Last week, the Chicago City Council approved the plans for hospitality management company SMASHotels (Smash Interactive) to build “Surge,” an Esports virtual reality stadium, which will also include the SMASHotels’ corporate headquarters at 2601 S. Wabash Ave in Bronzeville, located in the 2…
The Englewood Connect project, a proposed development described by city officials as an "eco-food hub" designed to employ and feed area residents, is one of three winning INVEST South/West proposals announced earlier this month.
Nearly five dozen Illinois small businesses, including more than 50 businesses in Chicago, were selected for the Rebuild Distressed Communities program's first round of grant funding, totaling $1.7 million, State officials have announced.
One of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks, Navy Pier, is opening its first-ever hotel this Thursday, March 18.
Meal Village, a locally-made, non-subscription-based food meal delivery service, offers an alternative to home cooking by delivering comforting meals to Chicagoland residents for just under $10.
Nonprofit organizations in the Chicago Urban Area, which includes the City of Chicago and Cook County, are encouraged to apply for funding for protection upgrades. For this grant program, the US Department of Homeland Security allocates a total of $180 million to eligible 501(c) (3) organiza…
Now that Chicago’s test positivity rate has dropped to 2.9 percent, moving into the “lower risk” category, Mayor Lightfoot announced today that bars and restaurants are now permitted to operate at a 50 percent capacity as well as remain open until 1 a.m.
Thanks to COVID-19 cases dropping below the 400 mark, city officials Tuesday announced that bars, restaurants and entertainment venues can now open their doors with a capacity of 40 percent.
For a fourth consecutive year, NBC 5, Telemundo Chicago, and Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation launched their 2021 Project Innovation Grant Challenge for non-profit organizations beginning on Jan. 8 and will close the deadline on Feb. 12.
It appears there will be more than just love in the air come this Valentine’s Day, as Southwest Airlines has plans to expand into O’Hare International airport come Feb.14.
Due to the ongoing pandemic and the city’s COVID-19 restrictions, Lincoln Park Zoo decided to shut down its facilities this week and will remain closed for the next two months, with plans to reopen on March 4.
Located on floors 30-46 of the 900 North Michigan skyscraper, Four Seasons Hotel- Chicago is finally complete after undergoing a year-long renovation, which began Nov 2019, according to a company news release.
After more than four decades on the Magnificent Mile, the Macy's store at Water Tower Place will be closing its doors following a clearance sale that will begin this month and last for about eight to 12 weeks, the company announced Tuesday, Jan. 5.
The Gap's three-story Magnificent Mile location is set to close early next year, Gap Inc. has confirmed.
Celebrity appearances, professional insight and live painting will boost a Loop recovery effort during a virtual fundraiser at 5 p.m. this Thursday.
Residents rallied behind their neighborhood businesses at the inaugural Streeterville Week celebration held Nov. 13-22, a new event designed to raise Chicagoans’ spirits and bring the downtown community together.
Chicago-based Aon is spending $30 million to expand its corporate apprenticeship program over the next five years.
A citywide Stay-at-Home Advisory is being described as the “key pillar” of a new plan to keep Chicagoans safe. According to a press release from Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), it app…
Chicago is launching four initiatives designed to provide financial aid and resources to restaurants, bars and hospitality workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting indoor dining closures, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday, Nov. 5.
In response to a surge in COVID-19 cases, Chicago is implementing restrictions that limit operation hours of non-essential businesses, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and public health officials announced Thursday, Oct. 22.
Demographics and urbanization are factors that business leaders should monitor closely in the future, according to a new study by Aon.
Nielsen's Global Consumer Business, an international data and measurement firm, has announced its Chicago office will serve as the company's global headquarters starting in 2021.
Streeterville businesses that incurred damage and financial losses during a wave of widespread looting Aug. 10 have seen an outpouring of support from local residents.
Palos Health and Northwestern Memorial HealthCare are taking steps toward a potential affiliation, Northwestern Medicine announced in a Sept. 11 news release.
Amazon announced today that it would hire new employees to fill more than 100,000 open jobs throughout the U.S. and Canada and, according to several media reports, over 5,000 of them will be in Chicago.
Global professional services firm Aon has released the results of a new COVID-19 Pulse Survey focused on how companies are rethinking their human capital strategies in response to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Chicago Tribune reported on August 17 that Prudential Insurance Company of America is suing to have its named removed from the buildings and plaza at the corner of Randolph St. and Michigan Ave. The company cited an alleged $10 million overdue payment from Sterling Bay over naming rights…
When life throws you a curveball, you have to adapt. For the Young Professionals of Streeterville (YPS), that meant having to change up its plans for social events, which were no longer allowed following the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Illinois heads into the fourth phase of its multi-stage reopening plan, Chicago daycares, preschools and other childcare providers are beginning to welcome back children and families while navigating new state requirements designed to curb the potential spread of COVID-19 through increase…
Chris Pena, born in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood, moved to nearby Calumet City when he was six years old. The son of a father who worked for Ford and a mother who was employed by ComEd, he graduated from Marian Catholic High School in 1993 and took a job on the assembly line at Ford’s Chic…
On June 25, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot launched Chicago Connected, a program designed to provide free, high-speed internet access to the households of Chicago Public School (CPS) students.
