Illinois quick hits: Fentanyl education expanding; Mars acquires Kellanova; cicada shot creator fined

Fentanyl education expanding

A new state law will expand fentanyl education for grades 6-12 in Illinois schools beginning with the 2025-26 school year. Last week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law a bill sponsored by state Sen. Laura Ellman. The Illinois Department of Public Health said a lethal dose of fentanyl is smaller than a drop of water. Opioids containing fentanyl and other drugs are involved in 70% of fatal drug overdoses.

Mars acquires Kellanova

Mars, whose brands included Snickers and M&M‘S, is buying the Chicago-based food company Kellanova in a deal worth nearly $30 billion. Kellanova was created when Kellogg split into three companies last year. Kellanova houses numerous brands, including Pringles, Rice Krispie Treats and Pop-Tarts, and employs around 23,000 people.

Cicada shot creator fined

An Illinois brewing company has been hit with a hefty fine for a shot concoction. Earlier this year during the cicada emergence, Noon Whistle Brewing in Lombard sold shots of Malort infused with cicadas for $5. The brewer went viral on social media for its offering. Eater Chicago is reporting that the Illinois Liquor Control Commission fined Noon Whistle for offering the shot. Cicadas would appear to be outside of the state’s rules governing spirit infusion.