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, July 10, 2026
4d ago00:06:28Tap to summarizeA key city council panel is rejecting Mayor Brandon Johnson’s bid to drum up support for a millionaires tax with Chicago voters. Democratic State Rep. Carol Ammons of Champaign says she has “done nothing wrong” after a federal grand jury indictment for wire fraud and obstruction of justice. The Chicago White Sox have reinstated Munetaka Murakami from the injured list ahead of their weekend series against the Athletics. Plus, Chicago has the largest known inventory of lead pipes of any city in the country. It’s got more than 400,000 lines. An investigation by WBEZ, Grist, and Inside Climate News has found the city is also paying more to replace lead lines. Other cities with a lot of lead pipes are spending less than half what Chicago does.
Transcribe →Thursday, July 9, 2026
5d ago00:10:11Tap to summarizeIllinois lawmakers and advocates are still grappling with changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. After a sold-out run at Raven Theatre this spring, the musical “Octet” is being remounted by the Goodman. About a hundred Chicagoans gathered to recite the Declaration of Independence at the Newberry Library on Wednesday. Plus, Lake Michigan is Chicago’s shimmering corner of the five Great Lakes. But there was a brief moment in the 1990s when Vermont tried to make Lake Champlain the sixth Great Lake.
Transcribe →Wednesday, July 8, 2026
6d ago00:07:22Tap to summarizeChicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has named the next public health commissioner. Mayor Johnson has made his nominees for the reconstituted Chicago Transit Authority board. A longtime-coming memorial to honor victims of Chicago police torture by notorious former commander Jon Burge is officially under construction on the South Side. Plus, the viral PopUp Bagels debuted in Chicago this spring with a line stretching several blocks down Lincoln Avenue for the private equity-backed goods. The chain’s arrival comes amid a nationwide premium bagel boom. But “Big-Bagel” shops aren’t the only breadlovers hopping in on the trend. Chicago has several new indie bagel spots.
Transcribe →Tuesday, July 7, 2026
1w ago00:07:51Tap to summarizeThe city of Chicago ethics committee is calling on U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros to resign. The U.S. government eventually admitted it made an error, and Ojeda Duarte returned to Chicago. Many Chicago museums are offering free admission days this summer. Plus, America’s 250th birthday is here after months of planning. As celebrations look back across our nation’s history, one prominent work memorializes the words of the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. Composer Aaron Copland captured Lincoln’s enduring wisdom in his 1942 work, “Lincoln Portrait.”
Transcribe →Monday, July 6, 2026
1w ago00:06:26Tap to summarizeChicago’s massive system of underground tunnels and reservoirs is almost completely full for the first time. O’Hare International Airport got as much rain in the first five days of July as it typically gets all month. Chicago saw its least violent 4th of July weekend in at least seven years. Plus, Chicago is now home to the largest cafe in the world dedicated to Hello Kitty, the iconic white cat with a red bow. Fans lined up around the block just to get a chance to sip and snack alongside each other.
Transcribe →Thursday, July 2, 2026
2w ago00:07:47Tap to summarizeChicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling is retiring after being in charge of CPD for less than three years. Mayor Brandon Johnson is urging Chicagoans to be cautious this holiday weekend as a Midwest heat wave finally starts to let up. The Chicago Cubs crushed the San Diego Padres Wednesday, putting up a whopping 23 runs. Plus, Chicago is now home to the largest local network of air quality sensors in the country. In a single day, the city-spanning network captures over 20,000 data points, revealing disparities in air quality from neighborhood to neighborhood. It’s about to be put to the test during its first Chicago summer, which is the season when air pollution tends to worsen, partly due to climate change.
Transcribe →Wednesday, July 1, 2026
2w ago00:07:11Tap to summarizeComplaints of smoking on trains and buses in Chicago are dropping. The federal government has asked a judge to halt the country’s first reparations program in Evanston, Illinois. The Chicago Blackhawks opened free agency Wednesday by signing new defenseman Bowen Byram to a six year extension. Plus, the hit Chicago-based NPR quiz show “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me” sounds a little different these days. Former panelist Alzo Slade is replacing scorekeeper Bill Kurtis, who retired after 12 years on the show. We go behind the scenes at the Studebaker Theater to meet the newest cast member.
Transcribe →Tuesday, June 30, 2026
2w ago00:07:55Tap to summarizeAdvocates in Chicago are celebrating Tuesday’s Supreme Court ruling that affirms birthright citizenship. The Supreme Court today has ruled states can block transgender athletes from playing on girls’ and women’s sports teams at public schools and colleges. Chicagoans have stepped up to collect needed supplies for those impacted by last week’s earthquake in Venezuela. Plus, census data analyzed by WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times shows over the last two decades, the far southeast side of Chicago has seen steep growth in same-sex households.
Transcribe →Monday, June 29, 2026
2w ago00:07:09Tap to summarizeThe prediction market platform Kalshi is suing Illinois to block a new state tax on sports wagering. The Chicago White Sox continue to be baseball’s feel-good story, and their success continued this weekend as they won their series against the Kansas City Royals. The Community Leadership Fellows, Capstone Clique is a group working with the Chicago History Museum to archive west side history by creating a large scale map art installation. Plus, literature provides a space for authors and readers alike to explore different worlds and perspectives. For queer people, that space can be an important window into identity and community.
Transcribe →Friday, June 26, 2026
3w ago00:07:15Tap to summarizeConcerns about teen gatherings in Chicago have grown amid conversations about violence and public safety. Chicago Public Schools has to close a $732 million budget gap for the upcoming academic year. Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre is debuting its third screen this weekend. Plus, the epic family drama “Leopoldstadt” was the last script penned by legendary playwright Tom Stoppard before his death in 2025. The Broadway version of the show boasted a cast of 38 actors. Writers Theatre in Glencoe is staging a slightly slimmed down version, directed by Stoppard's frequent collaborator Carey Perloff.
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