Steve Daniels
@sdaniels27.bsky.social
Editorial board of the Chicago Tribune. Interests outside of all things Chicago include music (particularly indie), books and politics.
Fulton Market is the "hottest" neighborhood economically in Chicago, but developers are sitting on more than 20 fully approved projects and can't get financing to build them. @chicagotribune.com edit board explains why www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/07/e...
Editorial: How Chicago’s white-hot Fulton Market district caught a chill
More than 20 major real estate projects in Fulton Market District long have had city approval but can’t get financing to break ground.
www.chicagotribune.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Fulton Market is the "hottest" neighborhood economically in Chicago, but developers are sitting on more than 20 fully approved projects and can't get financing to build them. @chicagotribune.com edit board explains why www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/07/e...
Great @wsj.com story on Amazon's move to sell Pepsi and Doritos out of Whole Foods stores. Is it a surprise they're test-marketing this concept in Chicago rather than, say, Seattle? Nope www.wsj.com/business/ret...
The Amazonification of Whole Foods Is Finally Here—Bring On the Doritos
Amazon is shaking up the natural-foods grocer with robots in the backroom and Pepsi outside the exit in its push for a bigger slice of the supermarket business.
www.wsj.com
November 2, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Great @wsj.com story on Amazon's move to sell Pepsi and Doritos out of Whole Foods stores. Is it a surprise they're test-marketing this concept in Chicago rather than, say, Seattle? Nope www.wsj.com/business/ret...
McDonald's reacts to @mayorofchicago.bsky.social's business tax proposals. "Ultimately, corporations have a choice where they are headquartered" www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/22/o...
Jon Banner: McDonald’s supports 67,000 jobs in Illinois. Why is Chicago making it hard on businesses?
Illinois lawmakers are doubling down on the policies that will not attract companies and will hamstring our economy.
www.chicagotribune.com
October 22, 2025 at 8:32 PM
McDonald's reacts to @mayorofchicago.bsky.social's business tax proposals. "Ultimately, corporations have a choice where they are headquartered" www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/22/o...
@chicagotribune.com editorial board: It's time for the business community to make clear to aldermen — in ways that may not be comfortable for either side — what's at stake in the budget battle to come www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/19/e...
Editorial: This is not a Chicago budget replay of 2024. The business community must fight harder.
Brandon Johnson’s budget is a disaster for Chicago. Leaders must fight back.
www.chicagotribune.com
October 20, 2025 at 6:07 PM
@chicagotribune.com editorial board: It's time for the business community to make clear to aldermen — in ways that may not be comfortable for either side — what's at stake in the budget battle to come www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/19/e...
When you mix family and business, what can go wrong? Plenty, as this wild @robertchannick.bsky.social piece on the Smithe brothers (of furniture retailing fame) demonstrates www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/10/b...
After years on TV, Tim Smithe sues his brothers for allegedly pushing him out at Walter E. Smithe Furniture
Tim Smithe alleges he was squeezed out of the family-owned business nearly a decade ago in an undervalued buyout.
www.chicagotribune.com
October 11, 2025 at 2:13 PM
When you mix family and business, what can go wrong? Plenty, as this wild @robertchannick.bsky.social piece on the Smithe brothers (of furniture retailing fame) demonstrates www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/10/b...
It's not all investigations, politics and crime news. A good daily newspaper captures the flavor of its city. @zareensyed.bsky.social did that masterfully with her coverage of the craziness at the Wiener Circle yesterday www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/23/w...
The Wieners Circle hands out free hot dogs — and insults — for Caleb Williams’ 4 TD passes
The Wieners Circle made good on the promise of free hot dogs Tuesday if Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams threw four TD passes vs. the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
www.chicagotribune.com
September 24, 2025 at 4:50 PM
It's not all investigations, politics and crime news. A good daily newspaper captures the flavor of its city. @zareensyed.bsky.social did that masterfully with her coverage of the craziness at the Wiener Circle yesterday www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/23/w...
With the news this morning that Kraft-Heinz is definitely splitting in two, here's @chicagotribune.com editorial board's take from July on how this is likely bad news for Chicago www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/15/e...
Editorial: Alarm bells are ringing for Chicago in Kraft Heinz’s decision to split in two
Chicago is in another cycle of losing too many corporate headquarters. So it’s bad news for the city that Kraft-Heinz is taking steps that could lead to a sale.
www.chicagotribune.com
September 2, 2025 at 3:30 PM
With the news this morning that Kraft-Heinz is definitely splitting in two, here's @chicagotribune.com editorial board's take from July on how this is likely bad news for Chicago www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/15/e...
President Trump says Chicagoans are "screaming for" federal troops to fight crime here. @chicagotribune.com edit board begs to differ www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/22/e...
Editorial: The last thing Chicago needs is Washington-style dystopia
The last thing Chicago needs is a federal takeover, a la Washington, D.C.
www.chicagotribune.com
August 22, 2025 at 8:08 PM
President Trump says Chicagoans are "screaming for" federal troops to fight crime here. @chicagotribune.com edit board begs to differ www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/22/e...
