Mariano’s stores sold, fitness clubs closed and outdoor dining were among the highlights

Mariano’s Fresh Market in Arlington Heights is among 35 Illinois grocery stores that will be sold by supermarket chains Kroger and Albertsons if their merger is approved, the companies announced Tuesday.
Daily Herald file, 2010

Suburban Mariano’s is one of the stores being sold as part of the Kroger-Albertsons merger

Mariano’s in Arlington Heights, Palatine, Des Plaines, Lake Zurich, Wheaton, Bloomingdale, Crystal Lake, Deerfield, Elmhurst, Gurnee, Lombard, Naperville and Vernon Hills are among 35 Illinois grocery stores that will be sold by supermarket chains Kroger and Albertsons if their merger is approved, the companies announced Tuesday. C&S Wholesale Grocers, a supplier to independent grocery stores and owner of a pharmacy and 23 supermarkets under the Piggly Wiggly and Grand Union brand names, has agreed to acquire a total of 579 stores under a revised divestiture agreement valued at $2.9 billion.

Signature Fitness Club closes locations in Schaumburg, Naperville and Yorkville

Despite a sign on the door citing a legal dispute with the Schaumburg landlord as the cause, all three of Signature Fitness Club’s area locations closed permanently this week. City governments in Schaumburg, Naperville and Yorkville said they were unaware of the reasons for the closures.

How Wauconda is trying to attract visitors, do business and increase its visibility

Wauconda isn’t mentioned by name, but you might recognize Bangs Lake or local businesses in television spots urging visitors to check out what Lake County has to offer. Phil’s Beach, Lindy’s Landing, Slyce Coal-Fired Pizza, Hometown Gifts, Threads Boutique and scenes from Main Street were some of the images a Visit Lake County production crew captured during their recent stop in town.

Pritzker signs bill to combat ‘predatory’ health insurance practices

Governor JB Pritzker signed a law Wednesday that imposes new controls on the state’s health insurance industry, including banning practices that allow companies to cut costs by controlling the amount of health care a patient receives. The Health Care Protection Act, Bill 5395was one of Pritzker’s top legislative priorities during the just-concluded legislative session.

The outdoor dining season is picking up speed. Here are some places in the suburbs to visit

While patios and outdoor dining are commonplace in southern climates where it’s warm enough year-round, the experience is all the more beautiful in the Midwest, where we have to spend half the time indoors. With more restaurants offering outdoor dining post-pandemic, there’s no shortage of choices in the suburbs when it comes to restaurants with patios. Here are some options to get you started.

Lawmakers and advocates seek reforms to reduce fees for private water customers

Illinois lawmakers, including Reps. Nabeela Syed of Palatine and Dagmara Avelar of Romeoville, joined the consumer advocacy group Citizens Utility Board on Wednesday to call for legislative reforms aimed at lowering rates for customers of the state’s two private water utilities.