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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.

NBC 5 Chicago adds film critic Richard Roeper to its lineup

The veteran columnist will join newscasts as well as digital platforms.

News

NBC 5 is landing another high-profile <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago media voice" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/26/lou-cannelis-fox-32-nbc-5-sports-bears-bulls" data-vars-content-id="e0f9ca37-8912-4681-b1d3-47c04b9f61ed" data-vars-headline="NBC 5 Chicago adds film critic Richard Roeper to its lineup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/26/lou-cannelis-fox-32-nbc-5-sports-bears-bulls" target="_self">Chicago media voice</a> to its roster. The latest: Columnist and media personality Richard Roeper has been hired to file entertainment and culture stories across platforms starting Friday.<ul><li>He will make regular appearances on afternoon and evening newscasts, as well as on the station&#x27;s lifestyle program, &quot;Chicago Today,&quot; while also delivering content to digital and social media sites. </li></ul>

Chaz Ebert launches awards for empathy and more

The first annual FECK awards will take place Saturday at the Ritz Carlton in Chicago.

Things to Do

Chicago philanthropist Chaz Ebert will be honoring folks who spread forgiveness, empathy, compassion and kindness at the first annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FECK Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://giveafeck.com/awards/" data-vars-content-id="4376bc9f-6788-4441-bb67-8b5e898b917f" data-vars-headline="Chaz Ebert launches awards for empathy and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://giveafeck.com/awards/" target="_blank">FECK Awards</a> held downtown Saturday.Why it matters: Ebert, the widow of late film critic Roger Ebert, is highlighting the work of at least four Chicagoans for their efforts to improve life around the city as part of this national award.

Illinois' once-in-a-generation Final Four run

Chicago fans are traveling to Indianapolis for the Illinois vs. UConn showdown.

Sports

Illini basketball fans are being treated to a once-in-a-generation moment this weekend: the Final Four.Why it matters: It&#x27;s rare for a Chicago-area college team to reach one of the biggest stages in sports.<ul><li>The only local program to do it in the past decade was Loyola Chicago&#x27;s 2018 Cinderella run.</li></ul>

Chicago asks Black residents to shape reparations plan

City leaders launch surveys and forums as Chicago builds a reparations plan amid legal battles nearby.

Politics

The City of Chicago is asking Black residents to help shape the city&#x27;s long-promised reparations plan, just as Evanston&#x27;s program comes under attack.Why it matters: The new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Repair Chicago campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2026/march/repair-chicago-launch.html" data-vars-content-id="0011d349-b8f1-4e8e-80ce-585bd37bc4fe" data-vars-headline="Chicago asks Black residents to shape reparations plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2026/march/repair-chicago-launch.html" target="_blank">Repair Chicago campaign</a> includes public forums and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a survey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/chicagoreparationsurvey" data-vars-content-id="0011d349-b8f1-4e8e-80ce-585bd37bc4fe" data-vars-headline="Chicago asks Black residents to shape reparations plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/chicagoreparationsurvey" target="_blank">a survey</a> to &quot;explore the impacts of systemic discrimination,&quot; per Mayor Brandon Johnson&#x27;s office.<ul><li>The mayor created a reparations task force in 2024.</li></ul>

Artemis II is ready for takeoff (weather permitting)

The first crewed Moon orbit since 1972 could launch Wednesday.

Aerospace

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artemis II" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/31/artemis-moon-mission-colorado-aerospace" data-vars-content-id="6ebf6dd7-5409-4dd4-b713-ca123eb3c1d5" data-vars-headline="Artemis II is ready for takeoff (weather permitting)" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/31/artemis-moon-mission-colorado-aerospace" target="_self">Artemis II</a> is scheduled to launch Wednesday, no earlier than 5:24pm CT, from NASA&#x27;s Kennedy Space Center in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/30/mosi-to-host-artemis-ii-watch-party" data-vars-content-id="6ebf6dd7-5409-4dd4-b713-ca123eb3c1d5" data-vars-headline="Artemis II is ready for takeoff (weather permitting)" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/30/mosi-to-host-artemis-ii-watch-party" target="_self">Florida.</a> Why it matters: This is the first time humans will travel around the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972, and paves the way for future missions to Mars.