@chicagotribune.com editorial: When your "set it and forget it" 401(k) returns are doing better than the performance being turned in by Chicago's pension-fund managers, that's a problem www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/20/e...
Editorial: Chicago’s pension investments likely are doing worse than your 401(k). Big problem.
Returns at all of Chicago’s municipal pension funds have lagged the median performance of public pension funds across the country.
www.chicagotribune.com
August 20, 2025 at 4:24 PM
@chicagotribune.com editorial: When your "set it and forget it" 401(k) returns are doing better than the performance being turned in by Chicago's pension-fund managers, that's a problem www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/20/e...
@chicagotribune.com editorial: A 5% Chicago tax on payrolls above $200k would impel corporations to move staff out of the city. Includes news on just how few Citadel workers are left in Chicago following Ken Griffin's HQ move to Miami www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/07/e...
Editorial: Brandon Johnson and friends think it’s ‘a privilege to do business in Chicago.’ Wrong.
Citadel’s Chicago workforce once numbered 1,100. It now stands at 250. Pass a corporate payroll tax, and lots of other Chicago employers will follow suit.
www.chicagotribune.com
August 7, 2025 at 3:19 PM
@chicagotribune.com editorial: A 5% Chicago tax on payrolls above $200k would impel corporations to move staff out of the city. Includes news on just how few Citadel workers are left in Chicago following Ken Griffin's HQ move to Miami www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/07/e...
@govpritzker.illinois.gov just signed this bill and in one stroke of his pen transformed Chicago police and fire pension funds from 25% funded to 18% funded www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/29/e...
Editorial: Gov. Pritzker needs to veto this pension bill. Chicago can’t afford it.
Gov. JB Pritzker must veto a state bill sweetening pensions for many Chicago cops and firefighters. This financially crippled city can’t afford it.
www.chicagotribune.com
August 1, 2025 at 10:05 PM
@govpritzker.illinois.gov just signed this bill and in one stroke of his pen transformed Chicago police and fire pension funds from 25% funded to 18% funded www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/29/e...
In @chicagotribune.com op-ed, @govpritzker.illinois.gov, House Speaker Welch and Senate President Harmon accuse State Farm of refusing to share info with state regulators that would justify its 27% homeowners rate hike www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/30/o...
Pritzker, Welch and Harmon: Homeowners deserve transparency from State Farm, not unexplained rate hikes
Other insurance companies work with the state on rate hikes. State Farm has refused.
www.chicagotribune.com
July 30, 2025 at 1:19 PM
In @chicagotribune.com op-ed, @govpritzker.illinois.gov, House Speaker Welch and Senate President Harmon accuse State Farm of refusing to share info with state regulators that would justify its 27% homeowners rate hike www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/30/o...
@chicagotribune.com editorial: Illinois' electricity crisis draws nearer, as our ComEd bills are showing. Springfield needs to act — pragmatically, not ideologically
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/24/e...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/24/e...
Editorial: Soaring ComEd bills have us all on edge. Springfield must confront our electricity woes head-on.
A sweltering summer and significantly higher ComEd rates have ramped up public angst over electric bills. The ball’s in your court, Springfield.
www.chicagotribune.com
July 24, 2025 at 4:53 PM
@chicagotribune.com editorial: Illinois' electricity crisis draws nearer, as our ComEd bills are showing. Springfield needs to act — pragmatically, not ideologically
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/24/e...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/24/e...
@chicagotribune.com editorial board: Intense war of words between @govpritzker.illinois.gov and State Farm on the nosebleed cost of insuring homes is serving no one. There should be plenty of room to negotiate www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/16/e...
Editorial: Gov. Pritzker and State Farm should stop throwing rhetorical bombs at each other and start negotiating
Gov. JB Pritzker and State Farm need each other. There should be a path to compromise over the insurer’s eye-watering 27% homeowners rate hike.
www.chicagotribune.com
July 16, 2025 at 2:29 PM
@chicagotribune.com editorial board: Intense war of words between @govpritzker.illinois.gov and State Farm on the nosebleed cost of insuring homes is serving no one. There should be plenty of room to negotiate www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/16/e...
@chicagotribune.com editorial: Why Kraft Heinz's decision to split in two is probably bad news for Chicago www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/15/e...
Editorial: Alarm bells are ringing for Chicago in Kraft Heinz’s decision to split in two
Chicago is in another cycle of losing too many corporate headquarters. So it’s bad news for the city that Kraft-Heinz is taking steps that could lead to a sale.
www.chicagotribune.com
July 15, 2025 at 2:40 PM
@chicagotribune.com editorial: Why Kraft Heinz's decision to split in two is probably bad news for Chicago www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/15/e...
Chicago faces one of the grimmest budget years in ages. @adquig.bsky.social with the gory details www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/13/u...
Upcoming Chicago budget ‘grimmest picture of all’ for Mayor Brandon Johnson, aldermen
Chicago ended 2024 with a $161 million deficit. And a state bill boosting benefits for police and fire pensioners through 2055 will cost $7 billion, an analysis said.
www.chicagotribune.com
July 13, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Chicago faces one of the grimmest budget years in ages. @adquig.bsky.social with the gory details www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/13/u...
