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Bill Kurtis is ready to read, write and roam

It includes a walk along the river, writing, pancakes at Beatrix and dinner at Prairie Grass Cafe.

Things to Do

Legendary anchorman and &quot;voice of God,&quot; Bill Kurtis, 85, announced this month he&#x27;s retiring from his regular (and hilarious) gig as judge and scorekeeper on &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wait Wait…Don&#x27;t Tell Me" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/06/30/wait-wait-dont-tell-me-peter-sagal-chicago" data-vars-content-id="a17362b5-5eb2-4681-aaaa-a0624766b879" data-vars-headline="Bill Kurtis is ready to read, write and roam" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/06/30/wait-wait-dont-tell-me-peter-sagal-chicago" target="_self">Wait Wait…Don&#x27;t Tell Me</a>!&quot; His last show is May 23.<ul><li>In retirement, Kurtis tells Axios, he looks forward to &quot;More writing. More reading. More time on the land.&quot;</li></ul>

What to do in dangerous CTA platform situations

Contact CTA help, never intentionally jump in and avoid the third rail.

Public Safety

As a frequent CTA rider, I&#x27;ll admit it: Recent reports about violence on the system have freaked me out.<ul><li>They also got me wondering what to do in rare but worrying scenarios.</li></ul>State of play: Last year, I shared <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="advice for handling problems on trains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/01/07/how-to-report-issues-get-help-cta" data-vars-content-id="996b60c0-d9ef-4001-99d2-d4eb6ef4397e" data-vars-headline="What to do in dangerous CTA platform situations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/01/07/how-to-report-issues-get-help-cta" target="_self">advice for handling problems on trains</a>. But what about on the platform? Like, what do you do if you drop your phone on the tracks?<ul><li>And what if you&#x27;re shoved?</li></ul><figure><img alt="Four-panel CTA poster in teal: subway platform scene with a man, a blue-haired figure saying, &quot;I can get down there. It&#x27;ll just take a second...&quot;; a moving train and a man near a grave; bottom caption urges to alert CTA staff." height="866" id="85cce7d0-e4ad-494f-81d2-9b4cce6b07e7" src="https://images.axios.com/X3ZV1B1gsHlqnegM5Tj-G76xQks=/2026/03/24/1774378462937.png" width="1724"/><figcaption>Courtesy of the CTA</figcaption></figure>Phone scenario: CTA officials shared this 2023 comic showing what not to do if you drop valuables on the tracks.The right answer: Contact a CTA employee to help you safely retrieve it.Case in point: Carrie once dropped her phone on the tracks, watched the train whoosh by and discovered her phone was still OK. <ul><li>She sought out CTA help and a staffer grabbed it for her. </li></ul><figure><img alt="A subway platform with a blue edge and exposed tracks; a blue-red train sits on the opposite track. An orange &#x27;Third Rails&#x27; label spans the rails as a few people stand on the far platform near a digital display." height="1576" id="5261941a-8b1d-42fc-ac20-52e4fe458f97" src="https://images.axios.com/40-nvcipOCUoMVQb-KnGmOpzX6I=/2026/03/24/1774378498779.jpeg" width="2100"/><figcaption>The third rails — highlighted in red — are located farthest from the platform at the Belmont El stop. Photo illustration: Monica Eng/Axios</figcaption></figure>Shoved into the tracks: If a train isn&#x27;t immediately approaching, your main goal is to avoid the third rail — typically the farthest rail from the platform. <ul><li>It carries 600 volts and can be deadly. </li></ul>Tip two: Ask someone to alert a CTA employee, who can signal coming trains, cut power and call for help.Tip three: If you&#x27;re able, assess your injuries and try to climb out with help from others nearby.<ul><li>Emergency ladders are typically located at the ends of platforms.</li></ul>Between the lines: CTA officials weren&#x27;t thrilled with the shoving question and stressed that these incidents are extremely rare.<ul><li>The roughly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="60 riders who&#x27;ve been shoved" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/03/16/chicago-transit-authority-shoving-incidents-train-platforms-trump-administration-targeting-crime" data-vars-content-id="996b60c0-d9ef-4001-99d2-d4eb6ef4397e" data-vars-headline="What to do in dangerous CTA platform situations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/03/16/chicago-transit-authority-shoving-incidents-train-platforms-trump-administration-targeting-crime" target="_blank">60 riders who&#x27;ve been shoved</a> onto the tracks over the past five years represent a tiny fraction of those who rode the system during that period. And none of those incidents proved fatal. </li><li>Officials remind that it&#x27;s illegal and very dangerous to intentionally enter this restricted area.</li></ul>

Here's why Dempster in Chicago's suburbs is a dining destination

Herm's, Kabul House, Taboun, Savory Crust and more are all worth a visit.

