The Rundown | Chicago News

Latest Episodes:

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

A 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.

Monday, June 1, 2026 Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

Illinois 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.

Friday, May 29, 2026 May 29, 2026

Show notes

Chicago 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.

Thursday, May 28, 2026 May 28, 2026

Show notes

Chicago 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.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 May 27, 2026

Show notes

A 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.

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 May 26, 2026

Show notes

Chicago’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.”

Friday, May 22, 2026 May 22, 2026

Show notes

Both 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.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 May 21, 2026

Show notes

This 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.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 May 20, 2026

Show notes

Former 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.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 May 19, 2026

Show notes

Chicago 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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Rundown | Chicago News

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected