🌱 2024 Democratic Convention + Various Walmarts Closing In Chicago

Hello, neighbors. It's me, Kaytlyn Mroz, your host of the Chicago Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny; becoming windier, warm. High: 77 Low: 54.

Are you looking to set yourself apart from the crowd of average real estate agents? Our exclusive sponsorship showcases your expertise with targeted messaging that attracts new clients in Chicago. Click here to see how we can help you stand out in the market.

Here are the top three stories today in Chicago:

1. On Tuesday, Apr. 11, Walmart announced they will be closing four out of eight locations in Chicago by next week. The sudden closures are due to underperformance. Representatives from Walmart said that its Chicago stores have not been able to turn much profit since they opened them nearly 17 years ago. The remaining four stores do face the same issues, but keeping them open will better serve the community, according to the company. (Seeking Alpha)
2. Democratic officials announced on Tuesday that they will be holding their 2023 National Convention in Chicago. The decision comes in an effort to keep the momentum going after a strong midterm election performance, as Chicago is one of the biggest liberal cities in the Midwest. Organizers from various cities across the country spent months lobbying to be chosen as the site, but the decision was ultimately left to President Joe Biden. (The Grio)
3. Educators at Governors State University joined the staff at Chicago State University and Eastern Illinois University as they became the third state university to go on strike. Last week, many union members and educators called for a strike after their bargaining session ended with no deal about compensation in sight. Educators have been struggling for more than a year trying to fight for a pay raise on behalf of the district. (WLS-TV)

Today in Chicago:

• Just for Laughs Showcase at The iO Theater (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The top five best Yelp-reviewed real estate agencies in Illinois are all based here in Chicago, with two cracking the top 10 in the country, according to a new NeighborWho study. Visit the link for the full list of top-rated real estate agencies in Georgia and across the U.S. (NeighborWho)
• The Chicago Architecture Center celebrates Art Deco month by offering tours that take guests back to the 1920s and 30s. Guests will have the opportunity to visit stunning lobbies, hear behind-the-scenes stories about characters of this era, and learn more about how you can spot Art Deco designs on your own. If you're interested in learning more, visit here. (Chicago Architecture Center via Instagram)
• According to the National Weather Service, stronger winds will be picking up today (Apr. 12) that increase fire danger around the city. This kind of weather, mixed with the very dry and unseasonably warm weather this week, will make conditions favorable for brush and grass fires to start. The expected winds could make the rapid spread of any fires more difficult to control. (US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Improovy Painters Chicago — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Wedding Band Event at Bella Cosa Jewelers (April 15)
• Tertulia: An Afternoon of Filipino Chamber Music (April 15)
• A Graduate Degree Designed for You—Attend an Information Session (April 19)
• 7th Annual West Loop Spirits, Cocktails & Wine Festival with Artisan Delicacies, April 22nd & 23rd (April 22)
• Finance and Accounting for Non-finance Professionals (April 25)
• Celebration of the Century (April 29)
• Project Management Essentials (May 1)
• Maker’s Market • May 7, 2023 (May 7)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right! See you all tomorrow for your next update.

— Kaytlyn Mroz

About me: Kaytlyn Mroz is a copywriter at Lightning Media Partners – a content creation agency. She is a Rowan University graduate where she earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and a master's degree in writing. Outside of work, Kaytlyn is a dog mom to a boglen terrier named Finn and a golden retriever named Willow.