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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.

Bulls fire Karnišovas, Eversley, ending "AKME" era

The firing suggests the Bulls are in for a full rebuild.

Sports

The Chicago Bulls have fired Executive VP Artūras Karnišovas and GM Marc Eversley, abruptly ending a five-year run defined by big swings — and middling results.The latest: Owner Michael Reinsdorf didn&#x27;t wait for the offseason, moving to reset the franchise and install new leadership ahead of a pivotal summer.

Angel Reese trade raises new questions about Chicago Sky's direction

The WNBA megastar was traded to Atlanta for two first-round draft picks.

The Angel Reese era in Chicago is over before it ever really began.The latest: The Chicago Sky traded the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="WNBA megastar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/09/angel-reese-sky-cover-nba-2k26-wnba-all-star-reebok-clark" data-vars-content-id="115b27f4-19b3-4b2c-954f-beaea76874dc" data-vars-headline="Angel Reese trade raises new questions about Chicago Sky&#x27;s direction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/09/angel-reese-sky-cover-nba-2k26-wnba-all-star-reebok-clark" target="_self">WNBA megastar</a> to the Atlanta Dream for first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, the team announced Monday. Why it matters: Reese is one of the league&#x27;s brightest young stars and was a major draw at Wintrust Arena.What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;This trade is designed to achieve roster balance,&quot; Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a release. &quot;We wish Angel all the best in her next chapter.&quot;Context: Drafted by the Sky in 2024, Reese quickly became the face of a retooling franchise, following the team&#x27;s first WNBA championship in 2021.<ul><li>She set the single-season rebounding record (446) as a rookie and posted a record 15 straight double-doubles.</li><li>She made the All-Star team in each of her two seasons.</li></ul>Yes, but: The Sky never made the playoffs with Reese and she struggled to score away from the basket. <ul><li>Late last season, she publicly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tussled with the front office" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/05/angel-reese-chicago-sky-suspension/" data-vars-content-id="115b27f4-19b3-4b2c-954f-beaea76874dc" data-vars-headline="Angel Reese trade raises new questions about Chicago Sky&#x27;s direction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/05/angel-reese-chicago-sky-suspension/" target="_blank">tussled with the front office</a> about her frustration with the roster and the team&#x27;s direction. She even hinted at forcing a trade if the team didn&#x27;t fix its issues. </li><li>She was suspended for half a game for &quot;statements detrimental to the team.&quot;</li></ul>Between the lines: This isn&#x27;t new territory for the Sky. <ul><li>Reese joins former stars like Elena Delle Donne and Kahleah Copper, who were also traded away in their prime. </li><li>The pattern raises questions about whether the Sky is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="competing with some of the bigger WNBA franchises" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/17/chicago-sky-practice-facility-behind-schedule-wnba-all-star" data-vars-content-id="115b27f4-19b3-4b2c-954f-beaea76874dc" data-vars-headline="Angel Reese trade raises new questions about Chicago Sky&#x27;s direction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/17/chicago-sky-practice-facility-behind-schedule-wnba-all-star" target="_self">competing with some of the bigger WNBA franchises</a> in terms of resources, facilities, and the ability to attract big-name talent. </li></ul>State of play: &quot;Another disappointing star turn (and run) for the Chicago Sky,&quot; WNBA analyst Sarah Spain tells Axios. Spain hosts the daily women&#x27;s sports podcast, &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Good Game with Sarah Spain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-good-game-with-sarah-spai-185664375/" data-vars-content-id="115b27f4-19b3-4b2c-954f-beaea76874dc" data-vars-headline="Angel Reese trade raises new questions about Chicago Sky&#x27;s direction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-good-game-with-sarah-spai-185664375/" target="_blank">Good Game with Sarah Spain</a>.&quot; <ul><li>&quot;Take a look at the all-time roster for the franchise and you&#x27;ll see some of the greatest names in women&#x27;s basketball history, most of whom demanded a trade to play for teams with better resources and facilities, top-tier leadership and the chance to contend.&quot; </li></ul>Zoom out: Reese&#x27;s on-court hustle and off-court personality made her one of Chicago&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biggest and brightest sports stars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/05/07/stars-to-watch-chicago-sports-angel-reese-caleb-williams" data-vars-content-id="115b27f4-19b3-4b2c-954f-beaea76874dc" data-vars-headline="Angel Reese trade raises new questions about Chicago Sky&#x27;s direction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/05/07/stars-to-watch-chicago-sports-angel-reese-caleb-williams" target="_self">biggest and brightest sports stars</a>, next to names like Caleb Williams, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Connor Bedard.<ul><li>She also turned heads by attending the Met Gala twice, flexing her fashion prowess on the carpet. </li></ul><figure><img alt="A glamorous woman in a black satin gown with a white collar poses on a blue carpet lined with white flowers as a crowd of photographers snaps pictures in the background." height="2333" id="d86714a5-3609-4a09-8bd4-7d6369314351" src="https://images.axios.com/bDiJUJPXXVUDo4e72wubsrm_lLI=/2026/04/06/1775494468327.jpeg" width="3500"/><figcaption>Angel Reese at The 2025 Met Gala. Photo: Michael Buckner/Penske Media via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The intrigue: Reese entered the league as a polarizing star, fueled by her <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rivalry with Caitlin Clark" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqNExncGnc4" data-vars-content-id="115b27f4-19b3-4b2c-954f-beaea76874dc" data-vars-headline="Angel Reese trade raises new questions about Chicago Sky&#x27;s direction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqNExncGnc4" target="_blank">rivalry with Caitlin Clark</a>, arguably the league&#x27;s most popular star. <ul><li>The rivalry carried over to the pros and spurred racist and sexist taunts against Reese, which continued during her <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tenure in Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/45349157/wnba-unable-verify-hateful-fan-comments-reese" data-vars-content-id="115b27f4-19b3-4b2c-954f-beaea76874dc" data-vars-headline="Angel Reese trade raises new questions about Chicago Sky&#x27;s direction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/45349157/wnba-unable-verify-hateful-fan-comments-reese" target="_blank">tenure in Chicago</a>. </li></ul>What&#x27;s next: The Sky, which was rebuilding around Reese and fellow 2024 first-round pick Kamilla Cardoso, will now look to rebuild again. <ul><li>&quot;Chicago sports fans deserve better,&quot; Spain adds. &quot;If the franchise doesn&#x27;t catch up to the teams at the top of this league, they&#x27;re going to continue to be a revolving door.&quot;</li></ul>The bottom line: Another star exit raises bigger questions about the Sky&#x27;s direction.