Food and Drink

I was overwhelmed by the huge response I got to my <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dempster Dining Dive " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/20/20-delectable-treats-to-eat-along-dempster-street" data-vars-content-id="f531053c-c8b9-48e9-9bff-208cb58c4558" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s why Dempster in Chicago&#x27;s suburbs is a dining destination" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/20/20-delectable-treats-to-eat-along-dempster-street" target="_self">Dempster Dining Dive </a>earlier this week and the fabulous suggestions readers sent in for more delicious Dempster spots.<ul><li>Here are more great suggestions to add to your list:</li></ul>

Pick up an Illinois passport for America's 250th

A new Illinois passport guides visitors to 60 historic sites, from Cahokia Mounds to Pullman.

History

Illinois is putting its own stamp on the country&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250th birthday." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/07/black-history-250-who-decides" data-vars-content-id="7bb4c31b-b800-458a-b75b-ce75bbca4afe" data-vars-headline="Pick up an Illinois passport for America&#x27;s 250th" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/07/black-history-250-who-decides" target="_self">250th birthday.</a>

Galentine's Day events and celebrations in Chicago

From cocktail making to roller-skating, Chicago has a jam-packed Galentine's Day weekend.

Culture

Grab your girlfriends — Valentine&#x27;s Day weekend isn&#x27;t just for couples. It&#x27;s also a time to celebrate friendships with drinks, dancing and laughter!

Chicago singles try mindful dating at "The Feels"

A new Chicago event ditches swiping for meditation, vulnerability, and emotional connection.

Dating

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disillusionment of online dating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/12/dating-app-crisis-bumble-tinder-hinge" data-vars-content-id="5795ffa1-8d56-46cb-bb14-aa84962819d7" data-vars-headline="Chicago singles try mindful dating at &quot;The Feels&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/12/dating-app-crisis-bumble-tinder-hinge" target="_self">disillusionment of online dating</a> has led to new and creative ways to meet people, and a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/dating" data-vars-content-id="5795ffa1-8d56-46cb-bb14-aa84962819d7" data-vars-headline="Chicago singles try mindful dating at &quot;The Feels&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/dating" target="_self">event</a> in Chicago is all about &quot;the feels.&quot;The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Feels" data-vars-click-url="https://catchthefeels.co/" data-vars-content-id="5795ffa1-8d56-46cb-bb14-aa84962819d7" data-vars-headline="Chicago singles try mindful dating at &quot;The Feels&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://catchthefeels.co/" target="_blank">The Feels</a> is centered on both emotional and physical touch, tapping into the teachings of Carl Jung and Buddhism to explore vulnerability and trust to get past the superficial confines of early dating.

Lincoln Park Lagoon voted most romantic spot in Chicago

From the Skydeck to the South Shore Cultural Center: Which Chicago spot is the most romantic?

