🌱 Free Produce Markets Popping Up + New Legislation for Developers

Hello again, hello! It's me, Kaytlyn Mroz, your host of the Chicago Patch newsletter. Let's get this Saturday started off right, with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and milder. High: 57 Low: 41.

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Here are the top three stories today in Chicago:

1. Chicago's own Geoffrey Brown, President and CEO of the Illinois CPA Society, was recognized with the 2023 National Association of Personal Finance Advisors (NAPFA) Special Achievement Award. This special achievement is presented to non-members whose hard work has greatly enhanced the environment for fee-only financial advisors or the advising profession. Recipients of this award also helped to provide consumer education on the benefits of a comprehensive financial plan and have become highly qualified advisors. (CPAPracticeAdvisor.com)
2. Blue Cross and Blue Shield teamed up with T. Castro and other produce suppliers to bring free produce markets to many underserved communities in the Chicago area. These produce markets are popping up at several senior centers throughout the city and offering a variety of free giveaways that are open to anyone in the community. As a part of its Medicaid programs, Blue Cross and Blue Shield will be distributing $2 million of free food before Jun. 30, 2023. (NBC Chicago)
3. The Chicago Community Trust met with the House Revenue Committee to lead a coalition that voiced their opinion in favor of changing the Illinois Tax Sale System. This change would help to increase development in the south and west sides of Chicago and prevent out-of-state investors from profiting off of vacant properties. There are an estimated 50,000 vacant lots and abandoned properties throughout Cook County. (Fox 32 Chicago)

Today in Chicago:

• Bluegrass Brunch at Beat Kitchen (11:oo AM)
• The Comedy Of Errors at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Organized Retail Crime Task Force with the Chicago Police Department officially conclude its 13-month-long investigation. The investigation was centered around the illegal fencing of stolen pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter merchandise. Officials confirm that four offenders have been charged and more than $1.3 million worth of products were recovered. (Chicago Police Department via Facebook)
• The Chicago Transit Authority is excited to announce that additional station improvements will be coming under the "Refresh & Renew" revitalization program. Crews will be performing an estimated $6.5 million in repairs and improvements to nearly 30 stations in the Chicago area. These renovations will align with their ongoing efforts to provide riders with a safer, more comfortable transit experience. (Chicago Transit Authority via Facebook)
• According to the US Weather Service, the holiday weekend is calling for sunny and seasonable temperatures in Chicago. There is a small chance of showers until Monday, but temperatures are expected to continue warming up into the middle of next week. (US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois via Facebook)

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Featured events:

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• Finance and Accounting for Non-finance Professionals (April 25)
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• Maker’s Market • May 7, 2023 (May 7)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around!

— 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.