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 4, 2026
3d ago00:06:51Tap to summarizeCommunity leaders in Chicago are demanding a dedicated office to investigate cases of missing and murdered Black girls and women. The Obama Presidential Center Museum opens to the public on Juneteenth. The Shedd Aquarium has agreed to take some animals from a shuttered marine park at Niagara Falls. Plus, the Chicago Blues Festival kicks off Thursday night and celebrates 55 years of Chicago’s own Alligator Records. Some of the label’s biggest stars will join forces in a headlining set on Friday night in Millennium Park.
Transcribe →Wednesday, June 3, 2026
4d ago00:07:13Tap to summarizeDemocratic Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia is the latest prominent Illinois political leader to call for Chicago’s top federal prosecutor to resign. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza says she is officially running for Chicago mayor in 2027. Illinois lawmakers are propping up next year’s state budget by taxing things that haven’t been taxed before, including social media companies and prediction markets like Kalshi. Plus, if you happen to be on a Red Line platform this summer, you may hear some jazz music floating through the air. This summer, jazz bands organized by Mandala South Asian Arts are billed to play monthly at different Red Line train stations along your evening commute. Last week marked the first, at the Howard Red Line station.
Transcribe →Tuesday, June 2, 2026
5d ago00:08:03Tap to summarizeA bill to protect patient information from states that criminalize abortion is awaiting Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s approval. Drivers working for rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are closer to being able to unionize. Ground officially breaks Wednesday for a $7 billion development around the United Center on Chicago's Near West Side. Many people are now distancing themselves from civil rights icon Cesar Chavez. Chavez died in 1993. The shift follows a New York Times investigation back in March that alleges sexual misconduct. Many Chicago communities are trying to remove his name from public view and young advocates in the Back of the Yards neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side are asking what all of this means for the immigrant rights movement and its historic reliance on a single male leader.
Transcribe →Monday, June 1, 2026
6d ago00:09:40Tap to summarizeIllinois lawmakers passed a state budget early Monday morning, and the House and Senate could not agree on a tax-incentive package to entice the Chicago Bears to build a new domed stadium in Arlington Heights. Mayor Brandon Johnson says Chicago continues to offer “the strongest opportunity to retain the Bears.” The Chicago White Sox try to make it six wins in a row when they open a three-game series Monday night against the Minnesota Twins Theater students from Northwestern University are bringing a playful, interactive show to Chicago’s pediatric hospitals. The students performed recently at Lurie Children's in Streeterville and brought a little joy where it is needed most.
Transcribe →Friday, May 29, 2026
1w 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
1w 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
2w 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
2w 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
2w 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
2w 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.
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