White Sox home opener: Murakami's hot start offers hope amid rebuild

The Sox return to Chicago after a grueling road trip to start the season.

Hope springs eternal on the South Side — if the weather (and the rebuild) cooperate.The latest: The White Sox home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays was postponed from Thursday to Friday, due to bad weather. <ul><li>While the forecast looks grim, the team&#x27;s outlook isn&#x27;t, thanks to a new Japanese slugger.</li></ul>

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

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

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>

Benny the Bull's birthday: Chicago Bulls mascot celebrates at United Center

The legendary mascot gives us what a perfect day in Chicago would look like.

Chicago Bulls fans may be divided about the direction of the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" team&#x27;s rebuild" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/05/bulls-trade-vucevic-white-dosunmu-reset-franchise-michael-jordan" data-vars-content-id="88556fc6-cdb9-45d0-b2e4-52ee76ab0ce4" data-vars-headline="Benny the Bull&#x27;s birthday: Chicago Bulls mascot celebrates at United Center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/05/bulls-trade-vucevic-white-dosunmu-reset-franchise-michael-jordan" target="_self"> team&#x27;s rebuild</a>, but they unite around one thing: Benny the Bull.Why it matters: The beloved mascot is celebrating his 57th birthday Wednesday. The Bulls will mark the occasion at the United Center before their game against the Pacers.<ul><li>Expect a pregame, beach bash–themed party starting at 5:30pm in the atrium.</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.

