The Rundown | Chicago News

Latest Episodes:

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

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 rule, but the uncertainty has left many immigrant moms fearful about their babies’ futures.

Monday, June 15, 2026 Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

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 Committee forced her to testify. Superintendent Macquline King faced tough questions about the school district’s policies on trans students.

Friday, June 12, 2026 Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

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 homeowners and rent quality apartments without breaking the bank. The church has maintained this commitment for nearly 40 years.

Thursday, June 11, 2026 Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

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.

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

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 places on Airbnb. Research has shown that Airbnbs contribute to higher rents and housing shortages. Woodlawn, the neighborhood around the center, has long been considered an affordable area. But now, housing advocates say longtime residents are being priced out.

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

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 Obama Presidential Center Museum, the exhibit benches themselves are works of art. Renowned Chicago designer Norman Teague was commissioned to create the benches, and they draw inspiration from his roots on Chicago’s South Side.

Monday, June 8, 2026 Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

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 their stadium in the Hoosier State.

Friday, June 5, 2026 Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

The Chicago Bears’ board is moving forward with a new home in Hammond, but political leaders on both sides of the Illinois-Indiana state line have vastly different takes on the development. Federal officials say a person in a vehicle died from an explosion on the Eisenhower Expressway yesterday. Chicago’s annual Blues Festival is officially underway at the Ramova Theatre. Plus, we head to Simeon Career Academy, where the school known for sports put on its first play in decades.

Thursday, June 4, 2026 Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

Community 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.

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

Democratic 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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Rundown | Chicago News

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected