🌱 Possible Strikes At Area Universities + Fatal Weekend Hit-And-Run

Welcome back, Chicago. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 48 Low: 34.

Shoutout to the awesome local business that keeps this newsletter running:

Are you the owner of a small service business? If so, 2023 is the year for you. And for 17 years, business coach Jason Rosado has been helping owners like you to plan their business year to include improved time management and more time off, less stress and overwhelm, better employees and profits, and the work/life balance you started your business for in the first place. Visit here to learn the best way to scale your business efficiently this year and request a free consultation.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Here are the top three stories in Chicago today:

1. Faculty and staff unions at three Illinois universities — Eastern Illinois University, Governor's State University, and Chicago State University — are considering strikes over "minimal progress" in negotiations. Teachers at Eastern Illinois University plan to walk out on Apr. 6 if an agreement cannot be reached. Negotiating sessions are scheduled for all three universities this week. (WGN TV Chicago)
2. James Richard Thompson, 26, of Plainfield, was identified as the victim of a fatal hit-and-run accident in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood over the weekend. The incident occurred when a car hit Thompson while he was walking and did not stop. Chicago police are seeking information on the black 2006 to 2010 Mercedes-Benz four-door sedan that was involved in the incident. (Patch)
3. Make-A-Wish Illinois teamed up with the Chicago Police Department baseball team to surprise 14-year-old Joshua, who was diagnosed with a life-threatening nervous system disorder. His wish to go to Hawaii was granted with a Hawaiian-themed party on Sunday and the reveal of the trip that is expected to take place next month. Make-A-Wish Illinois spokeswoman Jessica Miller emphasized the importance of wishes in helping children cope with their conditions and find joy in their experiences. (CBS Chicago)

Today in Chicago:

• Jazz Jam Session With The Matt Jarosch Quintet Featuring Julia Danielle At 21c Museum Hotel Chicago (7:00 PM)
• The Cave Comedy Show At Bourbon On Division (8:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Two people in Illinois got lucky Sunday evening when their Lucky Day Lotto numbers hit all five during the midday draw. The split pot got each player a $550,000 prize. (FOX 32 Chicago)
• Are you looking to fill your social calendar? Check out the list of eight spring art exhibitions coming up in Chicago at the link! (UrbanMatter)
• Attention John Mayer fans: The singer has added a second Chicago concert date to his 2023 solo acoustic tour on Oct. 18 at the United Center. (NBC Chicago)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

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

Featured events:

• Brewing Up Laughs (March 29)
• Business After Hours at Centre Physical Therapy (March 30)
• 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)
• Finance and Accounting for Non-finance Professionals (April 25)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for another 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.