🌱 Chicago Cubs Are Back In Business + New Laws Regarding Marijuana

Hey, everybody! It's Friday in Chicago and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community, including news about these three stories.

But first, today's weather:

Rain and a thunderstorm. High: 61 Low: 36.

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Here are the top three stories today in Chicago:

1. Baseball season is back in a big way: The Chicago Cubs beat the Brewers in a strong 4-0 performance to start the season. Dansby Swanson, who signed a seven-year, $177 million contract in free agency, showed his talents in his Cubs debut with three hits including an RBI single that sparked a run early. Pitcher Marcus Stroman started the season strong pitching six scoreless innings himself. The Cubs will be returning Saturday afternoon for their second competition of the season. (NBC Chicago)
2. Illinois is working on a bill that if approved officers will no longer be able to search a vehicle based only on the smell of marijuana. State Sen. Rachel Ventura made a statement regarding people of color, especially being pulled over far too often based on a smell that can stick to their clothes and last for extended periods of time. It has been determined that neither officer nor canine can smell the difference between a legal and illegal amount of marijuana on them. Senate Bill 125 has passed the Illinois Senate and is now heading to the house for consideration.
3. Severe weather is rolling into the Chicago area later today, with the possibility of damaging winds and tornadoes. Heavy rain are expected this morning with stronger storms potentially beginning around 1 to 2 p.m. From 3 to 11 p.m., 75-mile-per-hour winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes may occur. The greatest chance for severe weather is in the south and west Chicago suburbs. (ABC 7)

Today in Chicago:

• Armed and Unarmed Security Training - 4425 W Irving Park Rd (10:00 AM)
• Chicago's Best Stand-Up - The Laugh Factory Chicago (7:30 PM)
• Blue Man Group - (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking to join in the rave Chicago is talking about, tap in with Chicago Magazine. Check the link for the 10 hottest, most buzzed restaurants in the city right now. (Chicago magazine via Instagram)
• Alliance Bakery is opening a second larger location in West Town this Spring. The newer location will feature a larger bakery production space, offices, and seating. (Block Club Chicago via Facebook)
• The Illinois State Fair has officially announced its 2023 concert lineup for its grandstand shows. The shows will be held from Aug. 11 through 19 featuring Old Dominion, REO Speedwagon, and Maren Morris rocking the Springfield stage. Pre-sale tickets are available currently and public tickets will be going on sale today at 10 a.m. (CBS News)

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Featured events:

• First Saturday Evanston Art Events (April 1)
• STEM Adventures at Kiddie Academy of Crown Point (April 1)
• K9 Egg Hunt & Easter Bunny photos (April 1)
• NEWCITY and the Chocolate Factory (April 1)
• Wedding Band Event at Bella Cosa Jewelers (April 15)
• Nonprofit Entrepreneurship (April 17)
• A Graduate Degree Designed for You—Attend an Information Session (April 19)
• JigJam Concert (April 21)
• Finance and Accounting for Non-finance Professionals (April 25)
• Celebration of the Century (April 29)

Featured job listings:

• Automotive Intern (Paid) (Details)
• Temporary Seasonal Employment - Public Works Dept. (Details)

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.