PODCAST · news
The Takeaway with Alex
by NBC Chicago
The only weekly Chicago podcast explaining the news through approachable conversations with expert journalists. What we know, how we know it – and most importantly – why it matters. Alex Maragos sits down with the people who have a front row seat to the biggest stories in Chicago and beyond.Less flash, more facts. Less conflict, more context. Leaving something for the audience to remember – this is The Takeaway.🎧 Subscribe now and stay ahead of the story.
Episodes
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Surgeon explains Pope Leo's lung cancer, surgery, prognosis & MORE
Pope Leo’s lung cancer diagnosis has caused millions around the world to worry and wonder about the 71 year old’s health. Officially called pulmonary adenocarcinoma, his disease is one of the most common forms of lung cancer. On this episode of The Takeaway with Alex, Dr. Kalvin Lung of...
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Do runners have a real life Ted Lasso? Meet Coach Bennett
Coach Chris Bennett wants you to know that running isn’t only about performance or time – it’s also a good way to handle things that have nothing to do with running: grief, loss, a breakup, or a bad day. Bennett is most famous for being Nike’s Global Running Head Coach. His voice guides thousands...
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Lou Canellis talks Bears predictions, playoff chances, defense concerns and Chicago sports hype
The Chicago Bears start the 2026 season with a rare dose of hope and hype. Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams aim to take the offense to new heights, and carry the team to back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time 20 years. In this episode of The Takeaway with Alex, NBC Chicago’s Lou…
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Is 'Spider-man: Brand New Day' the BEST Marvel movie yet? End credits, hero fatigue & MORE | S2:E3
'Spider-man: Brand New Day' is smashing Marvel Cinematic Universe box office records. The “Superhero fatigue” Hollywood had felt seems to fade away thanks to a mix of deep characters, strong storyline, and building excitement for the next Marvel film. On this episode of The Takeaway with Alex…
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Is lettuce safe yet? Everything to know about outbreak of 'diarrhea parasite' cyclospora
This summer’s Cyclosporiasis outbreak is the largest in U.S. history, with thousands getting sick from the intestinal parasite. Millions of Americans have heard about the symptoms -- like “explosive diarrhea” -- and are second guessing what to eat. Taylor Farms de Mexico has voluntarily recalled...
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JB Pritzker talks Trump 'dementia' comment, Israel, Democratic Socialists, Bears stadium | S2:E1
Governor JB Pritzker is a consistent critic of President Donald Trump, and could run to succeed him in 2028. With the Democratic Party seeing a recent swing of progressives and Democratic Socialists win primaries, Pritzker talked about the future of his party and the country on the Season 2...
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Olympics 2026 behind the scenes: 100-DAY COUNTDOWN to Milan-Cortina!
In 100 days, the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics will bring the best athletes in the world together in February 2026. Every member of Team USA has a unique story about how they got to the top of their sport, and it takes a team of people to bring those stories to the world. We close Season 1 of The...
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Bulls 2025 Season Preview: Adam Amin on Giddey, Coby, Matas, his favorite calls + DJ side hustle
With the 2025-26 NBA season about to begin, Chicago Bulls TV play-by-play man Adam Amin takes us through the storylines for the Bulls this season. With a young core of Matas Buzelis, Coby White and Josh Giddey; Amin talks about the steps forward he hopes to see the team take at the United Center...
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Why do we have Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time is an annual ritual that can be disorienting, confusing and controversial. With the time change coming up, The Takeaway with Alex sat down with Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes to dig into the law that’s been on the books for decades, how we arrived got this idea, and why people…
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What can National Guard troops REALLY do in Chicago?
From the earliest days of the United States, there has been a debate about where the power should lie: with the states or with a central U.S. government? Now, that debate is playing out in Chicago and the suburbs. As the Trump administration gears up to send in federal troops to bolster…
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What happened to Jimmy Hoffa? Clues, cover-ups, new details
For 50 years, the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa has fascinated and frustrated the FBI and millions of Americans. The famous former head of the Teamsters Union was last seen July 30th, 1975 – and while the mob connections to Hoffa were clear, the lack of an equally clear cause and manner of death…
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What the Dallas Cowboys documentary DIDN'T show (ex-defensive coordinator tells all)
The Netflix documentary, “America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys,” chronicles the highs and lows of the 90’s Cowboys from the perspectives of those who lived it — and willed it into existence. Across eight episodes Jerry Jones, Jimmy Johnson, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Barry...
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Charlie Kirk assassination: Shooter search, FBI updates, political beliefs, reactions
Charlie Kirk’s assassination in Utah has led to a renewed conversation about political violence in the United States. The 31-year-old had millions of followers on social media, was very close with President Donald Trump and his son Don Jr., and had built Turning Point USA into the leading...
