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NBC Chicago's new studio marks end of daytime TV era

The nearly 70,000-square-foot space on the first floor of the NBC Tower is where Springer used to do his syndicated show.

Business

NBC 5&#x27;s new studio at NBC Tower marks the end of Chicago&#x27;s daytime TV production era, but bets big on the future of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local news" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/09/media-future-streaming-fox-nbc-wgn-reader-wbez-2026" data-vars-content-id="6016cc2a-e01c-455e-a923-d90534b3b4d0" data-vars-headline="NBC Chicago&#x27;s new studio marks end of daytime TV era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/09/media-future-streaming-fox-nbc-wgn-reader-wbez-2026" target="_self">local news</a>.Why it matters: The investment boosts local news — but underscores how far Chicago has drifted from its once-dominant role in daytime TV.

Berlin nightclub to reopen as Belmont and Decibel

The sister venues will be called The Belmont and Decibel and open on April 25.

Things to Do

After closing its doors in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="late 2023" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/11/21/berlin-nightclub-closed-drag" data-vars-content-id="a615ada9-ef22-42f3-9027-464119deb73e" data-vars-headline="Berlin nightclub to reopen as Belmont and Decibel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/11/21/berlin-nightclub-closed-drag" target="_self">late 2023</a>, Lakeview&#x27;s Berlin nightclub space will reopen this month as The Belmont, a craft cocktail bar, and Decibel, a dance bar.Why it matters: For 40 years, Berlin hosted a unique mix of LGBTQ and straight clubbers for late-night dance parties in an inclusive environment.<ul><li>Managers tell Axios they want to recreate that special scene.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;The goal is for everyone to feel comfortable here, as long as they&#x27;re comfortable with everyone else,&quot; says Marcus Devin, one of the new club&#x27;s managers, who previously worked at Berlin.<figure><img alt="Two men stand together in a dim venue with purple lighting. Left: glasses, blond hair, black T‑shirt with a circular cat logo. Right: mustache, blue mountain graphic T‑shirt; both wear jeans." height="2539" id="a3f98868-5c9e-427f-948e-bd483868cfa0" src="https://images.axios.com/JGyy2nBr29RJGlOFXwv5gSxvVNk=/2026/04/08/1775688782247.jpeg" width="3941"/><figcaption>Programming manager Austin Neff and manager Marcus Devin in front of the new DJ booth at Decibel, formerly Berlin. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios </figcaption></figure>Driving the news: The Belmont/Decibel (954 W. Belmont Ave.) will open to the public on April 25, pending final city approval.How it works: The club will operate as The Belmont cocktail bar in the early evenings, but pull back a curtain and morph into Decibel after 10pm on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.Backstory: Berlin owners Jim Schuman and Jo Webster closed the legendary club in 2023 amid union demands that they said they lacked the funds to accommodate. <ul><li>The new owner is HV Entertainment, which owns local LGBTQ clubs including Fantasy, Bobby Loves, The Closet and the Chicago Eagle.</li></ul>What&#x27;s new: Fresh lighting, a new sound system, clean remodeled bathrooms and two twinkling bars.What&#x27;s old: The &quot;retro vibe&quot; that manager and former Berlin staffer Austin Neff says he hopes to recreate with &quot;techno, house, &#x27;80s, &#x27;90s and early 2000s music&quot; spun by Berlin DJ Greg Haus.<ul><li>Berlin&#x27;s elevated dance stages that could host drag performers again in the fall.</li></ul>The drinks: Expect fancy craft cocktails at The Belmont until 10pm, but simpler drinks at Decibel.If you go: The Belmont will be open Tuesday-Saturday and charge a $5-10 cover for Decibel after 10pm.

The Hand & The Eye opens in Chicago

The Hand & The Eye joins a wave of recent openings on or near Michigan Avenue that draw crowds.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Hand &amp; The Eye" data-vars-click-url="https://www.handandeye.com/" data-vars-content-id="9f04c5aa-9004-4c61-a42c-419b9c8d9ec7" data-vars-headline="The Hand &amp; The Eye opens in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.handandeye.com/" target="_blank">The Hand &amp; The Eye</a> — touted as the largest magic venue in the world — opens in Chicago on April 18. Why it matters: Tickets are on sale for the 36,000-square-foot venue that transformed the old McCormick Mansion at 100 E. Ontario St.

