The Block Club Chicago Podcast
218 episodes - English - Latest episode: 18 days ago - ★★★★★ - 115 ratingsThe important, emotional, inspiring stories affecting Chicagoans.
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Episodes
Why Were Beverly's Basketball Courts Ripped Out?
October 16, 2023 12:33 - 20 minutes - 18.3 MBHost - Jon Hansen Reporter - Crystal Paul Edited by Iridian Fierro Decades ago, officials demolished Beverly's three outdoor basketball courts. Politicians and neighbors cited safety concerns but at least one unnamed resident told the Chicago Tribune in 2000 “There was trouble with a lot of Black kids coming in.” Now, some neighbors want them back. 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 ...
It's All Good - Open House Chicago Returns This Weekend With Over 40 New Sites
October 13, 2023 11:48 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBHost - Jon Hansen Guest - Angela Esposito, Chicago Architecture Center Everything about Open House Chicago - HERE Chicago is filled with architectural wonders and histories, and this weekend you’ll have a chance to explore over 170 of them. 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...
Mayor Johnson's Budget Plan And How We Pay For It
October 11, 2023 21:41 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBHost - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers The Full Story The 2024 budget proposal would increase police spending slightly, focusing on more detectives. It also provides $150 million to help asylum seekers — and does not include a property tax hike. 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 ...
Episode 100 - A Whole Lotta Good News
October 06, 2023 14:29 - 17 minutes - 16 MBHost - Jon Hansen From lush gardens, rewards for drinking beer, cheese fortune tellers, and priceless art hanging in dorms, we've got a hodgepodge of good news for Episode 100! 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 ampli...
While The CTA Flounders, Its Leader Keeps Getting Pay Hikes
October 04, 2023 10:00 - 19 minutes - 18.3 MBHost - Jon Hansen Reporter - Manny Ramos As CTA riders coped with unreliable and sometimes unsafe service, agency President Dorval Carter’s salary climbed more than 60% in just eight years. But he operates with little accountability. 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 neighborhoo...
The Voice Of The CTA
September 22, 2023 13:04 - 18 minutes - 17 MBHost - Jon Hansen Lee Crooks, "The Voice of the CTA" who tells "L" and bus riders what stop is coming and which side the doors open joins the show! 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 devel...
Chicago Could Soon End Subminimum Wages For Tipped Workers
September 19, 2023 19:55 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBHost - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers Read the rest of the story HERE Alderpeople and an influential restaurant industry group have reached a compromise on a plan to eliminate the “subminimum wage” for tipped workers. 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...
Cats In Action - Helping Chicago's 500,000 Feral Cats
September 14, 2023 09:30 - 17 minutes - 15.6 MBHost - Jon Hansen Cats in Action’s mission is to enable people to help free-roaming cats through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) by sharing best practices and providing comprehensive resources. Jon Hansen tagged along with the team on Chicago's East Side. 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 ...
These Kids Started Their Own Newspaper — And Want You To Read More Local News
September 05, 2023 14:01 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBHost - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman With "The Kidler," a bunch of inquisitive Chicago teenagers have teamed up to keep the pulse of their neighborhoods. 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 storie...
One Year After The Migrant Buses Began Arriving
September 01, 2023 14:52 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBHost - Jon Hansen Reporter - Madison Savedra The Story - HERE Thousands of people are still sleeping on police station floors and a lack of concrete, long term planning has the city's stop gaps faltering. Madison Savedra reports. 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 neighborhood...
They've Visited 365 Chicago Parks - And They're Just Getting Started
August 24, 2023 09:30 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBHost - Jon Hansen The Schmidts have visited over half of Chicago's 600-plus parks. It's been a fun, an enlightening journey. Follow their journey 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 positive stories, cover ...
Fueling Up For The Air And Water Show
August 18, 2023 13:07 - 9 minutes - 9.05 MBHost - Jon Hansen Photojournalist - Colin Boyle A KC-135 refueling tanker took off from Gary Jet Center Thursday morning with Illinois Air National Guardsmen and members of the media for a midwestern jaunt. Our photographer Colin Boyle was on board. 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 believ...
