Erin Allen is an artist and communicator, driven by her curiosity about the stories of people. In addition to her work at WBEZ, she also co-curates Radio Campfire, a live, listening event series featuring stories and soundscapes on various themes. Erin has a dynamic background in audio, from producing, reporting, and hosting at Michigan Radio and WDET to organizing the Detroit Podcast Festival. Also, her personal passions for social justice and art with her professional skills in marketing and communications have led her to spaces like Stone Soup Housing Cooperative and Allied Media Projects. Erin holds a BA in psychology from Grand Valley State University. With spare time, she teaches yoga and binges science fiction media of the Octavia Butler persuasion.
![]()
The Rundown: The CTA is the last resort for many of Chicago’s unhoused people
CTA riders have likely noticed the system has a crisis on its hands. Many in Chicago’s unhoused population are using the service as shelter.
![]()
The Rundown: Lawmakers focus in on mental health program for low-income kids
Abortion opponents gathered in Springfield Tuesday while climate activists protested in Chicago. Lawmakers focus on kids’ mental health.
![]()
The Rundown: New report shows Illinois needs more affordable rental housing
Illinois needs more rental homes. Summer festivals are announcing line-ups. Illinois has cannabis competition with Missouri.
![]()
The Rundown: Accountability and Chicago’s new police district councils
If you voted in the February 28 election, you probably saw an option to elect a police district council member on your ballot. This is a new council that was created to give civilians more say over how policing works in their neighborhoods. It’s the type of history-making community autonomy that activists have been demanding for more than a decade. But the way the council is structured and how they work with other civic entities could use some more explaining. Jim Daley is a digital news editor for The TRiiBE, and he joined The Rundown to explain the history behind the council and how it works.
![]()
The Rundown: Should America make Daylight Saving Time permanent?
The U.S. Senate wants to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, but sleep scientists are against it. Dr. James Rowley is a professor of pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at Wayne State University. He’s also the president-elect of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “We feel strongly that our bodies are best attuned to a clock that is standard time,” Rowley told us. Rowley talks about the history of Daylight Saving Time and shares some tips for acclimating to Sunday’s change.
![]()
The Rundown: You’ve heard about ChatGPT in schools, but what about medicine?
Paul Vallas rarely attacked his opponent throughout his campaign for Chicago mayor, but that changed at last night’s debate. Northwestern University experts weigh in on the legal landscape for ChatGPT in medicine and future regulation. Parents of young children with special needs on the Far South Side are suing Chicago Public Schools.
![]()
The Rundown: City council votes to accept state funding to aid migrants
Chicago’s city council made decisions on funding to aid migrants, ticketing and surveillance for downtown motorists, and its own independence from the mayor’s office. Two more big endorsements came through in Chicago’s race for mayor. Chicago cops who voted in this month’s Fraternal Order Police election rejected most Black and female candidates — just like in past elections.
![]()
The Rundown: How to find the best jollof and a taste of home
There’s a lot of pride that goes into the historic West African dish jollof rice. It dates back thousands of years and has been compared to jambalaya or paella, but with its own twist. WBEZ audio producer and former chef Cianna Greaves gives us a look into how jollof is made, what it means for her Liberian heritage and the fond memories associated with the spice-filled dish.
![]()
The Rundown: Mayoral candidates questioned about past rhetoric on public safety
Chicago’s mayoral candidates were questioned in a debate last night about legalizing video gaming and their past rhetoric on public safety issues. The CTA tells state lawmakers it’s looking to hire several hundred bus drivers to address the “ghost bus” problem. Illinois small business owners are reacting to the new mandatory paid time off law.
![]()
The Rundown: Three years in, social equity cannabis applicants still waiting
More than three since Illinois made recreational cannabis legal, social equity applicants are still waiting on licenses.
