the City Council. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses the latest with host Amy Guth. Plus: World Business...
04.15.2024
04/16/24: Shifting retail landscape on Damen
Barnes & Noble could turn the tide for a once-thriving shopping corridor that runs between Wicker Park and Bucktown. Crain's retail reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about a possible recovery for Damen Avenue. Plus: McDonald's CEO's compensation rose...
04.12.2024
04/15/24: The 411 on CPZ, Johnson's new chief of staff
At City Hall, a progressive crusader has stepped into the chief of staff role. Crain’s Leigh Giangreco talks with host Amy Guth about Cristina Pacione-Zayas, the newest member of the city’s “Core Four.” Plus: The city rejects a new revenue source...
04.10.2024
04/11/24: A big markdown for St. Regis condo
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about recent home sales, including an upper-floor St. Regis condo that sold at almost $1.2 million lower than its 2021 price. Plus: Johnson urges calm after video of Humboldt...
04.09.2024
04/10/24: Johnson reflects on his mayorship so far
Mayor Brandon Johnson sat down with Crain’s to mark the one-year anniversary of his election. Crain’s reporter Justin Laurence joins host Amy Guth to recap the conversation that spanned the DNC and 2024 presidential election, the failed "Bring Chicago Home"...
04.08.2024
04/09/24: Frustrated CTA riders hit the road
Crain’s politics reporter Leigh Giangreco talks with host Amy Guth about CTA ridership, particularly about a growing cluster of riders swapping their Ventra cards for car keys as the agency struggles to get back to pre-pandemic service levels. Plus: Restaurateur's plan...
04.05.2024
04/08/24: South Works could have a future in quantum computing
The South Works site and a Lockport refinery are being considered for a potential quantum computer factory. Crain’s reporters Danny Ecker and John Pletz talk with host Amy Guth about their recent reporting on the two massive industrial sites PsiQuantum...
04.03.2024
04/04/24: Chicago's sordid history of housing segregation
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local market, including a new documentary series about the city’s long history of racist housing practices. Plus: Moody's says office vacancy rate nears 20%, Chicago's...
04.02.2024
04/03/24: Restaurants get smarter about waste
Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about how some Chicago operators are pulling off composting after years of wishing it could be done. Plus: City adds $11 million helicopter to CPD fleet with help from DNC grant,...
04.01.2024
04/02/24: The steep cost of the Walgreens-VillageMD deal
Acquiring VillageMD, once a centerpiece of Walgreens' health care ambitions, lost the pharmacy chain nearly $6 billion. Crain's health care reporter Katherine Davis discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Committee ordinance would require public data on migrant evictions, University of Illinois...
03.29.2024
04/01/24: Why this vote count felt like a slog
Tabulating the state's attorney race may have seemed like it was taking a minute, but the Chicago Board of Elections says the count is still within the letter of the law. Crain's politics reporter Leigh Giangreco discusses the race and...
03.27.2024
03/28/24: What's ahead for long-dormant suburban sites
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including how a Winnetka site may finally get a new residential building after twelve years while a judge's ruling will keep...
03.26.2024
03/27/24: Hospital workers handed over to private equity
Ascension is outsourcing workers at its 10 Chicago-area hospitals to a staffing firm owned by private equity. Crain’s health care reporter Katherine Davis talks with host Amy Guth about changes coming to the nonprofit health system. Plus: United Airlines in FAA's...
03.25.2024
03/26/24: Bears stadium pitch includes dramatic lakefront changes
We now know what the Chicago Bears have in mind for the Museum Campus — and how much it would cost taxpayers. Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence discusses the team's stadium plans with host Amy Guth. Plus: Boeing's CEO to step...
03.22.2024
03/25/24: What's next for Johnson after primary setback
After the failure of the "Bring Chicago Home" ballot question, Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence joins host Amy Guth to discuss the election's implications for Mayor Brandon Johnson and his progressive agenda. Plus: Boeing's board plans to meet airline chiefs without...
03.20.2024
03/21/24: Chicago maintains an edge on home affordability
Of the big U.S. cities, Chicago has held onto housing affordability the best over the years. Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about top stories from the local housing market. Plus: Illinois primary election results,...
03.19.2024
03/20/24: Chicago resisting anti-DEI wave
Crain's Equity series editor Cassandra West joins host Amy Guth to discuss the growing backlash against DEI initiatives, programs created to ensure fair treatment and broader representation. Plus: Arlington Heights reportedly proposes tax settlement with Bears, Pritzker signs law setting up...
03.18.2024
03/19/24: Brewers tap THC drinks for survival
With beer sales down, some Illinois craft breweries venture into THC-infused beverages. Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: United Airlines CEO launches safety review after recent mishaps, Encyclopaedia Britannica seeking $1 billion valuation in IPO, Obama...
03.15.2024
03/17/24: Irish names don't have the juice in politics anymore
Crain’s politics reporter Leigh Giangreco talks with host Amy Guth about the waning state of Irish political power in Chicago and Illinois. Plus: Bally's suitor says buyout wouldn't impact Chicago casino, bike trail connecting Chicago to Michigan gets another green light,...
03.13.2024
03/14/24: Illinois counties push against high court on home seizures
Eight counties in Illinois are defending property tax sales despite a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that says it's unconstitutional. Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin discusses the case with host Amy Guth, along with other news from the local...
03.12.2024
03/13/24: The saga of a distressed suburban hospital
A troubled hospital in Waukegan recovered its trauma center designation after losing it more than a month ago. Crain’s health care reporter Katherine Davis discusses the latest on Vista Medical Center East with host Amy Guth. Plus: Cook County treasurer study...
03.11.2024
03/12/24: What the Bears promise for a new lakefront stadium
The Bears have pledged over $2 billion in private money for new for a new stadium. While the outlay would be significant, Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence talks with host Amy Guth about how the total project would still require...
03.08.2024
03/11/24: The legal fight over 'Bring Chicago Home' explained
Votes on the anti-homelessness tax measure are set to be counted after the Illinois Appellate Court reversed an earlier ruling removing it from the ballot. Crain’s politics reporter Leigh Giangreco recaps the contentious court battle with host Amy Guth. Plus: Grubhub...
03.06.2024
03/07/24: Collusion lawsuits keep coming for brokerages
Baird & Warner is the latest to be hit with a copycat lawsuit over commissions. Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss that and other news from the local housing market. Plus: Rivian eliminating a shift...
03.05.2024
03/06/24: The real happy hour starts way, way later
Chicago's restaurants are seeing a rise in demand for late-night dining. Crain's reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about how operators are extending hours, devising new promotions closer to midnight. Plus: Loop retail vacancy tops 30% for the first...
03.04.2024
03/05/24: JPMorgan's big plans for Chase Tower
JPMorgan Chase is kicking off a large renovation of its home in the Loop. Crain's finance reporter Mark Weinraub talks with host Amy Guth about how the project is poised to give a major boost to the downtown office market. Plus:...
03.01.2024
03/04/24: How the pros manage their own mental health
Chicago leaders discussed mental health in the workplace at a recent Crain’s event. Health care reporter Katherine Davis, who moderated the discussion, shares highlights with host Amy Guth. Plus: Walgreens to begin selling abortion pill this month; ADM delays its annual...
02.28.2024
02/29/24: Illinois tightening affordable housing rules on towns
It's getting harder for small towns to ignore their lack of affordable housing. Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market. Plus: Bears and Sox told to team up on...
02.27.2024
02/28/24: Chicago's extended, and expensive, breakup with ShotSpotter
The city reached an agreement for a ShotSpotter contract extension after confusion amid a possible shutoff of the gunshot detection system. Crain's politics reporter Leigh Giangreco talks with host Amy Guth about the city’s future plans with the technology that...
02.26.2024
02/27/24: An answer to Chicago's image problem
The city has a rare chance for a rebrand to regain its lost swagger on the national stage. Crain’s reporter John Pletz and host Amy Guth discuss how Chicago could reposition itself with the DNC coming to town this year. Plus:...
02.23.2024
02/26/24: AbbVie's first-ever regime change
AbbVie CEO Richard Gonzalez, who grew the company into a pharmaceutical juggernaut, is preparing to retire. Crain's health care reporter Katherine Davis talks with host Amy Guth about the leadership change and the drugmaker's M&A plans. Plus: Allstate looks to unload...
02.21.2024
02/22/24: People are buying new homes again
Chicago-area new home sales had their second-best year of the past 15. Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin discusses that and other news from the local housing market with host Amy Guth. Plus: World Business Chicago appoints an interim executive;...