Lawmakers weigh human composting in Illinois

The process turns human remains into soil and is legal in 14 states.

Climate

Illinois could soon legalize human composting — a greener death option that&#x27;s currently illegal in state.

May Day boycott sparks clash over closing Chicago Public Schools

The Chicago Teachers Union wants schools to close so students can participate in a day of civic action.

A planned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="May Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/01/photos-chicagos-may-day-protest-thousands-trump-pritzker-gates" data-vars-content-id="5e75382f-71c4-415b-9b36-66a045ec6f97" data-vars-headline="May Day boycott sparks clash over closing Chicago Public Schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/01/photos-chicagos-may-day-protest-thousands-trump-pritzker-gates" target="_self">May Day</a> boycott is putting Chicago Public Schools at the center of a growing political and educational fight.The latest: Labor leaders are calling for a boycott and demonstration on May Day (May 1), asking Chicagoans to avoid shopping, working and attending school.

Future film composers flock to Chicago

Columbia College's top-ranked MFA gives students real film scoring experience and industry access.

Education

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" data-vars-content-id="6f33cbb1-23eb-4ff7-b67f-84ef5c139154" data-vars-headline="Future film composers flock to 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">Chicago </a>is home to a top-ranked graduate program for film composers — an unexpected foothold in an industry dominated by Los Angeles and New York. Why it matters: &quot;The Hollywood Reporter&quot; named Columbia College Chicago&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Music Composition for the Screen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.colum.edu/academics/programs/music-composition-for-the-screen-mfa" data-vars-content-id="6f33cbb1-23eb-4ff7-b67f-84ef5c139154" data-vars-headline="Future film composers flock to Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.colum.edu/academics/programs/music-composition-for-the-screen-mfa" target="_blank">Music Composition for the Screen</a> MFA program <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No. 1 in the world" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/music-features/top-music-schools-2025-1236429553/" data-vars-content-id="6f33cbb1-23eb-4ff7-b67f-84ef5c139154" data-vars-headline="Future film composers flock to Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/music-features/top-music-schools-2025-1236429553/" target="_blank">No. 1 in the world</a> in 2025, an honor the school has received three times in the last four years. The program has helped make Chicago a key pipeline for composers entering the industry.

The university system that powers Illinois' economy

Illinois converts public investment into lasting job growth.

Illinois&#x27; economy depends on institutions that build infrastructure for the decades ahead.Why it&#x27;s important: Workforce demands are shifting, industries need talent pipelines they can depend on and communities across the state need real pathways to opportunity.

New UIC building softens Brutalist campus' edges

Designed to honor Walter Netsch's vision, CDRLC adds light, curves and community space to UIC.

University of Illinois Chicago&#x27;s new Computer Design, Research and Learning Center (CDRLC) updates the school&#x27;s famous Brutalist campus with a design better suited for modern learning.

What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King

King has served as interim CEO, but has not previously led a school district.

