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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.

New CTA crime data paints troubling picture

New data shows falling attacks on CTA workers but riders still facing crime.

Public Safety

Recent Chicago Transit Authority crime data shows a troubling rise in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="violence for riders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/15/chicago-cta-safety-plan-blue-line-assault" data-vars-content-id="145cfaac-bfeb-4851-b21f-1795bc2f0e93" data-vars-headline="New CTA crime data paints troubling picture" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/15/chicago-cta-safety-plan-blue-line-assault" target="_self">violence for riders</a>.Why it matters: The data comes as the CTA tries to win back passengers and protect federal funding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="under threat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/17/chicago-cta-safety-federal-inspection-idot-pritzker-oversight-failure" data-vars-content-id="145cfaac-bfeb-4851-b21f-1795bc2f0e93" data-vars-headline="New CTA crime data paints troubling picture" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/17/chicago-cta-safety-federal-inspection-idot-pritzker-oversight-failure" target="_self">under threat</a> over safety concerns.

What to do in dangerous CTA platform situations

Contact CTA help, never intentionally jump in and avoid the third rail.

As a frequent CTA rider, I&#x27;ll admit it: Recent reports about violence on the system have freaked me out.<ul><li>They also got me wondering what to do in rare but worrying scenarios.</li></ul>State of play: Last year, I shared <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="advice for handling problems on trains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/01/07/how-to-report-issues-get-help-cta" data-vars-content-id="996b60c0-d9ef-4001-99d2-d4eb6ef4397e" data-vars-headline="What to do in dangerous CTA platform situations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/01/07/how-to-report-issues-get-help-cta" target="_self">advice for handling problems on trains</a>. But what about on the platform? Like, what do you do if you drop your phone on the tracks?<ul><li>And what if you&#x27;re shoved?</li></ul><figure><img alt="Four-panel CTA poster in teal: subway platform scene with a man, a blue-haired figure saying, &quot;I can get down there. It&#x27;ll just take a second...&quot;; a moving train and a man near a grave; bottom caption urges to alert CTA staff." height="866" id="85cce7d0-e4ad-494f-81d2-9b4cce6b07e7" src="https://images.axios.com/X3ZV1B1gsHlqnegM5Tj-G76xQks=/2026/03/24/1774378462937.png" width="1724"/><figcaption>Courtesy of the CTA</figcaption></figure>Phone scenario: CTA officials shared this 2023 comic showing what not to do if you drop valuables on the tracks.The right answer: Contact a CTA employee to help you safely retrieve it.Case in point: Carrie once dropped her phone on the tracks, watched the train whoosh by and discovered her phone was still OK. <ul><li>She sought out CTA help and a staffer grabbed it for her. </li></ul><figure><img alt="A subway platform with a blue edge and exposed tracks; a blue-red train sits on the opposite track. An orange &#x27;Third Rails&#x27; label spans the rails as a few people stand on the far platform near a digital display." height="1576" id="5261941a-8b1d-42fc-ac20-52e4fe458f97" src="https://images.axios.com/40-nvcipOCUoMVQb-KnGmOpzX6I=/2026/03/24/1774378498779.jpeg" width="2100"/><figcaption>The third rails — highlighted in red — are located farthest from the platform at the Belmont El stop. Photo illustration: Monica Eng/Axios</figcaption></figure>Shoved into the tracks: If a train isn&#x27;t immediately approaching, your main goal is to avoid the third rail — typically the farthest rail from the platform. <ul><li>It carries 600 volts and can be deadly. </li></ul>Tip two: Ask someone to alert a CTA employee, who can signal coming trains, cut power and call for help.Tip three: If you&#x27;re able, assess your injuries and try to climb out with help from others nearby.<ul><li>Emergency ladders are typically located at the ends of platforms.</li></ul>Between the lines: CTA officials weren&#x27;t thrilled with the shoving question and stressed that these incidents are extremely rare.<ul><li>The roughly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="60 riders who&#x27;ve been shoved" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/03/16/chicago-transit-authority-shoving-incidents-train-platforms-trump-administration-targeting-crime" data-vars-content-id="996b60c0-d9ef-4001-99d2-d4eb6ef4397e" data-vars-headline="What to do in dangerous CTA platform situations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdogs/2026/03/16/chicago-transit-authority-shoving-incidents-train-platforms-trump-administration-targeting-crime" target="_blank">60 riders who&#x27;ve been shoved</a> onto the tracks over the past five years represent a tiny fraction of those who rode the system during that period. And none of those incidents proved fatal. </li><li>Officials remind that it&#x27;s illegal and very dangerous to intentionally enter this restricted area.</li></ul>

FTA attacks Gov. Pritzker, Illinois over CTA safety

Officials say state oversight has fallen short as concerns grow about risks to riders and workers.

Transit

The Federal Transit Administration is once again calling out<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" safety problems on the CTA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/10/cta-submits-new-safety-plan-to-fta" data-vars-content-id="4eaef3ad-9cad-45dd-9461-51b0867ed53e" data-vars-headline="FTA attacks Gov. Pritzker, Illinois over CTA safety" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/10/cta-submits-new-safety-plan-to-fta" target="_self"> safety problems on the CTA</a>, but this time, they&#x27;re blaming Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and the state.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The FTA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/15/chicago-cta-safety-plan-blue-line-assault" data-vars-content-id="4eaef3ad-9cad-45dd-9461-51b0867ed53e" data-vars-headline="FTA attacks Gov. Pritzker, Illinois over CTA safety" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/15/chicago-cta-safety-plan-blue-line-assault" target="_self">The FTA</a> on Tuesday announced it&#x27;s launching a safety inspection of the city&#x27;s transit system, chastising Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation, saying the state had &quot;not properly leveraged its oversight authority and resources to protect Chicago passengers and transit workers.&quot;

O'Hare Airport capacity concerns: FAA may limit summer flights

United and American are being hauled before the FAA after both added several flights.

