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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.

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.

CVS opens new type of store in Chicago

The smaller store offers bilingual staff and walkable access for largely Spanish-speaking area.

Health

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CVS Pharmacy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/12/cvs-stores-pharmacies-drugs-retail" data-vars-content-id="1874c13d-d9f5-4e75-856c-4d81929ee549" data-vars-headline="CVS opens new type of store in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/12/cvs-stores-pharmacies-drugs-retail" target="_self">CVS Pharmacy</a> is launching a new type of store and the first one is in Chicago&#x27;s Brighton Park neighborhood.Why it matters: The drugstore giant&#x27;s new pharmacy-only stores are meant to be more accessible and staffed and stocked with what the community needs.

Chicago's "Lights Out" push could save thousands of birds

Thousands of birds die each spring in Chicago — but simple steps like turning off lights can help.

Environment

Chicago doesn&#x27;t have to become a graveyard for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="migratory birds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/24/chicago-bird-collisions-migratory-deaths-data-advocates" data-vars-content-id="f4f0ce32-e0ea-4ef1-9da0-14056fc348c2" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s &quot;Lights Out&quot; push could save thousands of birds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/24/chicago-bird-collisions-migratory-deaths-data-advocates" target="_self">migratory birds</a> every spring. There&#x27;s a simple solution to save these seasonal visitors.The big picture: Chicago&#x27;s Lights Out Campaign encourages buildings 40 floors and higher to turn off their lights from 11pm until sunrise. <ul><li>The lights throw off the birds&#x27; navigation, leading them to swarm and die from exhaustion or slam into the buildings. </li></ul>

Illinois, other states sue Trump administration over HIV cuts

Illinois and three other states sue Trump administration over CDC cuts.

A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order Thursday in Illinois&#x27; lawsuit against the Trump administration over $600 million in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cuts to HIV prevention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/26/gop-medicaid-cuts-hiv-aids-impact" data-vars-content-id="0638eba3-b0b7-4d96-9680-b0804f70d618" data-vars-headline="Illinois, other states sue Trump administration over HIV cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/26/gop-medicaid-cuts-hiv-aids-impact" target="_self">cuts to HIV prevention</a> and other public health programs.

From "disgusting" to delicious: Everybody Eat snacks grow

Everybody Eat's founders scaled allergen-free snacks to 1,700 Chicago-area stores.

Culture

When Trish Thomas first shared her allergen-free crackers with Nichole Wilson at a school event, her friend appreciated the gesture, but secretly thought the snacks were &quot;disgusting.&quot;Why it matters: The experience led the two Chicago entrepreneurs to team up and launch a line of cookies, crackers and pretzels that are free of most food allergens but also delicious.<ul><li>Called<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Every Body Eat" data-vars-click-url="https://everybodyeating.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoppbpyjcJLCREh8R8oVLCcYs2aG1DLafCI2zeDiVBV_Pn8Zl2cs" data-vars-content-id="2f1a5246-ec56-4b69-9217-ebe9ffd72a86" data-vars-headline="From &quot;disgusting&quot; to delicious: Everybody Eat snacks grow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://everybodyeating.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoppbpyjcJLCREh8R8oVLCcYs2aG1DLafCI2zeDiVBV_Pn8Zl2cs" target="_blank"> Every Body Eat</a>, the snack line launched in 2020 and has now reached 1,700 Chicago-area stores, including Mariano&#x27;s, Jewel and Whole Foods.</li></ul>

Chicago tests just 0.01% of homes for lead in water

Chicago tests the same number of households as Elgin despite being 27 times the size.

Elgin officials recently found <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high levels of lead" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/06/21/high-lead-levels-chicago-home-water" data-vars-content-id="7c8764bf-4134-48cf-aa09-bca57449070b" data-vars-headline="Chicago tests just 0.01% of homes for lead in water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/06/21/high-lead-levels-chicago-home-water" target="_self">high levels of lead</a> in the water of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="70% of the homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dailyherald.com/20260114/news/elgin-again-issues-alert-after-drinking-water-samples-exceed-allowable-lead-levels-during-test/" data-vars-content-id="7c8764bf-4134-48cf-aa09-bca57449070b" data-vars-headline="Chicago tests just 0.01% of homes for lead in water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dailyherald.com/20260114/news/elgin-again-issues-alert-after-drinking-water-samples-exceed-allowable-lead-levels-during-test/" target="_blank">70% of the homes</a> they tested, prompting the western suburb to give filters to residents whose homes are connected to lead lines.Why it matters: Elgin found these dangerous lead levels by testing 101 homes, or about 0.25% of the suburb&#x27;s households.<ul><li>Chicago tests a much smaller percentage of its homes — 0.01%. To reach Elgin&#x27;s ratio, the city would have to test about 2,800 homes every six months, not the 100 it tests today.</li><li>Elgin has an estimated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="8,094 lead lines" data-vars-click-url="https://elginil.gov/2640/Elgins-Lead-Response" data-vars-content-id="7c8764bf-4134-48cf-aa09-bca57449070b" data-vars-headline="Chicago tests just 0.01% of homes for lead in water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://elginil.gov/2640/Elgins-Lead-Response" target="_blank">8,094 lead lines</a>, while Chicago has more than 400,000.</li></ul>

