The Block Club Chicago Podcast artwork

The Block Club Chicago Podcast

181 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 16 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 115 ratings

The important, emotional, inspiring stories affecting Chicagoans.

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Episodes

Why The City May Start Clearing Snow Covered Sidewalks

March 28, 2024 10:30 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MB

After years of unanswered 311 complaints and fines ignored, the city is considering a pilot program to clear sidewalks. For inspiration, Chicago can look to Toronto, Syracuse where the cities do the plowing. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Casey Toner Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborho...

The Big Change At CPS That Nobody Is Talking About

March 26, 2024 15:19 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MB

Chicago Public Schools plans to do away with a decade-old system in which school funding was largely based on student enrollment. Instead, starting next year, each school will get a set number of staff and additional funding based on need. Host - Jon Hansen Reporters - Reema Amin, Becky Vevea - Chalkbeat Chicago Read More Here   Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliabl...

What The Heck Is Happening In The State's Attorney Race?

March 25, 2024 22:30 - 21 minutes - 19.2 MB

Host - Jon Hansen Guests - Quinn Myers, Max Bever Read More Here  It's been nearly a week since Election Day, and we still don't know who won the Democratic State's Attorney primary. In the meantime, some incorrect information disseminated from the Chicago Board of Elections caused confusion and calls of election fraud. Block Club's Quinn Myers with the latest on the race, and Max Bever -- the CBOE official who made the mistake -- joins the podcast.  Want to donate to our non-profit news...

What Secrets Does A Museum Have In The Basement?

March 23, 2024 10:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MB

We get a behind the scenes tour of the archives of the Museum of Science and Industry, with curator Dr. Voula Saridakis, and find out what exactly her job is and how she ended up working at MSI.  Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Dr. Voula Saridakis  Part 1 Of Our MSI Podcast, learning the history of the 1893 building.  Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and no...

What Secrets Does A Museum Have In Their Basement?

March 23, 2024 10:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MB

We get a behind the scenes tour of the archives of the Museum of Science and Industry, with curator Dr. Voula Saridakis, and find out what exactly her job is and how she ended up working at MSI.  Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Dr. Voula Saridakis  Part 1 Of Our MSI Podcast, learning the history of the 1893 building.  Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and no...

The Life, Death, And Rebirth Of Chicago's Famous Rosenwald Apartments

March 21, 2024 10:30 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MB

Nothing is the same at the apartment building where Mary Buford raised her family. The once-neglected courtyards on the side of the building are flush with grass and a rainbow of florals. In her first visit back in decades, Buford was quietly impressed at what has become of the complex. She’ll be the first to tell you that living in the former Michigan Boulevard Garden Apartments was one of the high points of her life, and she is forever indebted to the chosen family of neighbors who saw he...

What Went Down On Election Night

March 20, 2024 03:50 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MB

The Democratic Primary for Cook County State's Attorney is close, 'Bring Chicago Home' is done, and Quinn Myers reports live from an uber between campaign headquarters to break it all down. Oh, and barely anyone voted - Max Bever from the Board of Elections explains! Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers All Things Elections Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reli...

As Evictions Loom, Migrants Are Trying To Figure Out Where To Live

March 18, 2024 18:08 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MB

The Asylum Seeker Emergency Rental Assistance Program has helped 4,600 households move into apartments. But some could soon lose their homes if they can’t find work. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Madison Savedra Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods dese...

Why Chicago Has 4 St. Patrick’s Day Parades

March 14, 2024 20:28 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MB

While most associate Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with dyeing the river green and the Downtown parade, the city’s neighborhoods have storied parades of their own. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Linze Rice Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods ...

Will Mayor's Past As A Teacher Help CTU Get The Contract They Want?

March 12, 2024 15:17 - 13 minutes - 11.9 MB

The Chicago Teachers Union will push for teacher raises, plus more funding for special education, mental health services and sports programs as teachers negotiate the union’s first contract with Mayor Brandon Johnson -- who worked as a teacher and organizer for years.  Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mina Bloom Read More Here Watch Stacy Davis Gates' Full Remarks To The City Club Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ...

They're Building Tiny Houses To Tackle Homelessness But The City Wants Them To Stop

March 11, 2024 12:53 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MB

For more than four decades, unhoused Chicagoans have called a small strip of land along the Dan Ryan Expressway in the South Loop home. While neighbors have gotten used to seeing tents, a tiny wooden home went up last week -- the first put up by volunteers with the Orange Tent Project, a local nonprofit that’s already drawn the ire of the city and backlash from some neighbors for bringing hundreds of orange tents to the unhoused at over 15 city sites. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Lied...

