Crain's Daily Gist - podcast cover

Crain's Daily Gist

Crain's Chicago Businesswww.chicagobusiness.com
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.
Last refreshed:
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

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 s till 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....

Jul 01, 202632 minEp. 1485

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. ...

Jun 30, 202616 minEp. 1484

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an Ad...

Jun 29, 202622 minEp. 1483

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...

Jun 26, 202626 minEp. 1482

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 d...

Jun 24, 202636 minEp. 1481

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." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See ...

Jun 23, 202618 minEp. 1480

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about ou...

Jun 22, 202621 minEp. 1479

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about o...

Jun 19, 202620 minEp. 1478

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." H...

Jun 17, 202635 minEp. 1477

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 ...

Jun 16, 202622 minEp. 1476

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an Ads...

Jun 15, 202619 minEp. 1475

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 ...

Jun 12, 202624 minEp. 1474

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 a...

Jun 10, 202639 minEp. 1473

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. Hosted by Simplecas...

Jun 09, 202623 minEp. 1472

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 museum with 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection...

Jun 08, 202628 minEp. 1471

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 ...

Jun 05, 202622 minEp. 1470

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 ...

Jun 03, 202644 minEp. 1469

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz ...

Jun 02, 202625 minEp. 1468

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 ou...

Jun 01, 202621 minEp. 1467

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for in...

May 29, 202620 minEp. 1466

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 marke...

May 27, 202639 minEp. 1465

These family names open doors in Chicago

Crain's assistant managing editor Ann Weiler joins host Amy Guth to discuss the Chicago families that hold the most influence right now in the city. Plus: Tech firms look to unload Loop office space; Rahm Emanuel pitches sweeping college affordability plan as 2028 buzz grows; DHS renews threat to cut customs staffing at O’Hare and other sanctuary-city airports; and UChicago launches multibillion-dollar fundraising effort. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for informat...

May 26, 202627 minEp. 1464

New chapter in Chicago's parking meter saga

Chicago’s lucrative parking meter contract could be sold to New York-based Stonepeak Partners. Crain’s reporter Justin Laurence discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Chicago quantum players share in $2B federal outlay, South Loop apartment tower near The 78 listed for sale, Deere shares tumble with farmers facing ‘ongoing challenges’ and Schlitz beer discontinued after 175 years. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal ...

May 22, 202621 minEp. 1463

Battle lines drawn over Pritzker's housing plan

Crain’s reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including mayors taking sides on Gov. Pritzker's housing plan and a 1956 modernist home in La Grange Park for sale for the first time ever. Plus: Blackstone Hotel sold at discount to local investor; Illinois joins suit arguing Trump loan caps threaten healthcare workforce; former Cboe CEO Ed Tilly exits top post at Wall Street brokerage; and McDonald’s won’t meet some emissions goals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWi...

May 20, 202635 minEp. 1462

Chicago flips the script on population growth

Crain’s reporter John Pletz talks with host Amy Guth about Census data showing how Chicago is eking out population growth while big-city rivals are shrinking. Plus: Former John Hancock Center slated for luxury Marriott hotel, the parking meter deal Chicagoans love to hate is poised for another sale, Gene & Georgetti sues concessions operator over Midway Airport outpost and DraftKings reportedly closing sportsbook at Wrigley Field. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com...

May 19, 202622 minEp. 1461

Suburban apartment market heats up

Crain’s reporter Rachel Herzog talks with host Amy Guth about major suburban apartment trades, including an O’Hare-area complex that sold for $167 million in the year’s priciest deal and a $91M transaction for a property in Kane County. Plus: Pritzker says Johnson’s Bears pitch is a non-starter, Spirit Airlines shutdown costs Chicago hundreds of jobs, most of Ford City Mall to shut down for safety concerns and Fitch trims University of Chicago credit rating amid debt load. Hosted by Simplecast, ...

May 18, 202621 minEp. 1460

Chicago Fire FC looks to raise its profile

Crain’s reporter Danny Ecker talks with host Amy Guth about what the McDonald’s and Chicago Fire FC naming rights deal means for the team's planned South Loop stadium. Plus: Mayor Johnson pitches city takeover of stadium authority to keep Bears in Chicago, Trump administration’s fight with Jenner & Block zeroes in on security clearances, developers seek $50M TIF loan for Loop conversion to new W hotel and AI boom sends prices soaring on grid serving Illinois. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz...

May 15, 202625 minEp. 1459

Cook County takes a big hit in tax-sale fight

Crain’s reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including how Cook County could be forced to repay former homeowners millions of dollars in lost equity and how an Englewood renewal effort is taking a unique approach to reversing housing inequity. Plus: McDonald’s and Chicago Fire strike naming rights deal for South Loop stadium, FDA’s approval of flavored e-cigarettes faces pushback in Illinois, River North hotel sells for $29M as downtown lodging values lag and...

May 13, 202642 minEp. 1458

Chicago restaurants facing another margin squeeze

Soaring beef prices have some Chicago restaurants in a bit of an existential crisis. Reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth. Plus: Tax break for United Center’s 1901 Project advances despite pushback, former Walgreens office in Deerfield sold for a revamp, United Airlines sponsorship puts transportation secretary's side gig under scrutiny, and a mid-year outlook warns wealthy investors to brace for inflation, trade shocks and AI. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adsw...

May 12, 202626 minEp. 1457

Walgreens private equity takeover ripples through Chicago

Crain’s reporter Jon Asplund talks with host Amy Guth about local healthcare news, including how South Side Walgreens closures are fueling fears of more drugstore deserts. Plus: DNC scouting party tours Chicago this week; law firm Hall Prangle jumps the Chicago River to a new office; Elmhurst apartments are sold to an Ohio pension fund for $85 million; and Skokie tech park buildings go up for sale as demand cools for life sciences space. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz....

May 11, 202624 minEp. 1456
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android