Chicago's United Center now serving THC drinks

The stadium is the first major U.S. arena to add hemp-derived THC drinks to its event menu.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="United Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/06/bulls-blackhawks-united-center-no-cupholders-reinsdorf-wirtz" data-vars-content-id="24adc7f4-be31-48b9-bd62-f3f6f6baf074" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s United Center now serving THC drinks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/06/bulls-blackhawks-united-center-no-cupholders-reinsdorf-wirtz" target="_self">United Center</a> will be the first major arena in the country to offer hemp-derived THC drinks at concerts and events.Driving the news: Chicago-based brands Señorita and Rythm announced Tuesday that they have entered into a multiyear deal with the United Center to add hemp-derived THC drinks to the menu.

Illinois faces funding threat over abortion referral law

Illinois may lose federal funds after HHS said its abortion counseling law violates conscience rules.

In what&#x27;s become a regular occurrence, the Trump administration has once again <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="threatened to cut federal funding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/07/trump-administration-freezes-child-care-funding-in-illinois" data-vars-content-id="88cf3e72-80f1-4359-b3c5-8a5c3d533d3e" data-vars-headline="Illinois faces funding threat over abortion referral law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/07/trump-administration-freezes-child-care-funding-in-illinois" target="_self">threatened to cut federal funding</a> to Illinois. This time it&#x27;s over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abortion access" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/01/illinois-texas-police-data-abortion-law" data-vars-content-id="88cf3e72-80f1-4359-b3c5-8a5c3d533d3e" data-vars-headline="Illinois faces funding threat over abortion referral law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/01/illinois-texas-police-data-abortion-law" target="_self">abortion access</a>.Driving the news: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sent Illinois leaders <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a letter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/nov-illinois.pdf" data-vars-content-id="88cf3e72-80f1-4359-b3c5-8a5c3d533d3e" data-vars-headline="Illinois faces funding threat over abortion referral law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/nov-illinois.pdf" target="_blank">a letter</a> last week alleging the state is violating federal conscience objection laws by requiring Illinois health care providers who oppose abortion over &quot;religious or moral objections&quot; to provide counseling and refer patients to a provider who does.

Chicago cold warning: How to stay safe

Bitter cold affects schools and events; warming centers, libraries open to help residents.

It&#x27;s about to be extremely cold.The big picture: The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning through noon Friday. Wind chills could drop to -40F.<ul><li>The NWS says it&#x27;s putting every available resource into forecasting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="potentially historic winter storm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/21/winter-storm-snow-ice-forecast-east-coast-south" data-vars-content-id="12236881-e7b6-43da-9ece-a2d44d0abf88" data-vars-headline="Chicago cold warning: How to stay safe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/21/winter-storm-snow-ice-forecast-east-coast-south" target="_self">potentially historic winter storm</a> that&#x27;s wreaking havoc here and across the country.</li><li>Nearly 148 million Americans were facing winter storm watches in states spanning 2,000 miles, from New Mexico to Maine, as of Thursday afternoon.</li></ul>

What ordering an "angel shot" at a bar really means

A Chicago law now pushes broader hospitality training so staff can act when patrons order an "angel shot."

If you&#x27;ve ever heard a fellow bargoer order an &quot;angel shot,&quot; they&#x27;re not asking for a new, trendy drink. They&#x27;re asking for help.Why it matters: An &quot;angel shot&quot; is a coded order patrons can give to a bartender, server or bouncer to let them know they&#x27;re in trouble or feeling threatened while at a bar or restaurant.<ul><li>A Chicago law is aiming to make sure more hospitality workers know what it means.</li></ul>

Chicago ranks No. 9 healthiest big U.S. city

Chicagoans prioritize sleep and relationships, helping health ranking.

The home of deep dish and the Chicago dog is actually quite <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="healthy " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/health" data-vars-content-id="d90dc873-c113-4a4b-a8cf-470b30820808" data-vars-headline="Chicago ranks No. 9 healthiest big U.S. city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/health" target="_self">healthy </a>compared to other large cities, cracking the top 10.Why it matters: The study from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mindbody" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mindbodyonline.com/business/education/blog/top-10-healthiest-cities-united-states-2026" data-vars-content-id="d90dc873-c113-4a4b-a8cf-470b30820808" data-vars-headline="Chicago ranks No. 9 healthiest big U.S. city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mindbodyonline.com/business/education/blog/top-10-healthiest-cities-united-states-2026" target="_blank">Mindbody</a>, a fitness, beauty and wellness company, ranked the most populous cities in the U.S. to help determine where residents were prioritizing health and finding balance, factors that can affect overall happiness.

Health 🩺

CVS opens new type of store in Chicago

Chicago's "Lights Out" push could save thousands of birds

Chicago moms dance for mental health

Illinois, other states sue Trump administration over HIV cuts

From "disgusting" to delicious: Everybody Eat snacks grow