Ronnie Woo Woo Still Cheering Cubs On At 81-Years-Old
August 15, 2023 12:22 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBHost - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman Yes, Cubs fans, the spirit and sound of Wrigley Field — otherwise known as Ronnie Woo Woo — is alive and well as the streaking Cubs make a push for the pennant. And his voice doesn’t hurt much, either. 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 al...
This Man Visited Every Country On Earth And Yes He Stopped In Chicago
August 10, 2023 09:30 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBHost - Jon Hansen Guest - Thor Pedersen, Once Upon a Saga Thor Pedersen is thought to be the first person to visit every single country on earth, in one continuous journey, without ever traveling by plane. His decade long journey led him through Chicago in 2014. 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...
Covering Chicago's Arts & Culture Beat
August 03, 2023 09:30 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBBlock Club's new(ish) Arts and Culture Editor Gwen Ihnat discusses the beat, best things to do this weekend, and her favorite Chicago music venue. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Gwen Ihnat Coverage on: SAG-AFTRA WGA Strike Last Summer on State Street Tron Cat Video Fest 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 nei...
Covering Chicago's Art & Culture Beat
August 03, 2023 09:30 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBBlock Club's new(ish) Arts and Culture Editor Gwen Ihnat discusses the beat, best things to do this weekend, and her favorite Chicago music venue. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Gwen Ihnat Coverage on: SAG-AFTRA WGA Strike Last Summer on State Street Tron Cat Video Fest
How Chicago Started House Music
July 20, 2023 09:30 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBHost - Jon Hansen Guest - Brandon Pope Four-on-the-floor, 120 beats per minute. Today's artist are getting on the house music trend, which started in Chicago. Brandon Pope explores why we can claim ownership of house music's origins. WATCH THIS STORY More about 'On The Block' 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...
The Owners Of A 99-Year-Old Hardware Store Are Selling It To Their Employees
July 13, 2023 09:30 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBHost - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman More on the story HERE More on Ravenswood On Tap HERE Many employees — now owners — of the beloved Rogers Park shop have worked there for decades. "We wanted them to be in charge of their destiny," said Ken Walchak, whose grandfather started the business in 1924. 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 nonpart...
The Entrepreneur Promoting Queer Artists And Sharing LGBTQ+ Stories
June 29, 2023 09:30 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBAward-winning media personality Anna DeShawn has been sharing queer news and stories through radio and podcasts for nearly 15 years. This summer, she's going on a nationwide tour to amplify queer, Black and people of color (BIPOC) creators. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Anna DeShawn E3 Radio Queer News Podcast The Qube TONIGHTS EVENT! - UNAPOLOGETIC: Being Black and Queer in Podcasting Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non...
Book Bans Be Damned: Chicago’s Queer-Owned Bookstores Won't Stop Fighting For LGBTQ+ Community
June 22, 2023 09:30 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBIndependent Bookstores Unabridged and Women & Children First have been there for the LGBTQ+ Community For Decades. They remain relevant today by keeping their focus on helping the communities they serve - present and future. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Kayleigh Padar Unabridged Bookstore Women & Children First 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 ...
Exploring Chicago's LGBTQ History Through Tours
June 15, 2023 09:30 - 23 minutes - 22 MBMike McMains, founder of Tours With Mike and creator of the Ugly Buildings tours, has three tours focusing on LGBTQ+ history on the North Side, South Side and Downtown. Host - Jon Hansen Check out Tours By Mike 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...
Drag Artists Finding Sanctuary In Some Chicago Churches
June 08, 2023 09:30 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MBHost - Jon Hansen Reporter - Kayleigh Padar More Proud City Coverage 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 positive stories, cover development and local school council meetings and serve as watchdogs in neighb...
Proud City - Highlighting LGBTQ+ Chosen Families
June 01, 2023 15:00 - 18 minutes - 17 MBFour Chicago transplants have formed a deep bond known as chosen family, a term for people who choose to embrace, support and love each other like relatives, regardless of blood or marriage. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Jake Wittich More on the Pepperoni Family HERE More on Queer Pride Fam Jam by Slo ‘Mo and Kido 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...
The 2023 Summer Bucket List!
May 25, 2023 09:30 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBFrom street festivals, to concerts, to bike rides and picnics -- Block Club Chicago staffers share what's on their summer bucket list! 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 loc...
