🍃 Mayor strikes down hemp ban

Mayor Vetoes Hemp Ban

City Council’s ban on intoxicating hemp products was set to go into effect April 1. However, on the day of the deadline, Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoed the ban, voicing support for small businesses that rely on those sales — and pitting himself at odds with alders. City Council likely won't override this veto. Meanwhile, a federal ban on hemp still looms. [Sun-Times]

Legal Weed Issues and What We’re Watching in Springfield

Illinois’ legal weed legislation was hailed as the “most equity-centric” cannabis law in the country back in 2019 … but those promises didn’t quite materialize. Chicago Reporter’s Sara Cooper joins today’s podcast to discuss what the state got wrong in addition to what’s on the docket in Springfield — which includes the Bears stadium drama. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

• Wait: The Iowa Bears? Come on now. [KCCI]

DePaul and Loyola Accused of Favoring Wealthy Students

DePaul and Loyola universities have a high percentage of low-income families taking out hefty, often unaffordable loans. They are among 41 schools nationwide named in a new report on the practice. Meanwhile, the schools offer many merit-based scholarships to wealthy students. [WBEZ]

'Midway Blitz' Still Impacting Latino Businesses

Low foot traffic continues on the Southwest Side following "Operation Midway Blitz." This slowdown, coupled with general economic strain and the usual winter dip, leaves Latino businesses in limbo. Both customers and business owners are feeling the strain. [Block Club]

• Also: Here's how it affected public schools. [WBEZ]
• Remember: Street vendors also struggled during “Midway Blitz.” [City Cast Chicago 🎧]