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Bears Week 1: Caleb Williams & Ben Johnson, Vikings preview, win total
The Chicago Bears come into the 2025 NFL season with a new coaching staff, new offensive line and new playmakers – but will it lead to more wins? Will Ben Johnson’s offense turn Caleb Williams into an elite quarterback? Heading into Week 1, these are just two of many questions fans have about…
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Can Trump legally send the National Guard to Chicago?
President Donald Trump's threat to send the National Guard to Chicago has Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and other Democrats outraged in opposition. They say there are better ways to address the crime that the president hopes to solve. But is the move even legal? If troops hit the streets, what…
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Dolton’s half-million-dollar superintendent
Months after voting out former Mayor Tiffany Henyard, Dolton is looking for a new school superintendent. Kevin Nohelty was the highest paid school superintendent in the state of Illinois, making over $500,000. Then he suddenly retired, after Regina Waldroup started digging into Nohelty’s past...
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Is 'Speedway Slammer' the new Alligator Alcatraz?
“Alligator Alcatraz” and the “Speedway Slammer” are two of the Trump Administration’s newest ICE detention facilities. The buzzy titles may suggest similarity, but the sites are very different. Soon after the Department of Homeland Security announced the new facility in the Midwest, NBC Chicago...
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Why Democrats fled Texas amid gerrymandering fight with Abbott, Trump & Republicans
Texas Democratic lawmakers have left their state, saying Donald Trump and fellow Republicans are unfairly redistricting and gerrymandering Texas. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has welcomed over 30 Democrats with open arms, supporting their cause as he seeks a third term in office — with one eye...
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Is Chicago a safe haven against climate change? Meteorologist weighs in
Will Chicago be a haven against climate change? Do climate safe zones really exist? Extreme storms, higher prices and uninsurable property make Chicago more attractive, but climate change can still make midwest storms, flooding and heat worse. NBC Climate Reporter Chase Cain joins The Takeaway…
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What happened to Emmett Till? Shocking details revealed decades later
A 14-year-old Chicago boy named Emmett Till was abducted and lynched 70 years ago in Mississippi after being accused of whistling at a white woman named Carolyn Bryant in her family's grocery store. Till's death became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement after images circulated of an open...
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Taxpayers spend MILLIONS on empty Chicago lot migrants never used
Taxpayers have spent over $3 million on an empty lot on Chicago’s south side meant for migrants that was never used. First proposed as a winter shelter for migrants that were bused to Chicago from the southern border, tests eventually showed the lot was contaminated with heavy metals. Three years...
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Iconic movies with HIDDEN Chicago connections
Chicago’s Hollywood history runs deep. Blockbusters like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Dark Knight and The Blues Brothers helped the world get to know our city. But did you know Chicago also has connections to Back to the Future, the Wizard of Oz and even The Great Gatsby? Host of NBC Chicago’s...
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Guide to Chicago's music scene: Lollapalooza, hidden gems, artists to watch + MORE
From big events like Lollapalooza, Riot Fest and Summer Smash to small street festivals across the city; Chicago’s summer soundtrack has lots of variety. With so many concerts to check out, two music critics give The Takeaway with Alex a guide to navigate the summer. Britt Julious of the Chicago...
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JB Pritzker running for third term as Illinois governor
Governor J.B. Pritzker’s run for a third term will have ripple effects far beyond Illinois. With more Democrats looking for a leader, Pritzker's criticism of Donald Trump, MAGA politics, and the Republican Party will all have more power coming from a current governor, according to NBC 5 Political...
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BEST food in Chicago? Food critic talks underrated restaurants, deep dish pizza + MORE
When you think of Chicago food, you may think of pizza or hot dogs, but there's so much more the city has to offer. Every dish in every restaurant has a story, and it takes people like Steve Dolinsky to share those stories with the world. With nicknames The Hungry Hound and The Food Guy, Dolinsky...
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Ishbia-Reinsdorf deal EXPLAINED: When will White Sox have a new owner?
Jerry Reinsdorf has been controlling owner of the White Sox since 1981, but has agreed to sell the team to Justin Ishbia as early as 2029. On this episode of the Takeaway with Alex, The Athletic’s Jon Greenberg dives into this reporting on the White Sox succession plan. In February, Greenberg’s...
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Who is Larry Hoover? Ex-Chicago gang leader's sentence commuted by Trump
Who is Larry Hoover, and why did President Donald Trump commute sentence? He is one of America's most notorious criminals, with convictions ranging from murder to racketeering landing him behind bars for over 50 years. Now Hoover is one step closer to freedom, thanks to a commutation of his…
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Globetrotters: How a Chicago team changed basketball and helped win the Cold War
Despite their name, the Harlem Globetrotters actually got their start in Chicago. It was an unlikely partnership between a young, 5’3” Jewish entrepreneur named Abe Saperstein and a collection of younger Black basketball players from the South Side. From barns to ballrooms to arenas filled to the...
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Who killed Chicago mob boss Sam 'Momo' Giancana?
