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The Rundown | Chicago News

WBEZ Chicago
Chicago
Chicago, United States
Chicago Bears
Chicago Public Schools
Illinois
Immigration Enforcement
WBEZ
Operation Midway Blitz
Brandon Johnson
Cook County
Jesse Jackson
Jesse L. Jackson
Martin Luther King Jr.
Obama Presidential Center
Immigration
Northwestern University
Marimar Martinez
Carl Sandburg's Chicago
Ice Agents
JB Pritzker

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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Latest Episodes

Illinois elected officials and community leaders are calling for an FBI investigation into an attempted mass shooting at a Hindu Temple last Sunday. Gas bills will soon be going up a few dollars for Nicor customers. The Illinois Commerce Commission a... more

A 19-year-old man was detained on Sunday for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at a Hindu place of worship in Aurora. The Inspector General for Chicago Public Schools has closed an investigation into whether a candidate running for school board pres... more

University of Chicago officials say a person of interest has been identified after a woman reported being sexually assaulted at a frat house over the weekend. Endeavor Health plans to merge under the umbrella of Rush University System for Health. Dem... more

There are new updates in a sexual assault case unfolding at a University of Chicago fraternity house. Pope Leo XIV is recovering after having surgery today to remove a lung nodule. A group of Pulitzer Prize winners is in Chicago this week helping to ... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Veronica Roth
Author of Divergent series and The Sixth Faction
Author, Divergent universe
Episode: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Daniel Burke
NPR Senior Editor of Religion and Spirituality
NPR
Episode: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Scott Detro
NPR host of All Things Considered
NPR
Episode: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Dave McKinney
Politics and government editor at WBEZ
WBEZ
Episode: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Violetta Barocas
Passive home resident featured in the piece
Independent resident featured in the story
Episode: Monday, October 5, 2026
Mark Miller
Architect behind the passive home design
Evanston-based architect
Episode: Monday, October 5, 2026
Dimantas Purvis
Local high schooler volunteering at arena
Lithuania basketball federation (via Balchounas)
Episode: Friday, October 2, 2026
Mendaugas Balchounas
President of Lithuania Basketball Federation
Lithuanian Basketball Federation
Episode: Friday, October 2, 2026
Marie Mendoza
Producer/Reporter
Sun Times / WBEZ
Episode: Friday, October 2, 2026

Hosts

Lisa Lobes
Host of The Rundown; Chicago News coverage, community reporting.
Alex Degman
Host of The Rundown; local Chicago reporting and features.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 264 ratings
  • Audio issues?

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Katnpp
    United Statesa year 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 States2 years 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 States2 years 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 States2 years 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 States2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Audience values coverage of Chicagoland politics, culture, and community voices.
Listeners appreciate concise, local focus and the mix of quick updates with in-depth features.
Some praise audio quality and timely reporting, others note inconsistency in episode release times.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Q: How does Prevost's upbringing in Dalton and Chicago shape his approach to leadership within the church, based on what you've learned in researching the book?
His family's deep involvement in community service and faith, combined with his Chicago sensibility and early experiences near the city, inform a leadership style that emphasizes practical service, a connection to diverse communities, and a pragmatic approach to faith in daily life, which is reflected in how the authors frame his mission.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Q: Daniel, let's start with you, set the stage just a little bit. Now you were in St. Peter's Square the moment it happened, the day that Robert Prevost became Pope Leo the 14th. Describe what it was like.
It was unbelievable to witness the moment; the crowd's energy surged as the idea of an American pope emerged, and it immediately reframed the story as one about a Chicago-rooted figure taking on a global role, which guided our exploration of his background and identity.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Q: What did the data actually show about the one-time blitz and its effectiveness?
The data indicated that the blitz did not disproportionately target the most dangerous offenders and that the expected numbers of high-risk detainees did not materialize as promised, suggesting a gap between rhetoric and outcomes.
Monday, August 3, 2026
Q: Elvia, what has been the most noticeable impact of the SNAP changes on your clients at the Above and Beyond Food Pantry?
There's been an uptick in clients and in the severity of their needs, with more working professionals and seniors seeking help, leading us to expand services and partner with other organizations to cover essentials beyond food.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Q: What do you say to those who argue death penalty serves justice or closure for victims' families?
The guest argues that even families affected by violence express that death does not bring true closure, and life without parole can offer a more humane outcome without risking more irreversible harm.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Rundown

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

A concise daily Chicago-focused news brief followed by a deep-dive into a major local story. Most episodes center on timely reporting from the city's newsroom, paired with in-depth explorations of topics like immigration policy, education, culture, and civic life. The show frequently blends public policy, local politics, and human-interest reporting, often featuring interviews or extended profiles with journalists, policymakers, and community voices. A standout trait is the balance between brisk, digestible updates and longer feature segments that illuminate how policy impacts people on the ground, with a strong emphasis on Chicago-specific dynamics and culture.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Rundown?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Rundown:

1. City Cast Chicago
2. Curious City
3. Up First from NPR
4. The NPR Politics Podcast
5. Consider This from NPR

How many episodes of The Rundown are there?

The Rundown launched 6 years ago and published 1737 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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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Rundown?

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What guests have appeared on The Rundown?

Recent guests on The Rundown include:

1. Veronica Roth
2. Daniel Burke
3. Scott Detro
4. Dave McKinney
5. Violetta Barocas
6. Mark Miller
7. Dimantas Purvis
8. Mendaugas Balchounas

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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