Gov. Pritzker and Mars Snacking Announce 600 New Jobs, Expansion of Global Headquarters in Chicago
Governor JB Pritzker and Mars Snacking announced that the company is creating 600 new jobs to expand its global headquarters in Chicago. This includes adding Mars Snacking’s North America Region, Accelerator Division, and Global Functions to its global headquarters operation in Chicago. This investment signals the company’s long-term commitment to Chicago, creating new jobs and adding to Illinois’ reputation as a global leader in the snacking industry. Chicago will continue to serve as a central hub to connect Mars Snacking teams, accelerate innovation and support long-term business growth.
MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON LAUNCHES REPAIR CHICAGO ENGAGEMENT SERIES AND SURVEY TO INFORM CITY’S REPARATIONS STUDY
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the launch of Repair Chicago, a citywide community engagement effort designed to explore the impacts of systemic harm faced by Black Chicagoans and devise reparatory pathways. Through bus tours, panel discussions, town halls, and hearings, Repair Chicago will collect the experiences and input of Chicagoans to help inform the Johnson administration’s Reparations Study.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Hosts Capital Plan Community Meetings
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) invites school communities to shape capital investments through a series of virtual and onsite meetings. These gatherings enable the District to guide its investments in maintaining school buildings while addressing various community needs. The District prioritizes critical capital needs, including repairs to roofs, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and plumbing, as well as renovations that support programmatic enhancements such as Pre-K initiatives and Fine & Performing Arts. The District encourages participation from the larger school communities, both in person and virtually, to foster meaningful dialogue.
Illinois Housing Development Authority Earns National Distinction from U.S. Bank
The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) was honored by U.S. Bank as one of the nation’s top housing finance agencies (HFA) for its leadership in advancing homeownership. The recognition, presented during the IHDA Board meeting, highlights the agency’s success in helping more than 5,000 Illinois households purchase homes last year alone, nearly 90% of whom were first-time buyers.
The Auditorium proudly presents Masters of the Mic
The Auditorium (Chicago’s landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) proudly presents Masters of the Mic in a one-night-only performance Saturday, April 18 at 8:00 PM. Celebrating 50 years of hip-hop, Masters of the Mic honors the trailblazers of the genre and the enduring impact it’s had across generations and cultures. The evening features performances from some of the biggest names in 80’s and 90’s hip-hop including Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane, Treach of Naughty By Nature, & Black Sheep. Tickets, are available at www.auditoriumtheatre.org or by calling The Auditorium’s Ticket Service Center at 312.341.2300.
Texas Cult-Favorite Dessert Shop The Bougie Foodie Opens First Chicago Location in Fulton Market This April
Texas-born dessert shop The Bougie Foodie is expanding beyond the Lone Star State for the first time with a new Chicago location opening this April in the Fulton Market/West Loop neighborhood at 210 N. Carpenter St. Founded by pastry chef and entrepreneur Brianna Cryar, the dessert shop has built a devoted following for its oversized cookies, scratch-made dessert bars, and its signature family-recipe bread pudding (using her grandmother’s original recipe).
Lyric Opera of Chicago elects five nationally recognized leaders to Board of Directors
Lyric Opera of Chicago welcomes to its Board five nationally recognized leaders whose expertise in music, arts, business, law, and civic life strengthens the company’s national profile while reinforcing its deep roots in Chicago.
Apothecary Cocktail Lounge to Open this May, Reimagining the Bar as a Place of Care
Apothecary Cocktail Lounge, a new concept blending the science of pharmacy with the artistry of craft cocktails, is set to open in May 2026 at 3242 N. Clark Street.
Giannoulias Auto Insurance Reform Bill Clears Illinois House
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ Driving Change campaign – launched to combat unfair and discriminatory auto insurance practices – is now delivering results, as legislation advancing insurance reforms has passed the Illinois House and will return to the Senate for a concurrence vote.
