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

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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.

Things to Do

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>

What to do in dangerous CTA platform situations

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

Public Safety

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>

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.

Food and Drink

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>

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>

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.

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.

News

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.

Politics

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.

Illinois primary 2026: High drama sets up key November races

The primary election featured millions of dollars in outside money.

Illinois&#x27; primary season featured big money, bitter fights and higher-than-expected turnout — setting up a handful of high-stakes general election matchups this November.

Pat Hynes upsets Fritz Kaegi in Democratic primary for Cook County Assessor

There is no Republican in this race, so Hynes will run unopposed in November.

Lyons Township Assessor Pat Hynes seized on Cook County voters&#x27; dissatisfaction with property taxes to upset incumbent Assessor Fritz Kaegi.The big picture: No Republican is running, so Hynes will appear on the November ballot unopposed.

Bailey wins GOP primary, setting up Pritzker rematch

The matchup pits the downstate conservative against Pritzker for a repeat of the 2022 gubernatorial race.

Former Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey is headed for a rematch with Gov. JB Pritzker.The latest: Bailey won the Illinois Republican gubernatorial primary, defeating Ted Dabrowski, Rick Heidner and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick.<ul><li>He will go up against Pritzker again after a decisive defeat in 2022.</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;

News 🗞

Artemis II is ready for takeoff (weather permitting)

Pick up an Illinois passport for America's 250th

Happy Hour Hop: Wilma's Famous BBQ in the Loop

Forty Acres Fresh Market's hot bar delivers

O'Hare Airport travelers face TSA shortages and ICE presence