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>

Illinois basketball's title hopes hinge on fixing late-game struggles

The Illini take on Penn in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Tonight, the Illini men&#x27;s basketball team hits the court in Greenville, South Carolina, for a first-round <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NCAA Tournament" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/ai-ready-march-madness-bracket" data-vars-content-id="6309543f-5690-40fd-9df6-4cee3a76d006" data-vars-headline="Illinois basketball&#x27;s title hopes hinge on fixing late-game struggles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/ai-ready-march-madness-bracket" target="_self">NCAA Tournament</a> matchup against Penn.<ul><li>Tip-off is at 8:25pm. </li></ul>Why it matters: This year&#x27;s Illini team is good. Like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2005" data-vars-click-url="https://dailyillini.com/special-sections/fall-sports-spotlight-special-sections/2025/10/30/2005-mens-basketball/" data-vars-content-id="6309543f-5690-40fd-9df6-4cee3a76d006" data-vars-headline="Illinois basketball&#x27;s title hopes hinge on fixing late-game struggles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dailyillini.com/special-sections/fall-sports-spotlight-special-sections/2025/10/30/2005-mens-basketball/" target="_blank">2005</a> good.

Bears free agency wishlist: 5 players to watch

The team has freed millions in cap space to bolster a roster set for another playoff run.

