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The Rundown | Chicago News

WBEZ Chicago
Chicago
Brandon Johnson
Father's Day
Chicago Sky
Illinois
Venezuelan Migrants
Unsung Heroes Of Uptown
Joe Biden
WOE, A Housecat's Story Of Despair
Xenophobia
Gun Violence
Lincoln Correctional Center
Chicago School Board
Wrigleyville Rooftops
Air Quality
Heatwave
Covid-19
Juneteenth
Type 2 Diabetes
Chicago Public Schools

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.

PublishesDailyEpisodes1579Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Daily NewsNews

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Latest Episodes

Thousands of people gathered today in Chicago to honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Charges were dropped this week against a group of 15 mothers arrested outside of the immigration processing... more

Governor JB Pritzker is voicing delight at President Trump's firing of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Developers broke ground this week on the Chicago Fire’s new privately-funded stadium in the South Loop neighborhood. Hundreds of Ch... more

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is asking the federal government to help get U.S. citizens stranded in the Middle East back home. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testified before Congress on Tuesday, and she claimed to not know th... more

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is emphatically denying any ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois is condemning the Trump administration for launching strikes in Iran without Congressional approval. A ... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Jocelyn Robledo
Englewood resident whose cases were dismissed after being arrested during Operation Midway Blitz
Episode: Monday, March 2, 2026
Keshia Golden
Facing murder charges for the fatal stabbing of her boyfriend during a domestic dispute
Episode: Monday, March 2, 2026
Billy Zurakat
Pop-up chef around Chicago and logistics manager
Episode: Friday, February 27, 2026
Clayton McGill
Participant at Awesome Life Academy
Awesome Life Academy
Episode: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Bill Weldon
Comedian and improv instructor volunteering for youth with special needs
Episode: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Joe Byer Barbosa
Roosevelt University graduate student running every street in Chicago
Episode: Monday, February 16, 2026
Amy Mendez
Chicago Public Schools employee discussing financial struggles and reliance on SNAP benefits.
Chicago Public Schools
Episode: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Ertharin Cousins
Works with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Episode: Thursday, February 5, 2026
David Byrne
Former frontman of the Talking Heads
Episode: Thursday, February 5, 2026

Hosts

Alex Dagman
Host of the daily episodes who brings a dynamic reporting style and local insight.
Lisa Labuz
Co-host known for her engaging interviews and emphasis on cultural stories.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 253 ratings
  • Audio issues?

    Love this podcast, but what’s up with the audio quality this week?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Katnpp
    United States6 months ago
  • Quick news you need

    Love to have a quick recap of things around Chicago twice a day. Keep up the good work!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Wojciech D
    United Statesa year ago
  • Good info; inconsistent release timing

    The Rundown is a great resource akin to NYTimes’s The Headlines but with the Chicagoland area as the focus. My only complaint is that I can’t count on each morning’s episode coming out at or near a consistent time. I don’t mind a reasonable window (e.g. between 7a-7:30a) but the current system is not conducive to incorporating the show into my morning routine.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    KKrasinski
    United Statesa year ago
  • Great local news

    I’m so grateful to have this to keep up with what’s happening in Chicago!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BCguy94
    United Statesa year ago
  • Perfect quick daily news update

    They do a great job of summarizing local Chicago & state-wide news in an easily digestible format.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    schistopatel
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the insightful coverage of local news, enjoying the quick, informative format that fits into their busy routines.
Some concerns have been raised regarding inconsistent release timings, which has caused difficulty in integrating the show into daily routines for certain listeners.
Critics have voiced issues regarding perceived bias or sensationalism in handling certain stories, emphasizing a need for balanced reporting.
There are positive remarks about the engaging hosts and the depth of stories being shared, which resonate well within the community context.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#146
United States/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#222
Ireland/News/Daily News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Q: How did he, Krishnamoorthi, respond to those attacks against him?
Krishnamoorthi defended his congressional record and called out Stratton for her funding sources.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Q: What was the big headline to you from the debate last night?
One big headline was how fiercely Stratton came on the offensive against Krishnamoorthi.
Friday, January 23, 2026
Q: What was the government's case against Espinoza Martinez?
The government initially accused him of being a high-ranking member of the Latin Kings and soliciting a hit on a Border Patrol commander, but later walked back those claims and faced difficulties in presenting sufficient evidence.
Friday, January 23, 2026
Q: What was the outcome of the Juan Espinoza Martinez case?
Juan Espinoza Martinez was acquitted of the charges against him, which included solicitation of murder.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Q: What critical issue has been raised regarding Centurion Health?
Centurion Health has been accused of ignoring and misdiagnosing patients, leading to serious illness or death.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Rundown

What is The Rundown about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast offers a concise and engaging overview of Chicago's daily news, culture, and intriguing stories, making it an essential resource for local residents and anyone interested in the city's happenings. Every weekday, episodes begin with a quick news roundup that provides listeners with the latest updates on political events, community issues, and cultural narratives, before transitioning to a more detailed exploration of a particular story or topic of interest related to Chicago. Notably, the program balances current events with a focus on local community voices, aiming to inform and connect listeners with the vibrancy of Chicago life.

In addition to its news-centric content, the podcast is characterized by an approachable format d... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Rundown?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Rundown:

1. Up First from NPR
2. The Daily
3. The NPR Politics Podcast
4. Consider This from NPR
5. Trump's Terms

How many episodes of The Rundown are there?

The Rundown launched 5 years ago and published 1579 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Rundown?

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What guests have appeared on The Rundown?

Recent guests on The Rundown include:

1. Jocelyn Robledo
2. Keshia Golden
3. Billy Zurakat
4. Clayton McGill
5. Bill Weldon
6. Joe Byer Barbosa
7. Amy Mendez
8. Ertharin Cousins

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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