Why Chonk The Snapper's Fame Is A Sign The Chicago River Is Getting Cleaner
May 18, 2023 09:30 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MBHost - Jon Hansen Guest - Chris Anchor, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Forest Preserve District of Cook County A chunky, scaly bad boy is stealing the city’s heart. Chonk the snapping turtle may also be a sign the Chicago River is returning to it's pre-industrial health. More on this 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-Fried Comic Maggie Winters Credits Beverly Roots For Stage Success
May 11, 2023 09:30 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBHost - Jon Hansen Guest - Maggie Winters - Insta - TikTok Maggie Winters learned everything she knows about comedy from her experience growing up in Chicago. Now, she's selling out shows and trying to help make Chicago a comedic destination, not just a stepping stone to LA or NYC. 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 ...
A Chat With Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson
May 08, 2023 09:30 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBOn The Block Host Brandon Pope interviews Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson. You can catch 'On The Block' Thursdays at 7p on The U, Saturdays at 10a and Sundays at 6:30p on CW26. Here's a station guide! 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 meaning...
Meet The Man Who Makes Pizza In His Alley For A Good Cause
May 04, 2023 04:30 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBHost - Jon Hansen Guest - John Carruthers John Carruthers is the communications manager for Revolution Brewing and a contributor to The Takeout. He also makes and sells pizzas out of an alley to raise money for community organizations working to make Chicago a better place to live. 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 ...
Meet The Whitney Young 'Breakfast Club' That Can't Stop Winning Championships
April 20, 2023 09:30 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MBHost - Jon Hansen Competing in 10 academic subjects, the decathlon is a rigorous and fun competition students said has given them much-needed social bonding in high school during the pandemic -- and Whitney Young has won 20 straight state championships. Read the Block Club Story 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...
The Wrestler Who Isn't Giving Up His Dream - Despite Being Shot 4 Times
April 06, 2023 09:30 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBHost - Jon Hansen From a childhood dream to a WWE tryout, Jason Harrison's pursuit of wrestling professionally has eluded him for years. But he refuses to give up. 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 sto...
The Ballot - How Brandon Johnson Won (We Think)
April 05, 2023 17:10 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MBHost - Jon Hansen Guests - Brandon Pope, Mick Dumke A bonus episode, featuring our other podcast, The Ballot, with our analysis about how Brandon Johnson won the race to be Chicago's next mayor. 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 meaningf...
Chicago's Famed Framers Giving Back And Need Your Business
March 30, 2023 09:30 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBHost - Jon Hansen Guests - Helendora Samuels Picture Framing Wicker Park has few Black-owned businesses. With neighbors' support, framing experts Sylvester "Tommy" and Helendora Samuels hope to stay. 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...
How A Boxing Gym Is Giving West Side Kids A Fighting Chance
March 16, 2023 09:30 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBHost - Jon Hansen Guest - David Ortiz Jr. - The Barracks Click Here To Donate The Barracks boxing gym helps Chicago youth avoid violence, but many participants don't have adequate transportation to go to classes. 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 c...
The Most Endangered Buildings In Chicago And How We Can Help Save Them
March 08, 2023 17:49 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBHost - Jon Hansen Guest - Ward Miller, Preservation Chicago Since 2003, Preservation Chicago's “Chicago 7 Most Endangered” has sounded the alarm on imminently threatened historic buildings and public assets in Chicago to mobilize the stakeholder support necessary to save them from demolition. They join the pod to discuss this year's 7. 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 r...
The Ballot - Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson Advance To Mayoral Runoff
March 01, 2023 03:59 - 6 minutes - 5.88 MBHost - Jon Hansen Investigations Editor - Mick Dumke Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson advance to the Chicago mayoral election -- as Lori Lightfoot becomes the first one-term mayor in four decades. Investigations Editor Mick Dumke breaks it down. 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...
How One Woman Changed Health Care For Thousands Of Her South Side Neighbors
February 23, 2023 10:00 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBHost - Jon Hansen Guest - Debra Wesley, Sinai Community Institute Debra Wesley has been the driving force behind improving the health and well-being of the patients on the South and Southwest sides addressing social, economic and environmental factors. Approximately 14,000 families each year benefit from Sinai Community Institute services, from infants to adolescents to adults. Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ...