The Chicago Bears will look different this year as the team makes tough roster moves in the hopes of improving. Why it matters: Last year&#x27;s playoff team brought new energy and excitement to a fan base clamoring for a winner, but now expectations are higher. The big picture: It&#x27;s not Super Bowl or bust, but fans won&#x27;t accept a step back. <ul><li>Teams can begin signing new players on March 11.</li></ul>The latest: The Bears have started the painful process of freeing salary cap space by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trading" data-vars-click-url="https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-release-tremaine-edmunds-dj-moore/" data-vars-content-id="f60f1bda-c7fd-49f4-b519-e4ffa5e18623" data-vars-headline="Bears free agency wishlist: 5 players to watch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-release-tremaine-edmunds-dj-moore/" target="_blank">trading</a> star WR DJ Moore and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="releasing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48117116/bears-release-veteran-linebacker-tremaine-edmunds" data-vars-content-id="f60f1bda-c7fd-49f4-b519-e4ffa5e18623" data-vars-headline="Bears free agency wishlist: 5 players to watch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48117116/bears-release-veteran-linebacker-tremaine-edmunds" target="_blank">releasing</a> defensive captain Tremaine Edmunds. <ul><li>They also lost 27-year-old Pro-Bowl center Drew Dalman, who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="retired unexpectedly" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/halas-intrigue/2026/03/04/bears-drew-dalman-retirement-podcast-halas-intrigue" data-vars-content-id="f60f1bda-c7fd-49f4-b519-e4ffa5e18623" data-vars-headline="Bears free agency wishlist: 5 players to watch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/halas-intrigue/2026/03/04/bears-drew-dalman-retirement-podcast-halas-intrigue" target="_blank">retired unexpectedly</a>. </li></ul>State of play: The moves give the Bears nearly $40 million to spend in free agency to upgrade the roster and re-sign key players. Here&#x27;s who the Bears could land in free agency: <h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Trey Hendrickson (Defensive End) </h2><figure><img alt="Cincinnati Bengals player #91 in black and orange uniform on football field with ball on ground, opposing team in white and green in background, stadium crowd visible." height="2523" id="8d3a2bff-8f27-4189-bda7-7d15b850e034" src="https://images.axios.com/daWDyx8n1r3az3vYfLGHSOJXuwo=/2026/03/08/1772986143950.jpeg" width="3785"/><figcaption>Trey Hendrickson stands during the game against the New York Jets in 2025. Photo: Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Now that big names like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Maxx Crosby" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48129144/2026-nfl-free-agency-trade-maxx-crosby-ravens-raiders-defense-minter-lamar" data-vars-content-id="f60f1bda-c7fd-49f4-b519-e4ffa5e18623" data-vars-headline="Bears free agency wishlist: 5 players to watch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48129144/2026-nfl-free-agency-trade-maxx-crosby-ravens-raiders-defense-minter-lamar" target="_blank">Maxx Crosby</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Khalil Mack" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nfl.com/news/chargers-khalil-mack-agree-on-one-year-18-million-contract" data-vars-content-id="f60f1bda-c7fd-49f4-b519-e4ffa5e18623" data-vars-headline="Bears free agency wishlist: 5 players to watch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nfl.com/news/chargers-khalil-mack-agree-on-one-year-18-million-contract" target="_blank">Khalil Mack</a> are off the table, the Bears have to move quickly on securing a top free-agent edge rusher.Zoom in: The position opposite Montez Sweat on the Bears&#x27; defensive line has been the team&#x27;s Achilles heel for the past few years. <ul><li>The front office has avoided paying top dollar for the position, instead signing journeymen later in the offseason. It hasn&#x27;t worked under general manager Ryan Poles, so will the Bears try a different approach this offseason?</li></ul>Two big names still available are Trey Hendrickson and Jaelen Phillips. Hendrickson has been linked to the Bears, but he is looking for a payday of over $35 million a season.Best bet: General Manager Ryan Poles loves a bargain, so look for aging veterans like Joey Bosa, Leonard Floyd and Bradley Chubb to be in the mix.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Taylor Decker (Left Tackle) </h2><figure><img alt="Bearded American football player in a blue jersey with number 68, black eye paint, and tattoos on arms, holding a helmet during a game with blurred players in the background." height="3536" id="f191aa3c-da31-462e-8dd7-f3db75d89d07" src="https://images.axios.com/iMrQiyCZusnktsM7uONdL3ATMmk=/2026/03/08/1772987158607.jpeg" width="5304"/><figcaption>Offensive tackle Taylor Decker during a game in 2025. Photo: Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The team&#x27;s unexpected loss of Pro Bowl center Dalman forced it to trade for a starting center. The Bears picked up Garrett Bradbury from the Patriots for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick.Reality check: The team still needs to secure a left tackle, as last year&#x27;s rookie Ozzie Trapilo will be sidelined for most of next season while recovering from knee surgery.<ul><li>The Bears could move quickly to sign aging veteran Taylor Decker to protect Caleb Williams&#x27; blindside. Decker was a salary-cap casualty in Detroit, and Bears coach Ben Johnson is familiar with the stout lineman.</li><li>The 32-year-old may be cheaper than other star linemen on the free-agent market.</li></ul>Who they might get instead: Veterans Jermaine Eluemunor or Cam Robinson will be available, as will star center Tyler Linderbaum. <ul><li>However, Linderbaum may be too expensive, and the Bears just signed Bradbury.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Bobby Okereke (Linebacker) </h2><figure><img alt="Football player wearing blue jersey number 58 and silver helmet with red stripe, pointing with his left hand during a game, with blurred crowd in the background." height="3206" id="7df6cf9d-05ca-4c51-97fd-0f2408d728ce" src="https://images.axios.com/52h3izY5x7fGhjMZKLC-_w9X-RM=/2026/03/06/1772823385116.jpeg" width="4809"/><figcaption>Bobby Okereke lines up before a play during a game in 2024. Photo: Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>The former New York Giants defensive captain was released and is looking to find a new home. He registered 143 tackles in the 2025 season. <ul><li>Edmunds was getting $15 million a year, so the Bears could sign Okereke for much less, closer to $9 million and not see much of a dropoff with play on the field. </li></ul>Yes, but: Okereke isn&#x27;t familiar with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Who they may get instead: Saints linebacker Demario Davis. He turns 37 this season, but knows Allen&#x27;s defense well. He&#x27;d also be much cheaper. <h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Kyle Dugger (Safety) </h2><figure><img alt="Football player wearing black helmet and yellow pants with number 29 on white jersey running on grassy field with blurred crowd in the background." height="4971" id="a719a448-eade-4817-83a7-054c7fde4650" src="https://images.axios.com/O_4nWBH5HTxSLsSfXebaCBHHoAo=/2026/03/06/1772823787569.jpeg" width="7457"/><figcaption>Kyle Dugger defends in coverage during a game in 2025. Photo: Perry Knotts/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Both of the Bears&#x27; safeties are free agents, which means they may not be able to sign both Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. <ul><li>If they want to prioritize spending elsewhere, it could be that the Bears find a cheaper replacement like Kyle Dugger. He just had a great season with the Patriots and the Steelers and would cost much less than Byard or Brisker. </li></ul>Who they may get instead: Re-sign Jaquan Brisker. <h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Darnell Mooney (Wide Receiver) </h2><figure><img alt="Two NFL players in action: one in white Atlanta Falcons uniform catching a football, and one in black New Orleans Saints uniform running behind him on a football field." height="5561" id="0a082789-48e9-446b-96b7-13b63c6ff782" src="https://images.axios.com/Df5ngE9c0t9-AeUQGEzNo_mNY4E=/2026/03/06/1772823999343.jpeg" width="8342"/><figcaption>Darnell Mooney, No. 1, of the Atlanta Falcons, makes a catch during a game versus the Saints in 2025. Photo: Perry Knotts/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Remember Darnell Mooney? The Bears drafted Mooney and let him sign elsewhere during the team&#x27;s lengthy rebuild. <ul><li>Now that the Bears are a playoff team, Mooney is back on the market after a lackluster run with the Falcons, where he failed to reach 1,000 yards once in his three seasons in Atlanta. He will command much less than the $18 million he was going to make in 2026. </li><li>He&#x27;d be a nice veteran wide receiver for Williams. </li></ul>Who they may get instead: A rookie in the draft. Coach Ben Johnson may want to hand-pick a successor for DJ Moore with one of his top draft picks. Editor&#x27;s note: This is a developing story. Check for updates.

