Crain’s Daily Gist

The U.S. surgeon general advised earlier this month that alcohol is a leading preventable cause of cancer, presenting alcoholic beverage makers with a new hurdle. Crain's consumer products reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth.Plus: Pritzker, Johnson, Emanuel blast Trump on DEI, immigration orders; Chicago schools to take $400M advance from revolving credit; AbbVie makes cancer and immunology pact with Neomorph; and former Groupon HQ sells for 83% less than 2018 price.

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including the Chicago real estate brokers and landlords accused of discriminating against housing voucher holders.Plus: Stellantis commits to restarting Belvidere and rehiring 1,500 workers, Allstate files for rate hike of 14.3% for Illinois homeowners, United sees profit rebound as airlines buck winter doldrums and suburban office vacancy begins the year at record-high 32%.

Chicago's efforts to fight opioid overdoses show early promise. Crain’s health care reporter Katherine Davis discusses with host Amy Guth.Plus: Gov. JB Pritzker says feds targeting 2,000 in Chicago for deportation as the threat of immigration raids stifles Little Village commerce, United Center owners snap up nearby lots as Near West Side mega-project takes shape, Pulaski Savings Bank closed by regulators due to "unsound" condition and proposed zoning changes could bring more density to Far North Side corridor.

Who’s who in Chicago? Crain’s editor Ann Dwyer talks with host Amy Guth about the list of local power players and how the latest rendition came together.Plus: Northwestern posts surplus and near-record fundraising, Goose Island development site hits the market, investor pays $40 million for Lakeview apartments, FDA details unsanitary conditions at facility linked to McDonald's E. coli outbreak and mask rules are back at hospitals as respiratory illnesses climb.

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local market, including the owner of Michael Jordan’s former home selling $1 million ownership shares, Mike Ditka landing a buyer for his Florida home as he moves back to Chicago and more.Plus: RTA pitches Springfield on $1.5 billion revamp to save and even enhance service; S&P downgrades Chicago's credit rating, with pushback from the mayor; Walgreens closing five stores across South, West sides and the company’s CEO says its anti-shoplifting effort is hurting sales; and United Center owners reveal new details of planned 1901 Project.

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, the face of Illinois' response to the COVID-19 pandemic, admitted to an ethics violation for taking the CEO job at Sinai Chicago and will pay a $150,000 fine. Crain’s health care reporter Katherine Davis discusses with host Amy Guth.Plus: Startup investments still sluggish in Chicago, Publicis Groupe merges Leo Burnett and Publicis Worldwide to form new creative unit, NASCAR quietly lost a massive local sponsor of its Chicago race and Illinois attorney general pushes back on Walmart's plans to roll back DEI programs.

Crain's cannabis reporter John Pletz talks with host Amy Guth about the hemp industry after a bill aimed at regulating it died in Springfield, dealing a political blow to Gov. JB Pritzker.Plus: CTA chief Dorval Carter is stepping down, City Council vote planned to lower Chicago speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph, new bill calls on U of I system to divest from fossil fuels and downtown office landlords start 2025 with new record-high vacancy.

The state attorney general has started cracking down on medical spas marketing unapproved versions of popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. Crain’s health care reporter Katherine Davis discusses with host Amy Guth.Plus: CEO envisions a smaller, stronger Walgreens as store closures kick in; Jewel parent Albertsons raises profit guidance after dropping Kroger deal; Texas investor pays $148 million for Evanston apartments, a record for the burbs; and developer cashes out on Whole Foods warehouse in Pullman.

Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local housing market, including downtown Mount Prospect’s homegrown crop of luxury apartment buildings, a developer looking to resell a historic Catholic school building in Bronzeville slated for demolition and more.Plus: Chicago developers near deal to buy Wacker Drive office tower at massive discount, Illinois lands $17 million grant as part of federal maternal health pilot, owner gets $114 million refinancing for West Loop apartments and Discover's former head of ESG files lawsuit claiming he was fired for supporting Black employee’s complaints.

Ulta Beauty has tapped COO Kecia Steelman to take over as chief executive. Crain's retail reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the next chapter for the Bolingbrook-based chain.Plus: Hemp regulation bill dies in Springfield, dealing a political blow to Gov. Pritzker; McDonald's retires some diversity goals in latest corporate DEI retreat; Illinois task force recommends tornado shelters in warehouses following deadly storm; social media startup for influencers and brands sells for $250 million and investment firm leaving LaSalle Street for Wacker Drive.