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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>

La Shawn Ford and Pat Quinn push property tax relief

If successful, it could send property owners checks worth $1,500, on average.

Politics

Illinois property owners could score tax relief checks of $1,500 on average if a new &quot;millionaire&#x27;s tax&quot; succeeds this year, according to former Gov. Pat Quinn.Why it matters: In 2025, Illinois had the highest residential property tax in the nation, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent Cook County Treasurer report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/30/why-cook-county-property-taxes-high" data-vars-content-id="ed272c46-5cd0-4faf-a95c-7472d708ff1b" data-vars-headline="La Shawn Ford and Pat Quinn push property tax relief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/30/why-cook-county-property-taxes-high" target="_self">recent Cook County Treasurer report</a>.<ul><li>While many remedies have been proposed, this one offers some of the quickest relief, with payouts potentially arriving as soon as 2027.</li></ul>Driving the news: Quinn and state Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) launched a campaign for the &quot;Millionaire Amendment&quot; on Tuesday, a day before first property tax installments are due and about 30 days before the measure needs to pass the state General Assembly.How it works: Ford wants to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="put a binding referendum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus/FullText?GAID=18&amp;DocNum=26&amp;DocTypeID=HJRCA&amp;LegId=167740&amp;SessionID=114&amp;Print=1" data-vars-content-id="ed272c46-5cd0-4faf-a95c-7472d708ff1b" data-vars-headline="La Shawn Ford and Pat Quinn push property tax relief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus/FullText?GAID=18&amp;DocNum=26&amp;DocTypeID=HJRCA&amp;LegId=167740&amp;SessionID=114&amp;Print=1" target="_blank">put a binding referendum</a> on the November ballot asking voters if Illinois should change its constitution to &quot;create an additional 3% tax on income greater than $1 million for the purpose of dedicating funds raised to property tax relief.&quot;<ul><li>The measure needs a nod from at least three-fifths of both the Illinois House and Senate by May 3 to reach this year&#x27;s ballot.</li><li>The policy could generate $4.5 billion a year, based on Illinois Department of Revenue data.</li><li>That revenue would be funneled to property owners who&#x27;ve already qualified for the homestead exemption because they live in their property.</li></ul>Flashback: Illinois voters <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have twice overwhelmingly passed" data-vars-click-url="https://news.wttw.com/2024/11/06/illinois-voters-voiced-support-theoretical-tax-millionaires-incomes-what-effect-will-it" data-vars-content-id="ed272c46-5cd0-4faf-a95c-7472d708ff1b" data-vars-headline="La Shawn Ford and Pat Quinn push property tax relief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.wttw.com/2024/11/06/illinois-voters-voiced-support-theoretical-tax-millionaires-incomes-what-effect-will-it" target="_blank">have twice overwhelmingly passed</a> nonbinding versions of the referendum, in 2014 and 2024, but this time the measure would have teeth.What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;This is a way for everyday people to have an affordability amendment on the ballot that they can vote for and send instructions to all the politicians in Illinois that we need property tax relief right now,&quot; Quinn said Tuesday at the County Building.The other side: House Republicans didn&#x27;t immediately comment on the Ford proposal but said they&#x27;d be urging action on tax relief legislation this week. Gov. JB Pritzker&#x27;s office told Axios on Tuesday that it &quot;will monitor and review legislation as it moves through the General Assembly. Any legislation that requires additional state resources will be carefully reviewed with budgeteers to understand the fiscal impact.&quot;Zoom out: &quot;Millionaire taxes&quot; have passed elsewhere. Massachusetts approved one in 2022, and it has already raised <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="at least $1 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/17/massachusetts-house-budget-fair-share-millionaires-tax-mbta-education" data-vars-content-id="ed272c46-5cd0-4faf-a95c-7472d708ff1b" data-vars-headline="La Shawn Ford and Pat Quinn push property tax relief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/17/massachusetts-house-budget-fair-share-millionaires-tax-mbta-education" target="_self">at least $1 billion</a>. Plus, the number of millionaires in Massachusetts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rose by 39%" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/04/29/millionaires-massachusetts-income-surtax-increase" data-vars-content-id="ed272c46-5cd0-4faf-a95c-7472d708ff1b" data-vars-headline="La Shawn Ford and Pat Quinn push property tax relief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/04/29/millionaires-massachusetts-income-surtax-increase" target="_self">rose by 39%</a> in the two years after passage.<ul><li>The Washington state Legislature recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="passed a similar tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/12/washington-income-tax-clears-legislature-faces-challenges" data-vars-content-id="ed272c46-5cd0-4faf-a95c-7472d708ff1b" data-vars-headline="La Shawn Ford and Pat Quinn push property tax relief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/12/washington-income-tax-clears-legislature-faces-challenges" target="_self">passed a similar tax</a>, but it&#x27;s expected to face legal challenges.</li></ul>State of play: Ford tells Axios he doesn&#x27;t have the three-fifths majority needed to get the proposal across the finish line.<ul><li>But the state representative — widely expected to win a U.S. House seat in November — says that&#x27;s why he launched this public campaign this week.</li><li>&quot;We need people to call their members [of the legislature] and get them to co-sign this House joint resolution,&quot; Ford says. &quot;We are really just starting to kick it off, but we can get there if people help.&quot;</li></ul>

New ad blitz targets tariffs on small businesses

A small business organization is using posters to highlight tariff challenges for entrepreneurs.