They're Building Tiny Houses To Tackle Homelessness, But The City Wants Them To Stop

March 11, 2024 12:53 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MB

For more than four decades, unhoused Chicagoans have called a small strip of land along the Dan Ryan Expressway in the South Loop home. While neighbors have gotten used to seeing tents, a tiny wooden home went up last week -- the first put up by volunteers with the Orange Tent Project, a local nonprofit that’s already drawn the ire of the city and backlash from some neighbors for bringing hundreds of orange tents to the unhoused at over 15 city sites. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Lied...

He Got Famous Filling Potholes. Now He Has A Gallery

March 08, 2024 19:13 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MB

A few years ago, Jim Bachor was hit by a “tsunami” of projects when he began filling city potholes with small mosaics. He’s since filled more than 100 potholes in Chicago with images of everything from hot sauce packets to tiny replicas of famous paintings to the Chicago flag. He just opened a gallery in Uptown. Host - Jon Hansen Reporters - Iridian Fierro, Kayleigh Padar, Maxwell Evans, Shamus Toomey Story Links: Artist Famous For Filing Potholes With Tiny Mosaics Opens Gallery In Uptow...

A Conversation With Eileen O'Neill Burke - Candidate For Cook County State's Attorney

March 07, 2024 11:00 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MB

Block Club Chicago's Quinn Myers interviews Eileen O'Neill Burke, on why she thinks she should be Cook County's next State's Attorney.  Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a meaningful way. We amplify positive stories, cover development and lo...

A Conversation With Clayton Harris III - Candidate For Cook County State's Attorney

March 06, 2024 11:00 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MB

Block Club Chicago's Quinn Myers interviews Clayton Harris III, on why he thinks he should be Cook County's next State's Attorney. Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a meaningful way. We amplify positive stories, cover development and local s...

Chicago's Drive-Thru Fish Fry Keeps Catholics On The Go

March 01, 2024 18:54 - 17 minutes - 16 MB

St. Ferdinand Parish operates what may be the area’s only fish fry drive-thru, and it’s been a hit with Northwest Siders for decades. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Karie Angell Luc Read More About The Drive-Thru Every Neighborhood Friday Fish Fry Mapped For Lent Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoo...

What Is (And Isn't) On The Chicago Ballot For The Upcoming Election?

February 29, 2024 11:00 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MB

The Bring Chicago Home referendum remains in limbo as the city and Chicago Board of Election Commissioners appeal a judge’s order to throw out all votes cast on the question. Quinn Myers explains, and discusses what else is on the ballot.  Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage...

How Chicago’s Black Steelworkers Struggled, Thrived And Survived The Industry’s Rise And Fall

February 27, 2024 11:00 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MB

South Side steelworkers were promised economic stability as a reward for grueling and dangerous work. But many who survived were forced to start over when the industry collapsed. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Maxwell Evans Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighbo...

This Frame Store Is Doing Things 'The Chicago Way'

February 23, 2024 17:13 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MB

A picture is worth a thousand words, and sometimes the frame completes the story. Frame Chicago was started over 40 years ago by an immigrant couple, who have provided the foundation to a thriving business their kids are now growing to new heights.  Host - Iridian Fierro More on Frame Chicago HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan covera...

911 Calls Ignored While Police Make Traffic Stops Instead

February 21, 2024 18:37 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MB

Many Chicagoans, especially those living in Black and Latino neighborhoods, have similar experiences of being left to fend for themselves in times of crisis. Police leadership has blamed inadequate 911 responses on a shortage of officers and resources. But the Police Department’s own records suggest the problem isn’t the number of officers — it’s what those officers are doing on their shifts. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Pascal Sabino Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit news...

Fighting Homelessness On The CTA

February 19, 2024 11:00 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MB

Following an outreach program led by the Haymarket Center and Thresholds, social service agencies tapped by the CTA and the city’s Department of Family and Support Services as part of a $2 million agreement signed in late 2022. Host - Jon Hansen Reporters - Rachel Hinton and Nick Blumberg Editor - Iridian Fierro Read more - HERE   Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reli...

It’s Coyote Mating Season, So They’re Extra Bold — But Still Scared Of You

February 17, 2024 11:00 - 16 minutes - 15.6 MB

If you run into a coyote this month, remind it that humans are scary by making noise and waving your arms. Don’t leave out food for them, don’t let your dog run loose outside — and play talk radio. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Kayleigh Padar READ MORE HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We...

Is ShotSpotter Done In Chicago?

February 15, 2024 11:00 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MB

Mayor Brandon Johnson is following through on a campaign promise to get rid of a controversial gunshot detection technology — originally planning to end the program in September. But now, it may be ending sooner.  Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman Editor - Iridian Fierro Read the Story - HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan...