American Liver Foundation Applauds AHRQ on First-Ever Report on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Fairfield, NJ – American Liver Foundation (ALF) applauds the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) on their groundbreaking report that assesses the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)*. The report, “Inpatient Stays Related to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, 2016-2022”, revealed that the number of NAFLD-related inpatient stays increased by 88.1% from 2016 to 2022, but that NAFLD-related inpatient stays still constituted only a small fraction of all inpatient stays, between about 1 percent and 2 percent during the same time. The report highlights that the overall rise in inpatient stays involving NAFLD was largely driven by cases where it is a secondary diagnosis, typically identified in patients hospitalized for other medical conditions. It is estimated that 1 in 4 Americans have MASLD and between 1.5 to 6.5% of United States (U.S.) adults have the more severe form called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
Home for Good Coalition Holds Rally in Support of Legislation to Increase Housing and Support Services for People Returning from Prison
The Home for Good Coalition held a rally day at the National Public Housing Museum on Thursday, March 19, to increase awareness of legislation that would create safer, stronger communities across Illinois by improving housing and support services for people returning from prison.
State Treasurer Frerichs Announces 250,000 More Illinoisans with Disabilities Eligible for ABLE Accounts
Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced that an estimated 250,000 Illinoisans with a disability are now eligible to open ABLE accounts that allow them to save and invest money to improve quality of life without risking federal benefits.
BEVEL TEAMS UP WITH LARENZ TATE TO RAISE THE STANDARD FOR MEN'S BODY CARE WITH NEW BREAKTHROUGH BODY CREAM
BEVEL has expanded its grooming lineup with its first-ever body cream, created to deliver lasting hydration and skin comfort for men. The BEVEL Body Cream is formulated to keep skin healthy and smooth year-round, addressing a long-standing gap in men's body care. As part of the launch, BEVEL partnered with Actor, Producer and Director Larenz Tate as brand ambassador for the new Body Cream, aligning with his timeless style and commitment to self-care.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL URGES RESIDENTS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID TAX IDENTITY THEFT WHEN FILING TAX RETURNS
As the income tax filing deadline approaches, Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued guidance to help Illinois residents safely file tax returns and urged people to exercise caution before providing personally-identifying and financial information online.
Final Illinois cannabis licensing case heads to court April 1; redacted identities could be revealed
The final remaining legal challenge to Illinois’ cannabis dispensary licensing process will be argued in open court April 1, in a hearing that could reveal identities and relationships that have been withheld from view.
Marcus C. Evans Jr. Wins Democratic State Central Committee Seat, Expanding Leadership Role in the Illinois Democratic Party
Avalon Park, Chicago, Illinois — Marcus C. Evans Jr. has secured a decisive victory in the race for State Central Committeeman, marking a significant milestone in his continued service and leadership within the Democratic Party of Illinois. The election results from the Tuesday, March 17th Democratic Primary are as follows: Marcus C. Evans, Jr. 32,226 votes Elgie R. Sims, Jr. 22,980 votes Christopher Swann 15,817 votes
Yasmin Levy Brings “One More Night with Yasmin Levy” to Chicago on Her US Tour After 10 Years
Internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter Yasmin Levy will open her long-awaited return to the United States with the tour “One More Night with Yasmin Levy” in Chicago on April 18th, marking the first concert of the tour. The journey will then continue through Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, and Washington, D.C., before culminating in a special final evening at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Developments Across McDonald’s cases Draw Attention to Franchise System Practices
A federal judge in the Northern District of Illinois has allowed key claims of racial discrimination and breach of contract to move forward in a case brought by longtime McDonald’s franchise operator. The ruling permits claims involving alleged racial steering in store assignments, denial of rent relief, and discriminatory inspections to proceed, along with a breach-of-contract claim related to the franchise agreement.
Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos Hosts Women’s Safety Seminar to Equip Residents with Practical Safety Tools
On Saturday, Clerk Spyropoulos, along with Chief Investigator Elias Voulgaris, hosted the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s second Women’s Safety Seminar. The program was designed to equip women with tools and information to move through daily life with greater confidence and awareness.