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>

O'Hare Airport travelers face TSA shortages and ICE presence

Mayor Brandon Johnson said roughly 75 ICE officers were expected at O'Hare.

Travel

Travelers moving through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="O&#x27;Hare " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/19/chicago-airports-spring-break-travel-ohare-midway-faa-dhs" data-vars-content-id="b6f6cedc-59a9-4ee1-9640-32cf19cf5ec4" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Hare Airport travelers face TSA shortages and ICE presence" 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/chicago-airports-spring-break-travel-ohare-midway-faa-dhs" target="_self">O&#x27;Hare </a>on Monday braced for long lines, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="travel headaches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" data-vars-content-id="b6f6cedc-59a9-4ee1-9640-32cf19cf5ec4" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Hare Airport travelers face TSA shortages and ICE presence" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" target="_self">travel headaches</a> — and the added uncertainty of ICE officers stationed at airport security.Why it matters: A partial government shutdown is straining airport operations nationwide — and hitting one of the country&#x27;s busiest airports at the start of spring break travel.

Chicago and other cities examine César Chávez's legacy

New reporting prompts fresh scrutiny of Chávez's legacy across Chicago schools and sites.

Chicago is among <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/19/san-diego-cesar-chavez-events-abuse-allegations-cancelled-change" data-vars-content-id="97459e4f-533b-49b4-8009-fbf3fbd47022" data-vars-headline="Chicago and other cities examine César Chávez&#x27;s legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/19/san-diego-cesar-chavez-events-abuse-allegations-cancelled-change" target="_self">the cities</a> grappling with labor leader <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="César Chávez&#x27;s legacy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/18/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations" data-vars-content-id="97459e4f-533b-49b4-8009-fbf3fbd47022" data-vars-headline="Chicago and other cities examine César Chávez&#x27;s legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/18/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations" target="_self">César Chávez&#x27;s legacy</a> following new allegations of sexual abuse.The latest: A New York Times investigation this week <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported allegations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/us/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-ufw.html" data-vars-content-id="97459e4f-533b-49b4-8009-fbf3fbd47022" data-vars-headline="Chicago and other cities examine César Chávez&#x27;s legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/us/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-ufw.html" target="_blank">reported allegations</a> that the United Farm Workers co-founder groomed girls and sexually abused young women while leading the farmworker movement. <ul><li>Chávez died in 1993. Chávez&#x27;s family released <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a statement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/TheNationalChavezCenter/posts/pfbid0cdfRKxzJvPeCPQCcfgDH5r2cP7VpdauFGLDLiSNX52V8mCrke4E8RpNpgfadQ559l/" data-vars-content-id="97459e4f-533b-49b4-8009-fbf3fbd47022" data-vars-headline="Chicago and other cities examine César Chávez&#x27;s legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/TheNationalChavezCenter/posts/pfbid0cdfRKxzJvPeCPQCcfgDH5r2cP7VpdauFGLDLiSNX52V8mCrke4E8RpNpgfadQ559l/" target="_blank">a statement</a> saying they were &quot;devastated&quot; by the report, expressed support for survivors and asked for privacy while they process the allegations.</li></ul>

Pritzker tightens grip on Illinois Democrats after primary wins

Pritzker flexed his political power Tuesday night.

Tuesday&#x27;s primary wins have Democrats across Illinois sending a clear message: call him Boss Pritzker.Why it matters: Gov. JB Pritzker has consolidated control of the state Democratic Party in a way not seen since Richard J. Daley or Michael Madigan — towering figures in state political history — with major implications for Illinois&#x27; future.

In photos: 2026 Illinois Midterm primary

Select photos from various election night spots around town.

There were some surprises, and of course, the expected winners in Tuesday&#x27;s Midterm primary election. Here are some scenes from some of the parties.

News 🗞

NBC 5 Chicago adds film critic Richard Roeper to its lineup

Metra tracks Ventra app versus paper tickets

Kaufmann quiz: Dive bars

Chaz Ebert launches awards for empathy and more

Illinois' once-in-a-generation Final Four run