The Rundown | Chicago News

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.

Last refreshed: June 26th, 2026 at 10:12 PM

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Episodes

Friday, June 26, 2026

Concerns 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 Glenco...

Jun 26, 2026•7 min

Thursday June 25, 2026

Some Chicago advocates say they are disappointed with today’s Supreme Court decision allowing the Trump administration to end temporary legal protections for hundreds of thousands of Haitians and Syrians in the U.S. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is creating an office of gun violence reduction after some hesitancy during his first term. Some Lakeview residents could soon have to pay the city to use parking spots behind their homes. Plus, the hit Chicago-set TV show “The Bear” returns tonight for ...

Jun 25, 2026•8 min

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill to protect patient information from states that criminalize abortion. Chicago has been nationally recognized as a local government that shows a strong commitment to immigrant inclusion. It’s summer in Chicago, so people can see performances inside theaters and outdoors. Plus, Kathy Osterman Beach, or Hollywood Beach, is known as Chicago’s gay beach. But it wasn’t always that way. What are the origins of this LGBTQ+ haven?

Jun 24, 2026•10 min

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says his office has been advising the Chicago Bears on crafting a new proposal that would keep the team on their home turf. Lawmakers in Springfield did not pass Governor Pritzker’s widely-touted plan to build more affordable housing. U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros plans to review nearly 20 years of grand jury proceedings involving a veteran prosecutor at the center of the “Broadview Six” case. A lot of teens in Chicago take public transit to school. Now, some are opt...

Jun 23, 2026•8 min

Monday, June 22, 2026

Illinois has broken the record for most tornadoes in a year, and it’s only June. Public health officials are revealing why Chicagoans can expect to live longer than ever. More than 180 drawings created by famed artist Willem de Kooning are now on display at the Art Institute of Chicago. Plus, last week, chefs and celebrities from across the country came to Chicago for the annual James Beard Awards. We asked some of the visiting chefs where they ate while in town.

Jun 22, 2026•5 min

Thursday, June 18, 2026

The 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...

Jun 18, 2026•8 min

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

A 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. Ch...

Jun 17, 2026•10 min

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Another 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 rul...

Jun 16, 2026•8 min

Monday, June 15, 2026

Former 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...

Jun 15, 2026•7 min

Friday, June 12, 2026

Storms 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 homeowner...

Jun 12, 2026•10 min

Thursday, June 11, 2026

The 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....

Jun 11, 2026•7 min

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Republican 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 pl...

Jun 10, 2026•8 min

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

A 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 ...

Jun 09, 2026•7 min

Monday, June 8, 2026

More 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 the...

Jun 08, 2026•7 min

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