Macquline King became the official <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Public Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/18/first-day-catch-up-chicago-public-schools" data-vars-content-id="8456b23d-bc66-404c-aef1-ae0ac3d459df" data-vars-headline="What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/18/first-day-catch-up-chicago-public-schools" target="_self">Chicago Public Schools</a> CEO Monday as the board voted 8–1 to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="approve her" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/03/30/chicago-board-of-education-hires-macquline-king/" data-vars-content-id="8456b23d-bc66-404c-aef1-ae0ac3d459df" data-vars-headline="What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/03/30/chicago-board-of-education-hires-macquline-king/" target="_blank">approve her</a> for a three-year contract.Why it matters: Running the nation&#x27;s fourth-largest school district is tough in the best of times.<ul><li>But the next year could bring huge leadership upheavals as CPS shifts to a fully elected board and the city could elect a new mayor, who traditionally wields great power in the district.</li></ul>Between the lines: This period will require a steady but flexible leader.<ul><li>King has served as interim CEO, but has not previously led a school district or managed a CPS department or network.</li></ul>Catch up quick: After 15 years as a CPS elementary school principal (at Dumas on the South Side and Courtenay on the North), King became an education policy adviser to Mayor Lori Lightfoot and was kept on by Mayor Brandon Johnson.<ul><li>Johnson tapped King as interim CEO last June, after the acrimonious <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="departure of CEO Pedro Martinez," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/12/21/cps-pedro-martinez-fired" data-vars-content-id="8456b23d-bc66-404c-aef1-ae0ac3d459df" data-vars-headline="What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/12/21/cps-pedro-martinez-fired" target="_self">departure of CEO Pedro Martinez,</a> who refused to accede to the mayor&#x27;s wishes for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high-interest loan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/10/02/cps-budget-deficit" data-vars-content-id="8456b23d-bc66-404c-aef1-ae0ac3d459df" data-vars-headline="What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/10/02/cps-budget-deficit" target="_self">high-interest loan</a> to cover non-teacher pensions.</li><li>Facing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$734 million budget deficit," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/21/chicago-school-budget-listening-session" data-vars-content-id="8456b23d-bc66-404c-aef1-ae0ac3d459df" data-vars-headline="What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/21/chicago-school-budget-listening-session" target="_self">$734 million budget deficit,</a> King presented a balanced FY 2026 plan, which also <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rejected the loan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/14/cps-interim-ceo-defies-johnson-budget-pensions-loan" data-vars-content-id="8456b23d-bc66-404c-aef1-ae0ac3d459df" data-vars-headline="What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/14/cps-interim-ceo-defies-johnson-budget-pensions-loan" target="_self">rejected the loan</a> Johnson wanted.</li></ul>The search: Last fall, a search firm and the board drew up a list of permanent CEO finalists (which was later leaked) that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="did not include King" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/education/2025/11/05/cps-ceo-search-macquline-king" data-vars-content-id="8456b23d-bc66-404c-aef1-ae0ac3d459df" data-vars-headline="What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/education/2025/11/05/cps-ceo-search-macquline-king" target="_blank">did not include King</a>, prompting blowback from the NAACP and Chicago Teachers Union.<ul><li>When the firm was dismissed and a new search was launched, some elected board members <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="charged sabotage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/02/12/school-board-terminates-contract-with-alma-advisory-group/" data-vars-content-id="8456b23d-bc66-404c-aef1-ae0ac3d459df" data-vars-headline="What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/02/12/school-board-terminates-contract-with-alma-advisory-group/" target="_blank">charged sabotage</a> and called for a delay in the search until a fully elected board could be seated in January.</li><li>Instead, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="King was announced as a finalist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/03/13/chicago-public-schools-has-three-ceo-finalists-king-porter-narcisse/" data-vars-content-id="8456b23d-bc66-404c-aef1-ae0ac3d459df" data-vars-headline="What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/03/13/chicago-public-schools-has-three-ceo-finalists-king-porter-narcisse/" target="_blank">King was announced as a finalist</a> this month along with candidates from New York and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: How King balances the demands of CPS families, the board, the mayor, and Johnson-averse Springfield lawmakers who will be asked for more funding as the district faces a projected $520 million deficit in 2027.

Study finds ChatGPT reflects stereotypes of U.S. cities and countries

Researchers found AI tools echo online stereotypes, from food praise to "not friendly" cities.

Researchers have found that LLMs, like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ChatGPT" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/09/chatgpt-ads-testing-go-free" data-vars-content-id="594e16e1-3b9c-4bfe-a5f8-47052141fe69" data-vars-headline="Study finds ChatGPT reflects stereotypes of U.S. cities and countries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/09/chatgpt-ads-testing-go-free" target="_self">ChatGPT</a>, are just as biased as the rest of the world.Why it matters: Last year, over 50% of adults in the U.S. reported using LLMs, and as more people rely on the information these platforms deliver, geographic, racial and economic stereotypes are perpetuated further.

Exhibit showcases work inspired by innovative arts program

Gallery 400 at UIC spotlights the ensemble that brought puppets, clowns and creativity to youth across Chicago.

Culture

In the late 1970s, a group of neighbors in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pilsen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/20/a-new-york-slice-on-the-pink-line" data-vars-content-id="5255dd55-8dcb-4fb7-8e7a-87ce3077f8ef" data-vars-headline="Exhibit showcases work inspired by innovative arts program" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/20/a-new-york-slice-on-the-pink-line" target="_self">Pilsen</a> decided to do something radical — teach art to children across the city for free.The big picture: The collective known as the Pros Arts Studio ensemble visited schools, parks and community centers to perform plays with clowns and puppets and help young people tap into their own artistic talents. <ul><li>For some students, it was the only arts education they received. </li></ul>

Chicago photographer reveals CPS students' everyday moments

Through trusted portraits at CPS schools, Melissa Ann Pinney shows students as they really are.