Illinois Once Let You Sue Over A Broken Heart

February 13, 2024 18:25 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MB

Whether a partner cheated, broke up an engagement or reneged on romantic promises, scorned lovers could sue for their heartache until 2016. Linze Rice details some of the more scandalous lawsuits, and how she stumbled on the story.  Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Linze Rice Editor - Iridian Fierro Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and non...

Bringing 19th-Century Chicago Beers Back To Life

February 12, 2024 17:26 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MB

Laurin Mack relaunched Conrad Seipp Brewing Company in 2020, more than 150 years after her great-great-great-grandfather started the business in Chicago. The company’s beers will now be produced with Pilot Project Brewing. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers Read the Story - HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicag...

Dollar Stores Fined Thousands Of Times — Will The City Do Anything?

February 08, 2024 11:00 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MB

Dollar stores across the city have repeatedly violated city health and building codes by selling expired infant formula and other medicine, overcharging customers, selling tobacco to underage people and interfering with inspections, a Block Club Chicago analysis has found. Host - Jon Hansen Guest -  Manny Ramos Read More - HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable,...

4 Students Killed Outside Of Chicago Schools -- What's Next?

February 07, 2024 11:00 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MB

Violence prevention advocates say physically separating teens after a fight is not enough — schools need to provide counseling and mentors. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Crystal Paul Read more - HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a mean...

Wildlife Thriving Thanks To Chicago River’s 50-Year Glow-Up

February 05, 2024 20:22 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MB

Animals are flocking back to Chicago after years of polluted air and disgusting waterways. How did the cleanup happen so quickly? Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Chris Anchor   Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a meaningful way. We amplify posi...

Wildlife Thriving Thanks To Chicago River’s 50 Year Glow Up

February 05, 2024 20:22 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MB

Animals are flocking back to Chicago after years of polluted air and disgusting waterways. How did the cleanup happen so quickly? Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Chris Anchor   To read more on this and other stories, head to BlockClubChicago.org   New Goal Update: Block Club Chicago is participating in NewsMatch, an annual campaign that aims to bolster support of nonprofit newsrooms across the nation and fill the gaps news deserts have left. Block Club has participated in the national NewsM...

Chicago Company Helps Seniors Keep Their Pride -- And Their Style

February 02, 2024 17:11 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MB

65,000 Americans turn 65-year-old every day. It can be hard for friends and families watch their loved ones struggle with tasks that used to be simple. Jimmy Zollo spent years working tech, but founded 'Joe & Bella' to help seniors stay stylish and make putting on clothes easier for themselves and their caregivers.  Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Jimmy Zollo - Joe And Bella Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organ...

City Council Calls For Ceasefire In Gaza

January 31, 2024 23:26 - 12 minutes - 11 MB

City Council narrowly passed a symbolic resolution on Wednesday calling for a ceasefire in the war in Gaza. Alderpeople tied 23-23 in a final vote on the measure, forcing Mayor Brandon Johnson to cast a deciding tiebreaker in support. The vote came after a tense debate that saw the mayor clear the council gallery after repeated interruptions from spectators.  Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers Read More - HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block...

It's Going To Be A 'Hot Cicada Summer' In Chicago

January 29, 2024 11:00 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MB

Chicagoans could soon be shoveling cicadas instead of snow. For the first time in 221 years, two broods of the noisy but harmless insects are set to emerge together by late spring or early summer, blanketing the ground and leaving a crunch under people’s shoes.  Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman Read More - HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relev...

Why Is There A Bald Eagle Soaring Over Chicago?

January 26, 2024 19:32 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MB

Irving Park neighbors have been captivated this week by what bird experts say is a bald eagle hunting for fish along the North Branch of the Chicago River. Alex V Hernandez explains why this is great news for Chicago's ecosystem.  Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Alex V Hernandex Read more - HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage o...

Chicago Likely Cracking Down On Dollar Stores

January 25, 2024 13:09 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MB

Dollar store expansions could soon be curtailed under new regulations making their way through City Council. Quinn Myers explains.  Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers Read more - HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a meaningful wa...

The Chicago Neighborhood With No Restaurants

January 24, 2024 11:00 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MB

Englewood has no local, sit-down restaurants. Atavia Reed details how disinvestment has left an entire Chicago neighborhood with basically nowhere to eat.  Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Atavia Reed Editor - Iridian Fierro Read more - HERE   Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all ne...

Could A Ride-Sharing Network Help Get Chicago Students To School?

January 18, 2024 19:57 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MB

Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Jewél Jackson from the Illinois Answers Project  READ MORE HERE Editor - Iridian Fierro Chicago Public Schools has had early conversations with HopSkipDrive, a transportation network company designed specifically for students. Jewél Jackson from the Illinois Answers Project explains how it operates in other cities – and what it would take to work here. Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit...