The country&#x27;s busiest airport may be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="too busy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/27/ohares-flight-boom-american-united-busiest-airport" data-vars-content-id="1ae6a893-fc26-4568-9c3a-efaccbb83e96" data-vars-headline="O&#x27;Hare Airport capacity concerns: FAA may limit summer flights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/27/ohares-flight-boom-american-united-busiest-airport" target="_self">too busy</a>.The latest: The Federal Aviation Administration is meeting with United Airlines and American Airlines to pare down the number of flights expected this summer at O&#x27;Hare Airport due to capacity issues.

CTA promises more police after feds' funding threat

Facing a $50M funding threat, CTA plans a major security surge on trains and buses.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CTA is promising" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/19/cta-safety-plan-deficient-fta-warning-chicago-funding" data-vars-content-id="54e7d432-2bfb-4768-b82b-0b3acc1b2a0f" data-vars-headline="CTA promises more police after feds&#x27; funding threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/19/cta-safety-plan-deficient-fta-warning-chicago-funding" target="_self">CTA is promising</a> to double police presence on trains and buses after the federal government threatened to cut funding.Driving the news: The CTA has submitted a new plan to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) after the FTA rejected a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="December submission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/15/chicago-cta-safety-plan-blue-line-assault" data-vars-content-id="54e7d432-2bfb-4768-b82b-0b3acc1b2a0f" data-vars-headline="CTA promises more police after feds&#x27; funding threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/15/chicago-cta-safety-plan-blue-line-assault" target="_self">December submission</a> and set a March 19 deadline.

CTA bus routes quiz: How well do you know Chicago's bus system?

This quiz is for the public transit riders.

History

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.

Self-driving cars spotted in Chicago: What Waymo is actually doing

The company is expanding service in multiple cities in February, though not in Chicago.

Self-driving cars were spotted on the streets of Chicago this week, but they still have a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long way to go" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/08/waymo-self-driving-cars-illinois-autonomous-vehicles" data-vars-content-id="db8f5664-4ee7-46af-bf8d-033b16f3077f" data-vars-headline="Self-driving cars spotted in Chicago: What Waymo is actually doing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/08/waymo-self-driving-cars-illinois-autonomous-vehicles" target="_self">long way to go</a> before picking up actual passengers. The latest: Waymo confirmed to Axios that it is testing vehicles and mapping Chicago streets as part of an initial stage of data collection.

Chicago transit stories to watch in 2026

From FTA funding warnings to the Red Line Extension, key Chicago transit issues are unfolding this year.

The feds delivered the CTA a blow at the end of last year when the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Federal Transit Administration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/19/cta-safety-plan-deficient-fta-warning-chicago-funding" data-vars-content-id="4ef94656-c622-4896-add6-bbf667ad54e3" data-vars-headline="Chicago transit stories to watch in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/19/cta-safety-plan-deficient-fta-warning-chicago-funding" target="_self">Federal Transit Administration</a> threatened to cut funding if the agency didn&#x27;t improve safety.The big picture: Safety is just one of the major issues and projects CTA and other Chicago-area public transit agencies are facing in 2026.

FTA says CTA safety plan "deficient," threatens funding cut

The FTA says Chicago's transit safety plan wouldn't significantly reduce assaults.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) sent a letter Friday to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CTA " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/transit" data-vars-content-id="aa351550-77ce-446b-a43c-05ebea8eb658" data-vars-headline="FTA says CTA safety plan &quot;deficient,&quot; threatens funding cut" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/transit" target="_self">CTA </a>leadership saying the agency&#x27;s new safety plans are &quot;materially deficient,&quot; and doubled down on its threat to withhold federal funding.Why it matters: The<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" letter to CTA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/fta-demands-chicago-bolster-transit-safety-plan-or-risk-millions-federal-funding" data-vars-content-id="aa351550-77ce-446b-a43c-05ebea8eb658" data-vars-headline="FTA says CTA safety plan &quot;deficient,&quot; threatens funding cut" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/fta-demands-chicago-bolster-transit-safety-plan-or-risk-millions-federal-funding" target="_blank"> letter to CTA</a> acting president Nora Leerhsen comes one day after CTA announced it was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increasing police presence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/18/cta-to-add-more-police-officers-after-feds-threaten-funding/" data-vars-content-id="aa351550-77ce-446b-a43c-05ebea8eb658" data-vars-headline="FTA says CTA safety plan &quot;deficient,&quot; threatens funding cut" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/18/cta-to-add-more-police-officers-after-feds-threaten-funding/" target="_blank">increasing police presence</a> on the transit system. FTA says if a stronger plan isn&#x27;t submitted, CTA could lose as much as $50 million.

Transit 🚗

Metra tracks Ventra app versus paper tickets

New CTA crime data paints troubling picture

What to do in dangerous CTA platform situations

FTA attacks Gov. Pritzker, Illinois over CTA safety

O'Hare Airport capacity concerns: FAA may limit summer flights