Business

A new monthlong guerrilla ad campaign is hitting Chicago on Monday to bring attention to small businesses that have been affected by tariffs.Why it matters: According to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surveys by the Council on Foreign Relations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cfr.org/articles/what-americans-really-think-about-trade-and-tariffs" data-vars-content-id="212dc5a1-ce18-4403-bc2d-b949b5c51d34" data-vars-headline="New ad blitz targets tariffs on small businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cfr.org/articles/what-americans-really-think-about-trade-and-tariffs" target="_blank">surveys by the Council on Foreign Relations</a>, 2 in 5 Americans mistakenly believe a tariff is paid by a foreign country. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Research from the New York Fed" data-vars-click-url="https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2026/02/who-is-paying-for-the-2025-u-s-tariffs/" data-vars-content-id="212dc5a1-ce18-4403-bc2d-b949b5c51d34" data-vars-headline="New ad blitz targets tariffs on small businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2026/02/who-is-paying-for-the-2025-u-s-tariffs/" target="_blank">Research from the New York Fed</a> and Columbia University shows that nearly 90% of the tariffs President Trump enacted in 2025 were paid by U.S. firms and consumers.

Why Cook County property taxes are so high

Reasons include loopholes like TIFS that allow increases outside of state safeguards.

Cook County property taxes have risen at twice the rate of inflation over the past 30 years, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cookcountytreasurer.com/" data-vars-content-id="b13ac052-0b99-48a1-b88c-bc8895190813" data-vars-headline="Why Cook County property taxes are so high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cookcountytreasurer.com/" target="_blank">new study</a> from county Treasurer Maria Pappas.Why it matters: Property taxes represent one of the biggest cost burdens local homeowners face each year, and high taxes are often cited as reasons to leave town.

Fired staffers claim retaliation by mayor's team

Three fired city leaders say they faced retaliation after complaints and disagreements.

Three recently fired city leaders are painting a picture of a hostile or retaliatory environment in the office of Mayor Brandon Johnson and his top appointees.Why it matters: Their accusations, taken together, suggest a pattern that Johnson&#x27;s office has yet to fully address.

Fact-checking U.S. Senate candidate claims

Tracy says Stratton is weak on immigration. Stratton says Tracy is weak on Trump.

Juliana Stratton and Don Tracy are shifting from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary fights " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/juliana-stratton-wins-illinois-democratic-primary-senate-durbin" data-vars-content-id="ff36cf0d-f562-4975-a51f-49d7ec6f06c6" data-vars-headline="Fact-checking U.S. Senate candidate claims" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/juliana-stratton-wins-illinois-democratic-primary-senate-durbin" target="_self">primary fights </a>to partisan attacks about President Trump and immigration as the general election race heats up for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin&#x27;s seat.Why it matters: These early attacks offer a sneak preview of the strategies the two parties may use to woo Illinois voters in the next six months.

Arrest in Loyola killing fuels sanctuary debate

A suspect's arrest is intensifying debate over state and local immigration policies.

Immigration

The arrest of a Venezuelan immigrant for last week&#x27;s killing of Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman is reigniting debate over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sanctuary policies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/03/03/sanctuary-city-chicago-immigration-house-hearing" data-vars-content-id="4d8ad6d7-1b52-4621-b28b-5bae3f120d64" data-vars-headline="Arrest in Loyola killing fuels sanctuary debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/03/03/sanctuary-city-chicago-immigration-house-hearing" target="_self">sanctuary policies</a> in Chicago and Illinois.Backstory: Chicago police on Sunday announced the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect, identified by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Department of Homeland Security" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/03/22/ice-asks-governor-pritzker-and-chicago-sanctuary-politicians-not-release-criminal" data-vars-content-id="4d8ad6d7-1b52-4621-b28b-5bae3f120d64" data-vars-headline="Arrest in Loyola killing fuels sanctuary debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/03/22/ice-asks-governor-pritzker-and-chicago-sanctuary-politicians-not-release-criminal" target="_blank">Department of Homeland Security</a> as Jose Medina.

Pritzker tightens grip on Illinois Democrats after primary wins

Pritzker flexed his political power Tuesday night.

News

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.

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.

Preckwinkle wins Dem nomination for County Board President

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has won the Democratic primary, defeating Ald. Brendan Reilly with 68% of the vote at 9pm.Background: The office oversees the county&#x27;s criminal justice system, health system, transportation network, forest preserves, and budget.Between the lines: Reilly mounted one of the toughest primary challenges Preckwinkle has faced, as she deals with fallout over delays tied to the county&#x27;s property tax system overhaul.What she&#x27;s saying: &quot;Democracy is at the same time the best and most fragile form of government on earth and tonight we&#x27;ve seen that work in action,&quot; Preckwinkle said at her victory party.<ul><li>&quot;Tonight I promise you this: we&#x27;ll keep doing the work...But progress only lasts if you defend it and fight for it.&quot; </li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Michael Murphy, of Chicago, is running as a candidate for the Libertarian Party, but there is no GOP challenger. <ul><li>Preckwinkle is expected to face Murphy in November for a seat that has been held by a Democrat since 1969.</li></ul>

Politics 🇺🇸

La Shawn Ford and Pat Quinn push property tax relief

New ad blitz targets tariffs on small businesses

Why Cook County property taxes are so high

Fired staffers claim retaliation by mayor's team

Fact-checking U.S. Senate candidate claims