Grammy Winner J. Ivy And 'The Beautiful Village' Of Poetry

January 13, 2024 14:53 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MB

Host - Iridian Fierro Contributors - Brandon Pope, Leen Yassine, Ariel Parella, Trey Arline, Maxwell Evans Guest - J. Ivy Today's episode features: rollerstaking's West Side revival, 'Dry January' spots in Chicago, a scam involving lost luggage at O'Hare, and South Side native Grammy Winning poet J. Ivy!  Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartis...

Hundreds Of Migrants Sleeping In CTA Buses As Brutal Winter Weather Arrives

January 10, 2024 14:17 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MB

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Madison Savedra Editor - Iridian Fierro More on the story - HERE Over 500 migrants slept in CTA buses at the city’s designated landing zone for new arrivals this week — a record as Texas officials double down on busing people to Chicago and city leaders scramble to find enough housing with snow and freezing cold coming. Madison Savedra with an update on Chicago's migrant crisis.  Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club C...

The History Of Dibs In Chicago

January 09, 2024 11:00 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MB

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Shamus Toomey Editor - Iridian Fierro Every year, Chicagoans claim their parking spots by placing random junk in the part of the street they just shoveled. But how did we get here? Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covere...

Chicago’s Best Pizza Might Be Inside The Cook County Jail

January 05, 2024 11:00 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MB

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman Editor - Iridian Fierro The Story - HERE Special Thanks - Mike Lowe's WGN-TV Report on Recipe For Change in 2016. Watch HERE  Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a meaningful way. We amplify posi...

Is School Choice Going Away In Chicago?

January 03, 2024 11:00 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MB

Host - Jon Hansen Reporters - Reema Amin + Becky Vevea More on Chalbeat's coverage HERE https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2023/12/12/chicago-public-schools-moves-away-from-school-choice/ Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a meaningful way. ...

The Stories We Loved In 2023

December 28, 2023 11:00 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MB

Block Club Chicago reporters share the stories they loved to cover this year! Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a meaningful way. We amplify positive stories, cover development and local school council meetings and serve as watchdogs in neig...

After the Verdict - Why Ed Burke Was Found Guilty

December 23, 2023 21:18 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MB

Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Michael Leonard, Leonard Trial Lawyers Former Ald. Ed Burke, the city’s longest-serving alderman and one of its most powerful politicians for decades, was convicted of racketeering conspiracy Thursday afternoon. Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighbo...

Before The Verdict - The History Of Ed Burke, Chicago's Longest Serving Alderman

December 20, 2023 20:40 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MB

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mick Dumke While the jury deliberates his fate, we take a look back at the complicated and important legacy of former 14th Ward Alderman Ed Burke.  Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a meaningful way. We amplify...

Can Bowling Be Saved? These Chicago Shop Owners Think So

December 15, 2023 17:49 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MB

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman Contributing Reports - Linze Rice, Maia McDonald, Ariel Parrella, Shamus Toomey Simmons Pro Shop in North Center and Andy’s Bowling Pro Shop in West Lawn have stuck it out as neighborhood alleys disappear around them. Read more HERE   Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's di...

How Much Are We Paying To House Migrants? Mayor Johnson Won’t Tell Us.

December 13, 2023 11:00 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MB

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mick Dumke As the new mayor and his team grew desperate to find housing for the migrants, the migrant emergency offered lucrative opportunities to some city contractors and well-connected property owners, Block Club Chicago has found. Read the story - HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicag...

They Hated Chicago’s Grid So Much They Started Their Own Town

December 08, 2023 19:20 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MB

Host - Iridian Fierro Editor - Jon Hansen One Chicago suburb didn't grow organically over time, it was built with a plan -- to be the exact opposite of Chicago.  For more great stories from Block Club Chicago, click HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve t...

Inside The School That Has Lost 94% Of Its Students

December 06, 2023 20:33 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MB

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Trey Arline The Story - HERE Editor - Iridian Fierro Frederick Douglass Academy High School’s low enrollment numbers are a microcosm of the West Side’s history of disinvestment over the years, neighbors said. Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neigh...

It's All Good - 'It Beats Bingo!' Meet The Seniors Rediscovering Their Lost Talent

December 01, 2023 11:00 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MB

Host - Jon Hansen Once a week, a dozen seniors rediscover their love for music while sitting at the organ. Many played as children, but stopped playing when they started their families. They gather at a music school in South Elgin on Wednesdays, and they aren't old church lady organists... Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chi...

Despite Housing Crisis, The CHA Is Letting Empty Homes Decay For Years

November 29, 2023 19:33 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MB

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Rachel Hinton The Chicago Housing Authority is supposed to provide affordable homes for those in need. But the agency has nearly 500 scattered-site units that are vacant — many causing problems for their neighbors.  Read the story - HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighbo...

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