Meha Ahmad

The University of Illinois men’s basketball loss on Saturday was a blow to fans who hoped the Fighting Illini would be able to snag a national title. Yet despite the loss, fans rejoiced in the team’s longest March Madness run in 21 years. But success doesn’t just impact the team’s reputation and record; the university and even local businesses can see a major economic boost. In the Loop digs into what winning means for both the fan experience and for business.

Who decides what – and who – is beautiful? And why does the definition keep changing? How much of our own personal definitions of beauty get shaped by outside profiteers, culture, race, and personal experience? Those questions and more are explored in an immersive theater experience in Chicago called “The Beauty Project.” Its goal? To challenge you to examine the forces that benefit (and profit) from your physical insecurities.

Illinois lawmakers are in Springfield, working on a “megaproject” bill to help the Bears build a new $5-billion stadium complex in Arlington Heights. The Chicago White Sox are eyeing a South Loop site for a new ballpark — and they want public funding to help pay for it. Meanwhile, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is pitching a $55-million tax break to help support a new entertainment district around the United Center.