Who killed Momo? It’s one of the Chicago Outfit’s longest kept secrets — and we’re finally getting some answers. NBC 5 Investigative reporter Chuck Goudie joined the Takeaway to share how he dug up some truth about what really happened to former mob boss Sam Giancana. Hosted by Simplecast, an...
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Who is Pope Leo XIV?
Who is Pope Leo XIV, and why did he choose that name? The former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Miguel H. Díaz joins the podcast this week to share his personal experiences with the new pope, and to shed light on some things we may not know about him. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company.…
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Conclave explained: Top candidates, white smoke, timeline
With the papal conclave just days away, there are many questions surrounding the process of selecting the next pope. NBC 5's Mary Ann Ahern and Chuck Goudie break down everything from the voting process and the white smoke to the names of potential candidates. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz...
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Why do people drink Malört? The story of the shot Chicago loves to hate
It's a burn Chicago drinkers know all too well. Some love it, some hate it, and many just love to hate it. This week on the podcast, author Josh Noel breaks down the success and failure of Chicago's (least) favorite shot: Jeppson's Malört. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See...
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What's next for the Catholic Church after Pope Francis' death?
After the news of Pope Francis' death sent shockwaves through the Catholic community in Chicago and the world, many are left with one lingering question: what now? NBC Chicago's Mary Ann Ahern and Father Patrick McGrath of Old St. Patrick's Church reflect on the pope's legacy and discuss...
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What happened to Karen Schepers? Cold case solved 42 years later
Exactly 42 years after the disappearance of Karen Schepers, the Elgin detectives who cracked the 1983 cold case are speaking out about their experience -- including a podcast they started to attract new leads. Detectives Andrew Houghton and Matt Vartanian of the Elgin Police Department Cold Case...
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Mayor Brandon Johnson: Chicago migrant crisis, gift room controversy, who might run next?
Now that we're exactly halfway through Brandon Johnson's first term as Chicago mayor, we're looking back at the last two years and ahead to what the next two might bring. Political experts Mary Ann Ahern and Rose Schmidt break down the mayor's approval ratings, his sanctuary city hearing, their...
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Why is there so much corruption in Illinois politics?
A 'culture of corruption' has poisoned nearly every level of government in the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago. From Mike Madigan, Rod Blagojevich and Ed Burke to lesser-known politicians with their own histories of egregious lies and theft, the list of names goes on. This week on the...
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JFK files: New details, Chicago mob ties, debunked myths
Newly unredacted files on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy answer some questions and spark new ones. This week on the podcast, NBC 5 Investigative Reporter Chuck Goudie explains what the declassified documents mean, sheds light on Chicago murder plots against JFK, and debunks common...
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Are the Chicago Bears going to Arlington Heights?
Will they? Won't they? For over a year, the Chicago Bears' decision to either stay at Soldier Field or move to Arlington Heights has been up in the air. NBC Sports Reporter Mike Berman and NBC Investigative Reporter Bennett Haeberle break down the latest on the team's ongoing stadium saga this…
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Why does Chicago dye its river green?
Ahead of St. Patrick's Day 2025, excitement builds for Chicago's annual river dye event. But, how did this decades-old tradition start? Is the dye safe for the river? What's the best way to watch? NBC Chicago's Lexi Sutter has all these answers and more on the podcast this week. ☘️ Hosted by...
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Is JB Pritzker planning a run for president in 2028?
While the Democratic Party scrambles for new leadership, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has been taking big swings at President Trump's administration. Among the most recent was a call-out of Donald Trump and Elon Musk in Pritzker's State of the State address. What are the governor's motives, and...
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What's next for Mayor Tiffany Henyard after Dolton election?
This week on the podcast, Regina Waldroup recaps what happened at Dolton's primary election for mayor. She describes what could be next for Tiffany Henyard, explains what Jason House's victory could mean for the village's future, and shares her personal connection to the story. Hosted by...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The only weekly Chicago podcast explaining the news through approachable conversations with expert journalists. What we know, how we know it – and most importantly – why it matters. Alex Maragos sits down with the people who have a front row seat to the biggest stories in Chicago and beyond.Less flash, more facts. Less conflict, more context. Leaving something for the audience to remember – this is The Takeaway.🎧 Subscribe now and stay ahead of the story.
HOSTED BY
NBC Chicago
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Takeaway with Alex have?
The Takeaway with Alex currently has 41 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Takeaway with Alex about?
The only weekly Chicago podcast explaining the news through approachable conversations with expert journalists. What we know, how we know it – and most importantly – why it matters. Alex Maragos sits down with the people who have a front row seat to the biggest stories in Chicago and beyond.Less...
How often does The Takeaway with Alex release new episodes?
The Takeaway with Alex has 41 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Takeaway with Alex?
You can listen to The Takeaway with Alex on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Takeaway with Alex?
The Takeaway with Alex is created and hosted by NBC Chicago.
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