Podcast
The Rundown | Chicago News
Hosted by WBEZ Chicago · EN
In one bite-sized episode every weekday, we'll keep you informed, tickled, geeked, and pondering on Chicago's news, culture and people. Each episode starts with a quick news roundup from the WBEZ newsroom, followed by a deep-dive into one of the biggest or most curious stories from our city. The Rundown podcast is a one-stop-shop for all things Chicago.
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Episodes
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Thursday, June 18, 2026
4d ago00:07:56Tap to summarizeThe Obama Presidential Center was dedicated today in a star-studded ceremony featuring everyone from former presidents to Grammy-winning artists. Chicago actor Harry Lennix is in town this weekend lending his booming voice to an orchestral performance. Illinois’ largest labor union, AFL-CIO, is putting off endorsing candidates running for office this fall. Nurses at Chicago’s Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital this week voted to unionize. Plus, a tropical plant from Southeast Asia has taken root in Chicago. Pandan is the new go-to ingredient for local chefs.
Transcribe →Wednesday, June 17, 2026
5d ago00:09:43Tap to summarizeA Hazardous Weather Outlook is in effect for parts of north central and northeast Illinois as well as northwest Indiana. The city of Chicago is cracking down on airbag thefts. The City Council passed a measure Wednesday making it unlawful to purchase airbags from anywhere other than a repair shop, recycling facility or original manufacturer. Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill this week so Medicaid recipients can still access healthcare. Plus, being a journalist requires conversational skills. Chicago Sun-Times arts reporter Ambar Colon is familiar with the qualifications and has been a journalist for a decade. But growing up, Ambar struggled to speak to anyone outside of her household. She was diagnosed with selective mutism at the age of five. Her journey is now being shared in a new documentary called "Selective Mutism: Getting The Word Out."
Transcribe →Tuesday, June 16, 2026
6d ago00:08:13Tap to summarizeAnother veteran politician is entering what’s expected to be a crowded 2027 race for Chicago mayor. Illinois Democratic lawmakers have passed a measure to protect trans youth in foster care. The James Beard Awards brought some of the country’s biggest food names to town, and at last night’s ceremony, immigration was a throughline. Plus, the Supreme Court is set to decide whether birthright citizenship will continue. That’s been the law for more than 150 years. It’s unclear how the court will rule, but the uncertainty has left many immigrant moms fearful about their babies’ futures.
Transcribe →Monday, June 15, 2026
1w ago00:07:22Tap to summarizeFormer President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are back in Chicago for the Obama Presidential Center's official grand opening later this week. The head of the team that steers arts and culture programming in Chicago says she wants to create more career paths for young creatives. Roosevelt University graduate student Joabe Barbosa has now run every street in Chicago. Plus, the head of Chicago Public Schools was thrust onto the national stage last week. The U.S. House Education Committee forced her to testify. Superintendent Macquline King faced tough questions about the school district’s policies on trans students.
Transcribe →Friday, June 12, 2026
1w ago00:10:22Tap to summarizeStorms that swept through the Chicago region on Wednesday caused damage across the city. The annual Thai Festival Chicago returns to the Uptown neighborhood this weekend with new vendors and performances. The Chicago Wolves will play in game 1 of the Calder Cup Final Friday night. Plus, securing safe and affordable housing has long been a challenge for some of Chicago’s Black residents. Since the 1980s, Lawndale Christian Community Church has made strides to help local residents become homeowners and rent quality apartments without breaking the bank. The church has maintained this commitment for nearly 40 years.
Transcribe →Thursday, June 11, 2026
2w ago00:07:11Tap to summarizeThe Chicago area could see destructive winds up to 80 miles per hour, damaging hail and flash flooding. Chicagoans have registered at least 5600 complaints with the city's 311 hotline following Wednesday night’s storm. The World Cup kicked off this afternoon in Mexico City, and three players with the Chicago Fire are on the pitch for the tournament. Plus, the annual James Beard Awards return to Chicago on Monday. “The Oscars of the food world” turn Chicago into the culinary capital each year.
Transcribe →Wednesday, June 10, 2026
2w ago00:08:07Tap to summarizeRepublican lawmakers grilled the leader of Chicago Public Schools on Wednesday about transgender students, race, abortion and religion. A local immigration coalition is raising awareness about World Cup soccer team delegations struggling to enter the U.S. Fans heading to Wednesday night’s White Sox game will be able to pick up a limited edition hat. Plus, four months ago, the organization behind the Obama Presidential Center held a workshop to teach South Side homeowners how to rent out their places on Airbnb. Research has shown that Airbnbs contribute to higher rents and housing shortages. Woodlawn, the neighborhood around the center, has long been considered an affordable area. But now, housing advocates say longtime residents are being priced out.
Transcribe →Tuesday, June 9, 2026
2w ago00:07:07Tap to summarizeA coalition of Chicago alderpersons say they plan to reject the proposed sale of the city's parking meters to a New York investment firm. Queer elders in Chicago say it’s important to bridge the gap between the generations as the Trump administration rolls back protections for LGBTQ+ Americans. The Chicago Wolves have clinched a spot in the Calder Cup Final. Plus, when you go to an art museum, the seating isn’t typically top of mind, especially when you’re surrounded by masterpieces. But in the Obama Presidential Center Museum, the exhibit benches themselves are works of art. Renowned Chicago designer Norman Teague was commissioned to create the benches, and they draw inspiration from his roots on Chicago’s South Side.
Transcribe →Monday, June 8, 2026
2w ago00:06:50Tap to summarizeMore than 100 former federal prosecutors say there has been a failure of leadership in the office of Chicago U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros. Bears fans across Illinois are holding on to hope the team will reverse its decision and stay in state. Chicago Bulls analyst Stacey King died Sunday at age 59. Plus, it looks like the Bears may have finally landed on a location for a new stadium, and it’s Hammond, Indiana. The team’s board of directors voted to officially move forward with plans to build their stadium in the Hoosier State.
Transcribe →Friday, June 5, 2026
2w ago00:09:15Tap to summarizeThe Chicago Bears’ board is moving forward with a new home in Hammond, but political leaders on both sides of the Illinois-Indiana state line have vastly different takes on the development. Federal officials say a person in a vehicle died from an explosion on the Eisenhower Expressway yesterday. Chicago’s annual Blues Festival is officially underway at the Ramova Theatre. Plus, we head to Simeon Career Academy, where the school known for sports put on its first play in decades.
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