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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Friday, May 29, 2026
2d ago00:10:11Tap to summarizeChicago Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to introduce a sweeping housing ordinance next month to protect renters from eviction and displacement. Chicago is known as one of the world’s great jazz cities, and next week’s concert lineup helps cement that reputation. The Chicago Sky are still looking for their first home win of the season, and the team fell 111-104 against the Toronto Tempo on Wednesday. Plus, it has been a whirlwind 24 hours for Mayor Johnson in the Italian capital of Rome and in neighboring Vatican City. After flying in yesterday morning, the mayor raced to a meeting with one of the world’s most prominent religious leaders, the Chicago-born Pope Leo.
Transcribe →Thursday, May 28, 2026
3d ago00:08:41Tap to summarizeChicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has invited Pope Leo XIV to celebrate Mass in Chicago next year. A local food bank is launching a new campaign to raise awareness about rising food insecurity in the Chicago area. Local elected officials celebrated Asian American leaders in public service on Thursday. Plus, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson met with the Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV on Thursday in Rome. We get into the details about the mayor’s historic Vatican visit.
Transcribe →Wednesday, May 27, 2026
4d ago00:09:38Tap to summarizeA Mather High School senior was reunited with his family and friends Tuesday night after spending two months in immigration detention. A new event brought more than 4,000 people with disabilities to Chicago’s Maggie Daley Park for a day of play. A new study out of Northwestern Medicine suggests a link between a decrease of estrogen production in brain tissue to memory decline. The Second City has been a Chicago comedy staple for more than six decades. The company has an illustrious history, fueled by its reputation as the training grounds for Saturday Night Live. The list of famous alums includes Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Stephen Colbert. We take a peek behind the scenes of the latest production, “Pandemonium, Please Hold,” to see how the show stays current.
Transcribe →Tuesday, May 26, 2026
5d ago00:07:59Tap to summarizeChicago’s top federal prosecutor allegedly had contact with grand jurors in the tainted “Broadview Six” case. More than 146 million square feet of warehouse space has been built in the Chicago metro area since 2000, but the warehouse boom has come with a cost. For people caring for loved ones with dementia, even simple outings or activities can start to feel complicated, which can lead to participating in activities less and retreating more into isolating behaviors. Plus, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will take a flight to Rome this week and ascend to the highest stage of his political life: A one-on-one meeting with the world’s most famous Chicagoan, “Da Pope.”
Transcribe →Friday, May 22, 2026
1w ago00:06:49Tap to summarizeBoth major Chicago airports are expecting an uptick in passengers this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year’s number. Lyric Opera of Chicago has received a 20-million-dollar gift from the Illinois-based Nagaunee Foundation. Chicago City Council approved a rule change that will allow gardens to grow a little taller. You can now see fossils of your favorite Pokemon alongside real fossils of ancient life forms at the Field Museum. Plus, the Latin music and culture celebration Sueños Music Festival is back for its fifth year in Grant Park.
Transcribe →Thursday, May 21, 2026
1w ago00:07:16Tap to summarizeThis weekend, three major music events will descend on Chicago. Charges against the four remaining members of the "Broadview Six" will be permanently dropped. The Republican candidate for Illinois Governor has apologized to the Chicago City Council. Plus, Illinois passed a law last year that requires public colleges and universities to establish protocols for what to do if immigration agents come on campus. But a WBEZ and Sun-Times report finds many Illinois schools still don’t have protocols in place.
Transcribe →Wednesday, May 20, 2026
2w ago00:08:55Tap to summarizeFormer federal prosecutor David Glockner has been confirmed as Chicago's new inspector general. Residents of Chicago’s Gage Park neighborhood are petitioning for a new, larger library. Plus, the Curious City team gets to the bottom of why the Balbo Monument is still standing, despite its controversial history.
Transcribe →Tuesday, May 19, 2026
2w ago00:08:00Tap to summarizeChicago City Council members tomorrow will be asked to vote on more than $16 million in police misconduct settlements. The Chicago Department of Public Health is expanding non-police crisis response services for residents across the city. The Chicago Sky have a great start to the season, but now have to rebound from a devastating injury after forward Rickea Jackson tore her ACL in the Sky’s win over the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday. Plus, the Declaration of Independence turns 250 this summer. Commemorations are beginning to sweep the performing arts world, including one by a Chicago group called the Newberry Consort.
Transcribe →Monday, May 18, 2026
2w ago00:08:02Tap to summarizeMore than 300 runners participated in Saturday’s inaugural 103rd Street Corridor Peace Walk and Run. Chicagoans can experience the magic of storytelling at the debut show of Cooler by the Lake tomorrow night. Chicago Stars forward Mallory Swanson is back on the active roster after her maternity leave following the birth of her first child in November. Plus, more students in Chicago and across Illinois are getting official recognition for being able to speak, read and write in English and another language. The Seal of Biliteracy can get students college credit and a leg up at jobs. At Roosevelt High School in Albany Park, students and staff are embracing this opportunity.
Transcribe →Friday, May 15, 2026
2w ago00:09:06Tap to summarizeSam Sianis, the legendary owner of the Billy Goat Tavern, died of natural causes at 91 years old. The 2026 Crosstown Classic kicks off this evening, and the White Sox will host the Cubs at Rate Field for the three-game series. The annual Chi Food Truck Fest is back at Daley Plaza for people lunching in the Loop. Singer-songwriter Alynda Segarra has carved out a space as a leading voice in modern folk music. The singer-songwriter recently found a home right here in Chicago, playing with a group of local musicians under the moniker Hurray for the Riff Raff.
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