Crain's Daily Gist

Hosted by Crain's Chicago Business

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600

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 21, 202652 min

Chicago housing market finally begins to slow

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Jeanne Sparrow to talk the latest news from the local market, including the impact of 7% mortgage rates and a record-setting $2 million bungalow already under contract. Plus: The FAA’s current flight restrictions at O’Hare may continue into the early 2030s, Mayor Johnson’s new Chicago budget has a $75 million hole to fill, private equity investment in life insurance companies is under scrutiny, and Abbott Labs is spinning off its nutrition unit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 20, 202621 min

Double pivot for Fulton Market office plan

Crain's commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker joins host Jeanne Sparrow to explain why a developer switched from offices to apartments and then back to offices at a major Fulton Market development. Plus: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s head tax is back — with a new twist, Kroger makes a $5 billion investment to gain market share, the U.S. Department of Justice is stepping in to stop Evanston’s landmark reparations program, and Cboe officially launches pre-market trading for single-stock options. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 19, 202617 min

American fights to hold ground against United at O'Hare

American Airlines is stepping up its battle with United to win back business travelers at O’Hare. Crain's airlines reporter John Pletz joins host Jeanne Sparrow to to discuss. Plus: A new University of Chicago poll sizes up Chicago’s mayoral candidates, the U.S. Supreme Court won’t step in on a high-stakes legal battle tied to Chicago parking tickets, outpatient care is creating inpatient financial strain for hospitals, and tech startups are rediscovering work from the office. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 16, 202620 min

Rush-Endeavor merger will have hurdles to clear

Crain’s healthcare reporter joins host Jeanne Sparrow to talk through the details and obstacles facing Rush and Endeavor's planned merger . Plus: United Airlines and Air Canada look to add ten transborder routes, including Chicago to Montreal; Onni Group is pivoting from apartments back to office development in Fulton Market; more than a half million Illinoisans get medical debt relief, and the Joffrey Ballet has secured $8 million in major donor gifts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 14, 202621 min

Diesel prices squeeze Chicago economy’s obscure corners

Crain’s contributor Judith Crown joins host Jeanne Sparrow to shed light on how pricey diesel impacts businesses beyond agriculture and trucking. Plus: Rush to merger with Endeavor Health, Google can’t revive downtown on its own, a look into the Hoffmann family's business empire, and Pritzker says something will get done in Springfield to keep the Bears. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 13, 202617 min

Big revamp coming for Block 37

Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Rachel Herzog joins host Jeanne Sparrow to break down the $30 million sale of Block 37. Plus: The surprising Chicago businesses getting hit by pricey diesel fuel, a new West Loop condo tower with a $10 million penthouse, more than 500 Chicago-area nursing home workers could be on picket lines Friday, and the booming pickleball business hits tough times. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 12, 202618 min

Sales jolt for sluggish Illinois cannabis market

Crain’s cannabis reporter John Pletz joins host Jeanne Sparrow to discuss what’s driving a surge in Illinois pot sales. Plus: Jewel-Osco’s parent seeks more than $9 billion over its busted Kroger deal, Divvy’s Chicago expansion hits a speed bump, Jones Lang LaSalle makes a big talent grab from its top rival, and the AHA files suit to block the second iteration of a drug drug rebate program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 9, 202621 min

The paradox of trying to control AI

Crain’s political columnist Greg Hinz joins host Jeanne Sparrow to discuss AI regulation and whether we possess the ability to tame it. Plus: Legendary Bears coach and Chicago icon Mike Ditka has died, Illinois cannabis sales are on the rise, former GoHealth execs pivot to selling Medicare plans and Illinois tax revenue from gambling jumps 19%. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 7, 202626 min

How we picked this year's 40 Under 40

Crain’s assistant managing editor Ann Weiler joins host Jeanne Sparrow to discuss the 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 . Plus: Tempus AI is expanding its role in the development of a personalized cancer vaccine, Deere shares tumble as feds widen scrutiny of the farm equipment industry, Walgreens owner sells Boots and Justin Ishbia makes a move to control more real estate around the planned site of The Railyards. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 6, 202620 min

Chicago hospitals keep closing maternity wards

Crain’s healthcare reporter joins host Jeanne Sparrow to discuss the state of maternity care across the Chicago area. Plus: Kraft-Heinz takes a rare gamble with one of its most iconic brands, Google will fund billions in Illinois nuclear power upgrades, the city of Chicago is poised to pay $260 million to settle massive police misconduct case, and an AI-powered real estate brokerage is setting up shop with a celebrity name attached. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.