Professional services firm Aon announced today that it will lead a number of employers and organizations in a multilateral program designed to re-introduce fundamental aspects of society and the economy.
New Eastside resident and entrepreneur Mary Kuiper has become a fashionable force in the effort to reduce coronavirus by introducing a colorful new line of facemasks called Cool Shield.
Groupon will lay off or furlough 2,800 employees — roughly 44% of its workforce — in a two-part plan announced yesterday. Founded in 2008 in Chicago, the company offers online deals on goods and experiences through a model inspired by the bargaining power of traditional volume discounts. The…
By Daniel Patton, April 8, 2020 Chicago-based folk band Sones de México Ensemble is preparing to share a dose of good fortune with its fans. As one of 175 recipients to receive an arts grant from the from the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the group will receive its payment nearly…
By Daniel Patton, April 1, 2020 Rick Bayless is converting an anonymous $250,000 donation into relief for restaurant workers enduring the hardships of the COVID-19 crisis. He announced the effort in a Facebook video posted yesterday. “Weeks ago, when all the restaurants were shuttered, sud…
By Daniel Patton Mariano’s is devoting its legendary innovative finesse to a customer wellness effort that goes beyond even today’s new standards for retail excellence. Besides introducing a dozen Safety Protocols, the store will soon begin delivering its signature events straight into sho…
by Doug Rapp A local eatery is offering mid-week wine deals. On Wednesdays, Pinched on the River, 443 E. Illinois St., is offering first glasses of wine for $1. From 6 to 8 p.m. on hump days, customers can try a glass of red, white, rose or sparkling wine for a buck. The choices will be rota…
Gentleman’s Cooperative a collection of services, activities in one downtown spot by Mat Cohen One of the most interesting spaces in Chicago combines style, confidence and luxury to create a haven in the middle of the city. The Gentleman’s Cooperative, located at the penthouse of 111 W. Jack…
by Stephanie Racine Don’t have time to get away this winter? Take a staycation at one of Chicago’s best hotels. The Ivy Hotel, 233 E. Ontario in Streeterville, offers an at-home getaway for Chicagoans. The hotel has spacious and apartment-size rooms, with rainfall showers and deep-soaking t…
by Stephanie Racine When it’s hard to decide between desserts, JoJo’s can save the day. Have your cookie and eat it too—on top of a delicious milkshake. JoJo’s Milk Bar, which has been making waves in the dessert bar scene with intricate and decadent offerings, opened in River North in Febru…
by Doug Rapp An upscale wine and dining chain that started in the suburbs has come to downtown Chicago in time for the holidays. Cooper’s Hawk, which has 41 locations nationwide, recently opened its first urban location at 58 E. Oak Street, in the Gold Coast’s historic Esquire building. “The…
By Stephanie Racine With Mayor Lightfoot’s new proposal on taxing solo rideshares, Circuit is a new viable option. Circuit is a free and green rideshare company that made their debut in Chicago over the summer. New Eastside is a popular stop. The cars resemble shuttles, with each of the six …
By Elisa Shoenberger Entering its 24th year, the Christkindlmarket brings a bit of German Christmas to Chicago. Debuting in Pioneer Court in 1996, the market grew to three markets in 2019, expanding to locations in Daley Plaza, Wrigleyville and Milwaukee, Wisc. The German American Chamber of…
By Angela Gagnon Staff Writer PureCircle, the leading producer of stevia sweeteners for the global food and beverage industry, is distributing its new gourmet ice cream in Lakeshore East Park. Food trucks will be parked near The Tides from 2-4 p.m. and by The Streeter Apartments in Streeter…
(Published Aug. 31, 2019) By Stephanie Racine, Staff Writer Fall is upon us, which means a fresh start on the schoolyear and brand new items to purchase. Be prepared for back-to-school with these useful for parents and fun for kids trends! Home Sweet Locker Decorating lockers has always be…
(Published Aug. 1 2019) Glassdoor, the job listing and corporate review website, is expanding their space in West Loop’s Fulton Market. They recently acquired two floors of the new office building West End at 1327 W. Fulton, which will be finished in summer 2020. The new Glassdoor space will…
(Published July 31, 2019) In late July, the home electronics chain Best Buy announced they would not renew their lease at 875 N Michigan Ave. Best Buy has occupied the space since 2008 and the two-story store is the chain’s flagship location. The chain will not close its 31 remaining stores …
(Published July 30, 2019) By Jesse Wright When Blue Cross Blue Shield wants to send a message, they don’t buy a billboard or send out emails—they light up the night sky along the building’s south-facing tower in letters that stretch several stories. Blue Cross Blue Shield recently honored nu…
(Published July 5, 2019) Primark to bring its “Amazing Fashion at Amazing Prices” to the Midwest for the first time Primark, the international retailer that offers “Amazing Fashion at Amazing Prices,” in July announced it will open its first store in the Midwest in Chicago. Primark has signe…
(Published June 30, 2019) By Angela Gagnon Electric scooters arrived in Chicago June 15 as part of a pilot program that will run through Oct. 15. After the trial period, the city intends to assess feedback before making decisions regarding the program. The scooters are provided from 10 diff…
Carolers gathered at the tree in front of the Wrigley Building at 6 p.m. Dec. 19 for Chicago Star Media's first Jingle Bell Day event. Video by Jacqueline Davis
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