Chicago Exclusive: The Rise and Fall of McDonald's CEO

CHICAGO, Feb. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The March issue of Chicago magazine gives readers an inside look at one of the world's largest companies at a time of high drama: The ousting of a CEO. After one of the worst years in McDonald's six-decade history, Don Thompson was out—and Chicago was there, both in the days leading up to the board's announcement and afterward.  A 24-year company man, Thompson had one of the most storied rises in American business: raised by his grandmother in the shadow of Cabrini Green, the notorious Near North Side housing project, he went on to become one of the most powerful black executives in the nation. No black CEO except for American Express's Ken Chenault ran a larger enterprise. His inspiring and poignant story, put together after several months of interviews with Thompson and those close to him, is unmissable.

On newsstands Thursday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel tops Chicago's fourth annual list of the 100 most powerful people throughout the city who have the influence, ability, and potential to make big things happen. This year's Power 100 features a plethora of newcomers—including Gov. Bruce Rauner, Archbishop Blase Cupich, and blockbuster writer Gillian Flynn—and some list stalwarts (Gary McCarthy, Mellody Hobson, Toni Preckwinkle) whose power waxed or waned last year. Find out who's up and who's down—and why.

Spring runways were full of 1970s-inspired looks, and Chicago's fashion editor Heiji Choy Black handpicked the most wearable for the fashion feature, "Style Revival." From the comfy wrap dress to exotic leathers and a breezy bohemian frock, find out which looks best capture the decade's glamorous vibe.

Other stories from the March issue of Chicago magazine include:

• "Steve Dahl Won't Shut Up" – Six years after getting dumped from talk radio, Chicago broadcasting legend Steve Dahl is back after signing a three-year deal with Cumulus. Responses to his return have been mixed, as he has returned to public radio a new, mellowed-out version of himself. Will people listen?
• "Million-Dollar Condo Club" – Four ultrahigh-end condominiums dominated last year's priciest sales, but the leader of all 2014 real estate purchases goes to Groupon CEO Eric Lefkofsky's record-setting 15,800 square-foot Glencoe home.
• "Higher Earnings" takes a look at what the best-paid Chicago-area university presidents make, and how many tuitions cover their total compensation. Charles Middleton, Roosevelt University president, comes in on top, making almost two million dollars in 2012 – a salary that is valued at 66 college tuitions.

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About Chicago magazine

Chicago magazine, the nation's largest city monthly, launched in 1970 and has been owned by Tribune Company since 2002. Together with its website, chicagomag.com, Chicago spurs intelligent conversation about the city's influencers, zeitgeist-defining trends, and civic controversies through award-winning, in-depth journalism.  Just as important, it helps readers live better by producing the area's most authoritative coverage of the best in food, art, and urban life. Always insightful, at times provocative, Chicago magazine is as dynamic as the city that inspires it.

About Chicago Tribune Media Group
Chicago Tribune Media Group publishes the Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune as well as related print and interactive media serving Chicagoland such as RedEye, Hoy, TribLocal, The Mash, Naperville magazine, chicagotribune.com, triblocal.com and metromix.com.

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