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The Rundown | Chicago News

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

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.

PublishesDailyEpisodes1468Founded5 years ago
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Artwork for The Rundown

Latest Episodes

A top U.S. Border Patrol official tells WBEZ that immigration agents are arresting people based on how they look. Federal criminal charges have been filed against four people detained during protests Saturday outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs ... more

Chicago is home to people and cultures from all over the world — including a large Kurdish community. The story of how they came to America is an epic one, a story of bloody genocide, of freedom fighters, of sacrifice and above all… perseverance. All... more

Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson is accusing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents of “making war on my community.” Four Chicago alderpersons voted against a symbolic resolution to apologize to Black residents for slavery. Republican Darren Bail... more

Illinois abortion-rights advocates and providers are preparing for an influx of patients from Wisconsin. At 29 years old, Walter “Red” Burnett is now the city’s youngest alderperson. The first satellite designed at the University of Illinois Urbana C... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

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Recent Guests

Jeff Tweedy
Frontman of the band Wilco and solo artist
Episode: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Joe Principi
Bass guitarist of Rise Against
Rise Against
Episode: Monday, September 22, 2025
Tim McElrath
Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Rise Against
Rise Against
Episode: Monday, September 22, 2025
Erica Thompson
Sun-Times reporter covering the jazz beat
Chicago Sun-Times
Episode: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Lauren Fitzpatrick
Chicago Sun-Times reporter
Chicago Sun-Times
Episode: Monday, September 15, 2025
Jordan Grune
Loyola University student providing insights on the political climate
Episode: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Jenna Fischer
Actress, author, and podcaster, known for The Office
Goodman Theatre
Episode: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Neil Steinberg
Sun-Times columnist
Chicago Sun-Times
Episode: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025
Nash Chalke
Market owner and member of the Kurdish community in Nashville
Episode: The Country in Our Hearts: Episode 1

Hosts

Lisa Labuz
Host of The Rundown
Michael Puente
Host of The Rundown
Aracely Gomez-Saldana
Host of The Rundown

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 249 ratings
  • Audio issues?

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Katnpp
    United States20 days 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 States6 months 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 States8 months 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 States8 months 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.

There is a good balance of news coverage and impactful local stories.
Listeners appreciate the concise format that fits into their busy routines.
The podcast offers insightful and engaging content that resonates with current events in Chicago.
The focus on community and cultural issues is highlighted as a significant strength of the series.
Some listeners have noted inconsistencies in release timing, which affects their routine.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#107
United States/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#100
Russia/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#236
Ireland/News/Daily News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Monday, September 22, 2025
Q: Does it feel different to tour in 2025 than it did before?
Tim responded that it feels more electric now, as audiences seek comfort and solidarity amidst the rise in political authoritarianism.
Monday, September 22, 2025
Q: What did you want to change about your approach to this album?
Joe mentioned wanting to learn from the producer Catherine Marks and her unique experience, signifying a shift in their creative dynamics for the new album.
Monday, September 22, 2025
Q: What originally drew you to the music, and do those values still hold for you?
Tim spoke about the spirit of punk and its quest for social justice, how it educated him on environmental issues and the importance of staying true to those values over time.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Q: What performances are you most excited about to see this month?
A few of them include a group called Saxophonitis at the Inglewood Jazz Festival and Jason Moran at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival, performing an all-Duke Ellington show.
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025
Q: What do experts recommend workers do if immigration authorities come to their place of business?
Workers should remain calm, follow the pre-established plan, and document any interactions while knowing their rights.

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 presents a daily snapshot of the most relevant and engaging news stories from Chicago, blending a brief news roundup with a more in-depth exploration of significant local narratives. Topics range from cultural stories to political developments, with a strong focus on civic issues, community events, and the challenges faced by residents. The approach aims to make complex subjects accessible and engaging, catering to listeners seeking to stay informed about their city and its diverse community.

What makes this audio series particularly appealing is its concise format, structured to fit into busy lifestyles. The inclusion of various perspectives and emphasis on local culture allows listeners to not only keep up with the news but ... more

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How many listeners does The Rundown get?

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How many subscribers and views does The Rundown have?

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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. Crain's Daily Gist
4. Consider This from NPR
5. Up First from NPR

How many episodes of The Rundown are there?

The Rundown launched 5 years ago and published 1468 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?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

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. Jeff Tweedy
2. Joe Principi
3. Tim McElrath
4. Erica Thompson
5. Lauren Fitzpatrick
6. Jordan Grune
7. Jenna Fischer
8. Neil Steinberg

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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