The Takeaway with Alex

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 brim, the Globetrotters brought basketball to towns that barely had any organized sports. Along the wa...

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 AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for...

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. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertis...

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 pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 possibilities for the future of the Vatican.    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com f...

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 Unit join the podcast this week to share the story of Karen Schepers, from the night she went missing t...

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 time in the gift room, and what potential candidates may be looking to run against him next election. Ho...

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 podcast, Chicago Tribune's Ray Long breaks down why corruption is so deeply embedded in Illinois politic...

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 myths and theories.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information abo...

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 week on the podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about...

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 Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of persona...

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 could a presidential run be in his future? NBC 5's Political Reporter Mary Ann Ahern is here to break i...

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 Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal da...