Who better than @pwsullivan.bsky.social to remember the now dearly departed Lee Elia and his rant for the ages on the Bleacher Bums? www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/10/l...
Former manager Lee Elia, whose rant against Chicago Cubs fans became part of team lore, dies at 87
Lee Elia, who died Wednesday at age 87, will always remain a significant part of Chicago Cubs lore, thanks to a rant for the ages that’s celebrated every April 29.
www.chicagotribune.com
July 11, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Who better than @pwsullivan.bsky.social to remember the now dearly departed Lee Elia and his rant for the ages on the Bleacher Bums? www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/10/l...
Ken Burns' Civil War captivated the country 35 years ago. He looks set to do it again with the forthcoming "American Revolution." The timing couldn't be better www.wsj.com/arts-culture...
Can Ken Burns Get Everyone to Agree on America’s Origin Story?
American history is more polarizing than ever. But the country’s leading storyteller hopes to prove there’s still an appetite for hard truths.
www.wsj.com
July 4, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Ken Burns' Civil War captivated the country 35 years ago. He looks set to do it again with the forthcoming "American Revolution." The timing couldn't be better www.wsj.com/arts-culture...
@chicagotribune.com editorial: Independent restaurants are hanging on for dear life. @chicagosmayor.bsky.social needs to backtrack on eliminating the subminimum wage for tipped workers, or many more like Gale Street Inn will close www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/29/e...
Editorial: Why Chicago has a restaurant crisis
Only restaurants funded by chains and private equity groups are growing in Chicago. For independents, it’s an existential crisis.
www.chicagotribune.com
June 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM
@chicagotribune.com editorial: Independent restaurants are hanging on for dear life. @chicagosmayor.bsky.social needs to backtrack on eliminating the subminimum wage for tipped workers, or many more like Gale Street Inn will close www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/29/e...
@chicagotribune.com editorial: A larger rival wants to buy NorthernTrust. If Bank of New York Mellon is successful, it would be a tremendous blow to Chicago www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/23/e...
Editorial: A sale of Northern Trust would be a major blow to Chicago
A report that a New York rival has made a merger overture to Chicago’s largest locally headquartered bank should raise alarm bells.
www.chicagotribune.com
June 23, 2025 at 10:06 PM
@chicagotribune.com editorial: A larger rival wants to buy NorthernTrust. If Bank of New York Mellon is successful, it would be a tremendous blow to Chicago www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/23/e...
@chicagotribune.com editorial on the Madigan verdict www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/13/e...
Editorial: The sad application of justice in the Michael Madigan saga
At age 83, Michael Madigan will spend more than six years in prison at least. A brutal cap to his fall, but that doesn’t make it unjust.
www.chicagotribune.com
June 14, 2025 at 12:15 AM
@chicagotribune.com editorial on the Madigan verdict www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/13/e...
Provocative @chicagotribune.com op-ed by a Zillow exec on how private listings often are bad for many home sellers but invariably good for the agents www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/09/o...
Errol Samuelson: I work at Zillow and I know the harms of private listing networks
Sellers should retain full control over how and where they market their homes.
www.chicagotribune.com
June 9, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Provocative @chicagotribune.com op-ed by a Zillow exec on how private listings often are bad for many home sellers but invariably good for the agents www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/09/o...
@chicagotribune.com editorial: Not all the math is in yet, but enough is to know that residential property tax bills in Chicago this fall will be painful www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/29/e...
Editorial: Reassessments are done. Many Chicago homeowners will see hefty tax increases this fall.
Residential taxpayers in Chicago will shoulder more of the property tax burden due to lagging commercial property values.
www.chicagotribune.com
May 29, 2025 at 2:04 PM
@chicagotribune.com editorial: Not all the math is in yet, but enough is to know that residential property tax bills in Chicago this fall will be painful www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/29/e...
Outstanding reporting here on U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson's highly questionable lease with long-time business partner and connected developer Elzie Higginbottom, using taxpayer money www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/18/j...
US Rep. Jonathan Jackson spending taxpayer dollars to rent district office space from longtime business partner
House rules typically ban members of Congress from leasing from business partners but US Rep. Jonathan Jackson’s spokesman says ethics officials OK’d the arrangement.
www.chicagotribune.com
May 18, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Outstanding reporting here on U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson's highly questionable lease with long-time business partner and connected developer Elzie Higginbottom, using taxpayer money www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/18/j...
Excellent @chicagotribune.com piece on the political standing of @chicagosmayor.bsky.social, two years into his difficult term www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/11/m...
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s second year found him fighting unexpected battles
As Mayor Brandon Johnson marks two years in office, some of the thorniest issues have come from unexpected fronts: education and Chicago’s political left.
www.chicagotribune.com
May 11, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Excellent @chicagotribune.com piece on the political standing of @chicagosmayor.bsky.social, two years into his difficult term www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/11/m...