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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>

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.

Sports

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>

Chicago Cubs spring training draws record crowds at Sloan Park in Mesa

Cubs fans are flocking to Arizona for spring training as playoff hopes rise following a strong offseason.

Cubs fans have begun their annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="migration to Mesa, Arizona" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/23/baseball-fans-winter-spring-training-arizona-sloan-park-glendale-mesa" data-vars-content-id="57ed215c-d009-45bc-af1c-4f588e89485c" data-vars-headline="Chicago Cubs spring training draws record crowds at Sloan Park in Mesa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/23/baseball-fans-winter-spring-training-arizona-sloan-park-glendale-mesa" target="_self">migration to Mesa, Arizona</a>, for spring training, sunscreen in hand and a World Series run on their minds. Why it matters: After a strong offseason, the Cubs believe they&#x27;re positioned for another playoff run.

Baseball's annual migration begins

Spring training is big business in the desert.

Baseball fans from across the country are fleeing winter for the desert this week as the Cactus League season kicks off throughout the Phoenix area.Why it matters: Hope springs eternal, and spring training means big bucks for state and local <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tourism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/12/23/arizona-outdoor-recreation-industry" data-vars-content-id="bd8decda-eb41-4492-adbc-6604b4efbd5b" data-vars-headline="Baseball&#x27;s annual migration begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/12/23/arizona-outdoor-recreation-industry" target="_self">tourism</a>.

Can Munetaka Murakami revive the White Sox in 2026?

The White Sox signed Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami after his 56-homer season in Japan. Can he help lift the Sox out of the AL cellar in 2026?

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="White Sox hope" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/03/27/mlb-season-rebuild-beginners-guide-2025-white-sox" data-vars-content-id="beb98770-d561-4b14-bfa8-359efdedcdcc" data-vars-headline="Can Munetaka Murakami revive the White Sox 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/2025/03/27/mlb-season-rebuild-beginners-guide-2025-white-sox" target="_self">White Sox hope</a> a new international star will bring much-needed excitement to their 2026 season.The latest: Japanese slugger <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Munetaka Murakami" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/player/munetaka-murakami-808959?stats=career-r-hitting-minors&amp;year=2025" data-vars-content-id="beb98770-d561-4b14-bfa8-359efdedcdcc" data-vars-headline="Can Munetaka Murakami revive the White Sox in 2026?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/player/munetaka-murakami-808959?stats=career-r-hitting-minors&amp;year=2025" target="_blank">Munetaka Murakami</a> was signed this offseason and will likely play first base for the South Siders.

Chicago baseball fans escape winter for spring training in Arizona

The Cactus League brings in millions of spectators each season.

Chicago baseball fans are fleeing winter for the desert this week as the Cactus League season kicks off across the Phoenix area.The big picture: This year marks the 79th year of the Cactus League, which now boasts 15 teams training under the desert sun at 10 stadiums, just miles apart.

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