The Benton Beatle
Gov. Pat Quinn has designated Sept. 21 to be “George Harrison Day” in Illinois, in honor of the former Beatles lead guitarist. The commemoration corresponds with downstate Benton’s plans to unveil a historical marker in honor of the late musician. Harrison’s sister lived in Benton, and the placard will serve as a reminder of his two-week visit to the small city in 1963.
Chicago riches
Crain’s Chicago Business published a slideshow of Chicago-area residents featured on Forbes’ list of the top 400 billionaires in the world. The list includes six members of the Pritzker family, as well as hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, real estate magnate Sam Zell, and Ty Warner, creator of the Beanie Babies empire.
Going once…
The U.S. Marshals Services beginning today is auctioning items purchased by former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. Cashmere capes, mink jackets and autographed memorabilia from celebrities Michael Jackson and Bruce Lee are up for bid through Sept. 26 at TXAcuction.com. Proceeds from the auction will be deducted from the money judgment owed by the former congressman, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Cough, cough
Just as cough and cold season approaches, consumer brand turnaround expert Steve Silk is set to reposition Chicago-based Smith Bros. Co. – a struggling, 166-year-old company that some may remember for its wild cherry-flavored cough drops – as a general health and wellness brand. Silk has sunk two years of work and $6 million from a private equity firm into Smith Bros. Co., according to Crain’s Chicago Business.
Second City to the Big Apple
Cecily Strong, an alumnus of Chicago’s Second City and cast member of “Saturday Night Live,” has been selected to co-anchor SNL’s “Weekend Update” segment with Seth Meyers, according to the Chicago Tribune. NBC will welcome six new cast members in its 39th season premiere on Sept. 28, including former Second City cast member Michael Patrick O’Brien and Beck Bennett, a North Shore native known for his AT&T ads.
-Tom Butala