What's Crain's Daily Gist about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Crain's Daily Gist episodes:

05/20/24: The new restaurants you should know

05/16/24: Downtown Chicago's big condo chill

05/15/24: How Johnson has wielded power so far

05/14/24: The City Club's new look

05/13/24: Heightened tensions on Chicago campuses

05/09/24: A 'compact luxury' home experiment

05/08/24: Seeking a $20 billion quantum-computing campus

05/07/24: Duly Health's financial outlook

05/06/24: CTA takes another hit

05/02/24: How Rockford became a housing hotbed

05/01/24: ShotSpotter's competition gets in line

04/30/24: The Bears' flashy, and costly, stadium play

04/29/24: The sudden flameout of Foxtrot and Dom's

04/25/24: A low point for home affordability in Chicago

04/24/24: A sudden surge for labor

04/23/24: Humira's hold on the market loosens

04/22/24: Investors aren't happy with Mary Dillon

04/18/24: Property tax sales targeted in Illinois

04/17/24: City set to tap reserves for migrant funding

04/16/24: Shifting retail landscape on Damen

04/15/24: The 411 on CPZ, Johnson's new chief of staff

04/11/24: A big markdown for St. Regis condo

04/10/24: Johnson reflects on his mayorship so far

04/09/24: Frustrated CTA riders hit the road

04/08/24: South Works could have a future in quantum computing

04/04/24: Chicago's sordid history of housing segregation

04/03/24: Restaurants get smarter about waste

04/02/24: The steep cost of the Walgreens-VillageMD deal

04/01/24: Why this vote count felt like a slog

03/28/24: What's ahead for long-dormant suburban sites

03/27/24: Hospital workers handed over to private equity

03/26/24: Bears stadium pitch includes dramatic lakefront changes

03/25/24: What's next for Johnson after primary setback

03/21/24: Chicago maintains an edge on home affordability

03/20/24: Chicago resisting anti-DEI wave

03/19/24: Brewers tap THC drinks for survival

03/17/24: Irish names don't have the juice in politics anymore

03/14/24: Illinois counties push against high court on home seizures

03/13/24: The saga of a distressed suburban hospital

03/12/24: What the Bears promise for a new lakefront stadium

03/11/24: The legal fight over 'Bring Chicago Home' explained

03/07/24: Collusion lawsuits keep coming for brokerages

03/06/24: The real happy hour starts way, way later

03/05/24: JPMorgan's big plans for Chase Tower

03/04/24: How the pros manage their own mental health

02/29/24: Illinois tightening affordable housing rules on towns

02/28/24: Chicago's extended, and expensive, breakup with ShotSpotter

02/27/24: An answer to Chicago's image problem

02/26/24: AbbVie's first-ever regime change

02/22/24: People are buying new homes again