Chicago Theaters Need You Back In The Seats
February 09, 2023 10:30 - 18 minutes - 17 MBHost - Jon Hansen Chicago theaters struggled during the pandemic, and they still need help to get back to full capacity. Chicago Theater Week is a great way to see a show in your neighborhood! 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 w...
The Ballot - Show Me The (Mayoral Candidates) Money!
February 06, 2023 21:05 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBHost - Jon Hansen We have a second podcast, and here's an episode! It's called 'The Ballot' and it's all about Chicago elections. Here's an episode we recently recorded about campaign financing. We dive into who donates the most money to each candidate and, perhaps, why! 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 neig...
Episode 71 - Helping Unhoused Chicagoans Survive The Winter
February 02, 2023 10:30 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBHost - Jon Hansen Two Chicagoans, both fighting their own personal battles, are finding purpose and sobriety by helping Chicagoans experiencing homelessness.
Helping Unhoused Chicagoans Survive The Winter
February 02, 2023 10:30 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBHost - Jon Hansen Two Chicagoans, both fighting their own personal battles, are finding purpose and sobriety by helping Chicagoans experiencing homelessness. 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, ...
Why Do Chicagoans Join The Polar Bear Club?
January 26, 2023 10:30 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MBHost - Jon Hansen This weekend is the Chicago Polar Bear Club's 'Polar Plunge' so we want to know, why would anyone jump into a near-freezing Lake Michigan? 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, co...
Episode 70 - Why Do Chicagoans Join The Polar Bear Club?
January 26, 2023 10:30 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MBHost - Jon Hansen This weekend is the Chicago Polar Bear Club's 'Polar Plunge' so we want to know, why would anyone jump into a near-freezing Lake Michigan?
The Chicago Tool Library Has You Covered For Nearly Everything
January 19, 2023 10:30 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBHost - Jon Hansen The Chicago Tool Library non-profit gives members the chance to borrow tools instead of buying them or hiring someone for jobs they could do themselves. Co-founder Tessa Vierk says they grew so fast they needed a space five times larger than their current digs. 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 div...
Episode 69 - The Chicago Tool Library Has You Covered For Nearly Everything
January 19, 2023 10:30 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBHost - Jon Hansen The Chicago Tool Library non-profit gives members the chance to borrow tools instead of buying them or hiring someone for jobs they could do themselves. Co-founder Tessa Vierk says they grew so fast they needed a space five times larger than their current digs.
Episode 68 - Trans Chicagoans Finding Joy in gods closet.
January 12, 2023 10:30 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBHost - Jon Hansen A free pop-up closet has worked to create safe, welcoming places to shop for transgender and gender nonconforming people — but it needs community support to keep going. 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. W...
Episode 67 - The Stories We Loved In 2022
December 22, 2022 10:30 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBBlock Club reporters share their favorite stories from 2022! Host - Jon Hansen 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 ne...
Episode 66 - Semicolon Owner Reminds Chicagoans ‘Every Bookstore Doesn’t Have To Look The Same’
December 15, 2022 10:30 - 19 minutes - 18.3 MBHost - Jon Hansen A popular local bookstore is moving back to River West after its owner got an opportunity to buy the store’s original location. It's the latest adventure for Danielle Mullen, who opened the store on a whim after a cancer diagnosis in 2019. 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...
Episode 65 - Meet The Tour Guide Showing Off Chicago’s Stranger Side
December 01, 2022 10:30 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBHost - Jon Hansen A Chicagoan who takes people on tours of the city’s ugliest buildings and underground to check out its many rats has a new project: spreading Christmas cheer. 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 ...
Episode 64 - As Whole Foods Leaves Englewood, One Resident Is Finding A New Way To Feed His Neighbors
November 17, 2022 10:30 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBHost - Jon Hansen Using skills he picked up on YouTube, police officer and chef Kenneth Griffin partnered with teens to build a garden to honor his slain friend. “You can make a difference in your backyard.” 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...
Episode 63 - The Nonprofits Chicagoans Love To Support
November 10, 2022 12:40 - 19 minutes - 17.4 MBHost - Jon Hansen We opened the 'Good News Hotline' up to Chicagoans to tell us about their favorite nonprofits and why listeners should hear about their missions, and consider supporting their efforts. 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 me...