It&#x27;s official! After a week&#x27;s worth of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" data-vars-content-id="d01a383e-a13f-41a2-b097-887057082e2b" data-vars-headline="Lincoln Park Lagoon voted most romantic spot in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" target="_self">voting</a>, we have Chicago&#x27;s most romantic spot.Drumroll please: The Lincoln Park Lagoon!<ul><li>The lagoon (which includes the South Pond and the zoo area) has long been the romantic jewel along DuSable Lake Shore Drive, with amazing views of the northern part of the skyline.</li></ul>Methodology: We started with 16 romantic places and voters narrowed it down to the top spot. <ul><li>Our first round featured spots from the top of the Willis Tower (Sears) to the South Shore Cultural Center to lovely downtown Riverside, Illinois.</li></ul><div><figure><div id="av-hermesv2/brackets/2025-01-30-1614-chicagos-most-romantic-WJWKW" style="max-width:100%" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="axios-visual" data-vars-asset-id="av-hermesv2/brackets/2025-01-30-1614-chicagos-most-romantic-WJWKW" data-vars-iframe-src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/brackets/2025-01-30-1614-chicagos-most-romantic/index.html" class="gtmView"><img alt="A bracket that visualizes the preferences of 2,346 Axios Chicago readers for romantic spots." class="axios-visual-newsletter-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/brackets/2025-01-30-1614-chicagos-most-romantic/fallbacks/2025-01-30-1614-chicagos-most-romantic-fallback.png" width="1200" height="1578"/><img alt="A bracket that visualizes the preferences of 2,346 Axios Chicago readers for romantic spots." class="axios-visual-apple-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/brackets/2025-01-30-1614-chicagos-most-romantic/fallbacks/2025-01-30-1614-chicagos-most-romantic-apple.png" width="750" height="2306"/></div><figcaption>Bracket: Axios visuals </figcaption></figure></div>

Holiday dating: Why singles are mingling more this winter

Singles start to focus more on what they want in a potential partner.

Whether you need a plus-one for a Christmas party or want to use time off work to explore the city with someone, the holidays are considered a prime time for dating.The big picture: A survey by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dating app Bumble" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/media-deals/2024/04/30/bumble-app-relaunch-opening-moves" data-vars-content-id="913dd6d5-bcae-490a-8e2b-950101267ce5" data-vars-headline="Holiday dating: Why singles are mingling more this winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/media-deals/2024/04/30/bumble-app-relaunch-opening-moves" target="_self">dating app Bumble</a> of over 1,000 American users found that 48% think the holidays are the ideal time to meet a partner, the app&#x27;s Sarah Wallin tells Axios.

Netflix's "Love is Blind" not great for Chicago contestants

No Chicago contestants on the Netflix show are currently married.

Contestants on the Chicago-based season of Netflix&#x27;s hit &quot;Love Is Blind&quot; were the least successful in finding lasting love on the show. The big picture: As the 7th season of the the six-time Emmy-nominated dating show <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="returns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/09/05/love-is-blind-dc-season-premiere" data-vars-content-id="f2aa6fdf-802e-4387-901a-8f88c1d10bae" data-vars-headline="Netflix&#x27;s &quot;Love is Blind&quot; not great for Chicago contestants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/09/05/love-is-blind-dc-season-premiere" target="_self">returns</a> Wednesday with a Washington, D.C.-based cast, we wanted to look back at how the experiment has fared so far.

Meet Chicago's 3 "Golden Bachelorette" suitors

A local caterer, salon owner and sales manager compete for the final rose.

At least three Chicago dudes are vying for the affections of this season&#x27;s Golden Bachelorette <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Joan Vassos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/08/14/golden-bachelorette-bachelor-austin" data-vars-content-id="aaedce31-8d8b-4430-8d29-9c9d18d93055" data-vars-headline="Meet Chicago&#x27;s 3 &quot;Golden Bachelorette&quot; suitors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/08/14/golden-bachelorette-bachelor-austin" target="_self">Joan Vassos</a> in a spinoff of last year&#x27;s ABC hit&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Golden Bachelor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/28/golden-bachelor-spinoff-abc-dating-show" data-vars-content-id="aaedce31-8d8b-4430-8d29-9c9d18d93055" data-vars-headline="Meet Chicago&#x27;s 3 &quot;Golden Bachelorette&quot; suitors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/28/golden-bachelor-spinoff-abc-dating-show" target="_self">Golden Bachelor</a>.&quot;The big picture: These lucky local lads will compete among 24 men, ranging in age from 57 to 69, in the new season that kicks off Sept. 18.

A chart showing Love is Blind outcomes by city. Each participant is shown as one heart, styled by whether that participant got married, engaged, or divorced. The city with the most participants who are still married as of Sept. 12, 2024 is Seattle, at six. Chicago has the fewest at zero: both of its married couples divorced shortly after their first anniversary.

Axios Visuals: 2024-09-13-love-is-blind

Data: Wikipedia, Axios research; Chart: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals

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