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A guide to fun things to do in Chicago this weekend.

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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.

Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club delivers elevated cocktails

Drinks aren't cheap, but the balance, strength and service make Kitty's a standout.

Food and Drink

I love wine, but as my friend and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Twin Cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities" data-vars-content-id="07409809-4619-4a00-8740-850296b2747f" data-vars-headline="Kitty&#x27;s Cosmopolitan Club delivers elevated cocktails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities" target="_self">Twin Cities</a> colleague Torey says, &quot;It doesn&#x27;t always love me back.&quot;The big picture: I&#x27;ve been ordering cocktails when I go out, and a tasty, balanced, strong drink isn&#x27;t always easy to find.

Taking the tipping temperature of Axios readers

Please help us take the tipping temperature of Chicago diners.

As Chicago&#x27;s tipping future hangs in the balance this month, we want to know how you all feel about the issue.Why it matters: We hope the data helps servers, restaurant owners, diners and politicians make better decisions.

Illinois pushes back on latest Trump voting order

The Illinois ACLU says it would disenfranchise millions of voters.

Election

Illinois advocates are challenging President Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest effort to change voting laws" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/25/trump-elections-executive-order-citizenship-proof" data-vars-content-id="1c207705-be16-4233-a92b-7e6f3a70c53f" data-vars-headline="Illinois pushes back on latest Trump voting order" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/25/trump-elections-executive-order-citizenship-proof" target="_self">latest effort to change voting laws</a>, which would create voter lists that the Postal Service would use to identify who gets a mail-in ballot.Why it matters: The U.S. Constitution <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="places the job of election administration" data-vars-click-url="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S4-C1-2/ALDE_00013577/" data-vars-content-id="1c207705-be16-4233-a92b-7e6f3a70c53f" data-vars-headline="Illinois pushes back on latest Trump voting order" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S4-C1-2/ALDE_00013577/" target="_blank">places the job of election administration</a> in the hands of the states and Congress.

Happy Hour Hop reviews across the Chicago area

Checking out bargain sips and bites at bars, bistros and fancy restaurants.

What to know about Chicago's tipped wage debate

Legislation passed by City Council and vetoed by the mayor may or may not help servers.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson last month blocked a City Council decision to pause <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scheduled increases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/27/chicago-tipped-workers-wage-tip-tax-debate" data-vars-content-id="813f5a06-795b-4574-b7af-3bfdabe688a3" data-vars-headline="What to know about Chicago&#x27;s tipped wage debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/27/chicago-tipped-workers-wage-tip-tax-debate" target="_self">scheduled increases</a> in the city&#x27;s tipped minimum wage.Why it matters: The veto keeps wage hikes moving forward, with ripple effects for workers&#x27; paychecks, restaurant costs and menu prices.

Persian fries delight at Noon O Kabab in Albany Park

They feature nice sour pickles and feta but the raw onion really lingers.

Over the years, I&#x27;ve scarfed my share of fries topped with chili, cheese, giardiniera, feta, mapo tofu, truffles and more. <ul><li>But I&#x27;d never seen the combo <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Noon O Kabab" data-vars-click-url="https://www.noonokabab.com/order-now/side-orders/persian-fries-441" data-vars-content-id="668a7f3d-781d-411e-b971-06429563e08b" data-vars-headline="Persian fries delight at Noon O Kabab in Albany Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.noonokabab.com/order-now/side-orders/persian-fries-441" target="_blank">Noon O Kabab</a> showers over its Persian fries ($9.50). </li></ul>The bite: Thin cut, crispy potato wedges topped with pickles, raw onion, Persian salad, crumbled feta and spices. The verdict: I like the idea less than the actual dish, which left me smelling like a wild (Chicago) onion at a social event right after my scarfage.

Can you identify these iconic Chicago dive bars? Take the quiz

How well do you know the city's favorite watering holes?

History

This week, I had the distinct pleasure of hosting Axios colleagues who were in town for a conference. Of course, I took them to some of the legendary watering holes in the city.

5 things to expect under new Hideout ownership

Think songwriters in the round, fiddle music, cocktails and hot dogs.

Things to Do

Last month, Chicagoans absorbed the news that owners of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Hideout nightclub were selling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/19/hideout-owners-sell-to-musician-after-30-years" data-vars-content-id="2eb9e6c3-271f-4e92-b960-b53d5f46e7f6" data-vars-headline="5 things to expect under new Hideout ownership" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/19/hideout-owners-sell-to-musician-after-30-years" target="_self">The Hideout nightclub were selling</a> it after 30 years to musician and former staffer Teri O&#x27;Brien.Why it matters: At the time of the sale, O&#x27;Brien was still processing her new stewardship and ownership duties and was short on future plans.<ul><li>We caught up with her a week later, after she&#x27;d done fun things like transfer the &quot;waste management accounts into my name,&quot; to see if we could glean a few more details about the club&#x27;s future.</li></ul>

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.

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>

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.

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>

What you need to know about the Cubs opener

The North Siders play the Nationals at 1:20pm amid lots of hot chicken and a parking controversy.

Sports

Thursday is the first day of Wrigleyville spring, a glorious moment when the Cubs have lost zero games and anything is possible.The basics: Thursday&#x27;s opener against the Washington Nationals starts at 1:20pm with temps expected to hit the 60s followed by some potentially nasty rain and even hail.<ul><li>Fans can check out a military flyover from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 at around 1:02 p.m. before the game.</li><li>Gates open two hours before the first pitch.</li></ul>

Food and Drink 🍽

Happy Hour Hop reviews across the Chicago area

What to know about Chicago's tipped wage debate

Taking the tipping temperature of Axios readers

Persian fries delight at Noon O Kabab in Albany Park

Can you identify these iconic Chicago dive bars? Take the quiz