From Chatham to Wrigley: Ernie Banks' CTA commute and Black Chicago history

Banks famously took the CTA to games. We remap what his commute would look like today.

Culture

The Chicago Transit Authority <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highlighted" data-vars-click-url="https://bsky.app/profile/chicagocta.bsky.social/post/3mehhcn3lls2n" data-vars-content-id="8506d2f9-1877-4795-aa1d-682f299c2dac" data-vars-headline="From Chatham to Wrigley: Ernie Banks&#x27; CTA commute and Black Chicago history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bsky.app/profile/chicagocta.bsky.social/post/3mehhcn3lls2n" target="_blank">highlighted</a> late Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black History Month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/02/14/black-baseball-trailblazers-ernie-banks-rube-foster-minnie-minoso" data-vars-content-id="8506d2f9-1877-4795-aa1d-682f299c2dac" data-vars-headline="From Chatham to Wrigley: Ernie Banks&#x27; CTA commute and Black Chicago history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/02/14/black-baseball-trailblazers-ernie-banks-rube-foster-minnie-minoso" target="_self">Black History Month</a>, celebrating his avid use and support of the city&#x27;s rail system during and after his career.The big picture: In 1953, Banks — known as Mr. Cub — became the first African American to play for the franchise. He lived in Chatham on the South Side but took the CTA Northbound to Wrigley Field every day, often sitting and talking with fans as he approached the ballpark.

Chicago lawmakers pump brakes on stadium plan to keep Bears in Illinois

The Illinois House adjourned before voting on a package to help the Bears with property tax payments.

News

Illinois lawmakers are championing a bill to keep the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Bears" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/19/illinois-lawmakers-bears-indiana-stadium-hammond-pritzker" data-vars-content-id="4106e73d-d170-40a0-b1da-8fe18a4c4eb1" data-vars-headline="Chicago lawmakers pump brakes on stadium plan to keep Bears in Illinois" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/19/illinois-lawmakers-bears-indiana-stadium-hammond-pritzker" target="_self">Chicago Bears</a> in-state, but Chicago Democrats have serious concerns. The latest: An Illinois House committee voted 13-7 to advance a new bill that provides property tax flexibility to the Bears in the hopes they will build their long-awaited domed stadium in the Land of Lincoln. <ul><li>Before the bill could get a full House vote, Chicago Democrats, including bill sponsor Rep. Kam Buckner, threatened to pull support if the bill didn&#x27;t include, among other things, financial concessions for the city if the Bears moved to Arlington Heights. </li></ul>

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