<figure><img alt="Teen girl with long braided hair wearing a brown hoodie and colorful backpack looking at herself in a bathroom mirror with beige tiles and pink walls." height="1597" id="1ceb00b4-88b3-4510-b47b-e5d08e621cb7" src="https://images.axios.com/601xajea1iS27rcKTL7WIlHRtjU=/2026/01/06/1767724553345.jpeg" width="2000"/><figcaption>Jael&#x27;s portrait was included in an exhibit at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in 2022. Jael became the face of the project when her portrait was chosen for the cover of In Their Own Light. Photo: Courtesy of Melissa Ann Pinney</figcaption></figure>Photographer Melissa Ann Pinney has had a consistent presence in Chicago Public Schools for the last several years, capturing both the mundane and memorable moments.The big picture: Pinney started photographing at Bell School in 2018 through the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artists in Public Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://artistsinpublicschools.org/" data-vars-content-id="bb1b4f2f-1bf2-4a4c-8afb-9fb1a3eedd74" data-vars-headline="Chicago photographer reveals CPS students&#x27; everyday moments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://artistsinpublicschools.org/" target="_blank">Artists in Public Schools</a> residency, which places artists in schools across the city to help tap into the creativity of students and staff and collaborate on projects.

Northwestern deal raises questions about future of transgender care and rights

A $75M settlement restores nearly $800M in funding but draws criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates.

Northwestern&#x27;s settlement with the Trump administration has led to confusion about the future of transgender students at the university and patients at Northwestern hospitals.The big picture: Transgender rights have been under attack since President Trump took office, including changes the administration has made to Title IX, the 1972 law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational settings.<ul><li>The Trump administration has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="taken legal action" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-justice-department-sues-virginia-school-board-over-transgender-use-locker-2025-12-09/" data-vars-content-id="7c70ae2e-6da9-4a6d-84c9-dff4be060bef" data-vars-headline="Northwestern deal raises questions about future of transgender care and rights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-justice-department-sues-virginia-school-board-over-transgender-use-locker-2025-12-09/" target="_blank">taken legal action</a> against schools it claims violate the administration&#x27;s declaration that there are only two genders that are determined by sex defined at birth.</li></ul>

CPS college enrollment beats national average

New data shows 66% of CPS grads enrolled in college, despite economic and systemic hurdles.

Chicago Public School students are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="enrolling in college" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/04/25/chicago-college-student-debt-trump-save-money" data-vars-content-id="20797a80-d6a6-4ba8-83d7-b3bf6228f17a" data-vars-headline="CPS college enrollment beats national average" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/04/25/chicago-college-student-debt-trump-save-money" target="_self">enrolling in college</a> at rates higher than the national average, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://toandthrough.uchicago.edu/tool/cps/pai/2023/#" data-vars-content-id="20797a80-d6a6-4ba8-83d7-b3bf6228f17a" data-vars-headline="CPS college enrollment beats national average" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://toandthrough.uchicago.edu/tool/cps/pai/2023/#" target="_blank">new report</a> by UChicago&#x27;s To&amp;Through Project and Consortium for School Research.Why it matters: Higher college enrollment rates can translate into higher earnings for CPS students, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="71.8% of whom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cps.edu/about/stats-facts/#:~:text=See%20statistics%20and%20facts%20about%20CPS%20at,about%20schools%2C%20LSCs%2C%20students%2C%20staff%2C%20and%20budget." data-vars-content-id="20797a80-d6a6-4ba8-83d7-b3bf6228f17a" data-vars-headline="CPS college enrollment beats national average" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cps.edu/about/stats-facts/#:~:text=See%20statistics%20and%20facts%20about%20CPS%20at,about%20schools%2C%20LSCs%2C%20students%2C%20staff%2C%20and%20budget." target="_blank">71.8% of whom</a> face economic disadvantages.

Education 📚

May Day boycott sparks clash over closing Chicago Public Schools

Future film composers flock to Chicago

The university system that powers Illinois' economy

New UIC building softens Brutalist campus' edges

What to know about CPS CEO Macquline King