Podcasts about Block Club Chicago

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: Divvy To Add Over 200 Stations Across Chicago, From Downtown To Far South Side: New or upgraded stations will be installed in areas with high ridership and those with less than […]

Michael Liptrot, reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Michael has details on: Johnny's Dirty Soda Shop Brings Mormon Drink Craze To Chicago: The family-owned Lakeview business — Chicago's first dirty soda shop — adds a twist to the sweet concoction popularized on Hulu's “The Secret Lives of […]

Campaign fundraising, super PAC spending, and where candidates are getting their money has been hotly debated this election season. Senate candidate and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is the nation's second-highest fundraising federal candidate. City Cast contributor Leigh Giangreco and Block Club Chicago's Maxwell Evans dive into how the congressperson amassed such a massive bankroll. Plus, we check in on restoration efforts at Morgan Shoal on the South Side, and host Jacoby Cochran asks: Where would you host your political photo-op? Good News: Asian Pop Up Cinema 20th Year Anniversary Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: Chicago River Swim Returns This September — With 500 More Swimmers: The Sept. 20 race will raise money for ALS research at Northwestern University, as well as swimming education and […]

Quinn Myers, reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Quinn has details on: Meet The South Side Irish Parade's ‘Traffic Cop On 103rd,' Keeping Marchers And Floats In Line: Bill Letz has helped organize the annual event since 1985. As this year's parade chair, he heads an all-volunteer […]

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: Chicago's ‘Tomato Man' Selling Thousands Of Plants This Year — Including 30 New Varieties: Self-described “tomato evangelist” Bob Zeni will feature nearly 200 types of tomatoes at his uber-popular plant sale. It […]

Former Warlord chef and co-owner Trevor Fleming's abusive behavior has led to an estimated $1.4 million loss in revenue at the once-celebrated restaurant, according to a lawsuit filed last month by Fleming's business partners. Emily Kraszyk and John Lupton filed the case in Cook County Circuit Court on Feb. 19, the same day Block Club Chicago published an investigation detailing allegations Fleming abused women with whom he worked and had relationships. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Ariel Parrella Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock 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 neighborhoods often ostracized by traditional news media.Ground-level coverageOur neighborhood-based reporters don't parachute in once to cover a story. They are in the neighborhoods they cover every day building relationships over time with neighbors. We believe this ground-level approach not only builds community but leads to a more accurate portrayal of a neighborhood.Stories that matter to you — every daySince our launch seven years ago, we've published more than 30,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 150,000 Chicagoans. We've built this loyalty by proving to folks we are not only covering their neighborhoods, we are a part of them. Some of us have internalized the national media's narrative of a broken Chicago. We aim to change that by celebrating our neighborhoods and chronicling the resilience of the people who fight every day to make Chicago a better place for all.

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: Gourmet Stadium Eats — With Great Views of The Ice — At Blackhawks Expanded Training Facility: Rocky's Table & Tap and Raise the Cup Cafe, from chef Paul Kahan and One […]

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: ‘The Bear' Ending After 5 Seasons: The series' upcoming season, expected to drop in June, will be its final one. ‘Women Who Built Chicago' Bus Tour Highlights History Of City's Trailblazers: […]

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: Hattie B's Hot Chicken Taking Over Urbanbelly's Wicker Park Location: The Nashville-based chicken chain plans to move into the corner space by “early 2027.” Urbanbelly will relocate but has yet […]

Michael Liptrot, reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Michael has details on: These Are Chicago's Most Endangered Buildings In 2026: Preservation Chicago's 2026 list of eight endangered structures includes city bridges, union halls and Pope Leo XIV's childhood parish. As Chicago Loses Another Iconic Neon Sign, Preservationists […]

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: The Original Mr. Beef Opens At Midway Airport: The legendary River North beef stand — made even more famous by FX's “The Bear” — opened its second location near gate B14. […]

Why are fewer than half of the county judicial races in this year's primary elections uncontested? Where are Rev. Jackson's homegoing services being held in Chicago? What's going on with that fleet of Waymo cars parked in a downtown parking garage? We're answering these questions and more with freelance writer Natalie Christian-Frazier and Block Club Chicago's Jamie Nesbitt Golden. Plus, we are showing love to Kennedy-King's iconic radio station, North Lawndale's Peace Runners 773, and Englewood's Girl Scout troop. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 27 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Griffin MSI Access Contemporary Music – Use promo code PIANO for 20% off South By Southwest – Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mack Liederman, Block Club Chicago reporter, joins Jon Hansen, in for Lisa Dent, to talk about Waymo cars coming to Chicago. As Waymo makes an attempt to break into the Chicago market, they are having humans drive the Waymo vehicles to map and collect data on Chicago streets. Before Waymo can move to fully self-driving, […]

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: Pullman's Historic Hotel Florence To Be Restored As Part Of $100 Million State Project: Neighbors and community stakeholders hope the project will drive tourism and economic growth to the Far South […]

Quinn Myers, reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Quinn has details on: Congress Theater Overhaul ‘Full Speed Ahead,' With Construction To Start In March, Ald. Says: After a series of funding delays, the revival of the century-old theater could be complete by December 2027 and include affordable […]

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: Waymo Starts Testing Self-Driving Cars In Chicago — But With Drivers, For Now: The self-driving cars, staged in a Downtown parking lot Tuesday, will hit the roads with the help of […]

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: ‘Survivor' Fans Pack Brown Line Train For 50th Season Idol Scavenger Hunt: CTA brown line cars served as a temporary Survivor set as fans swarmed the Kimball station on Saturday […]

Shamus Toomey– Editor in Chief & Co-Founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: Original Rainbow Cone Celebrates 100 Years As A Chicago Icon The family-owned shop's signature cone born in Beverly — chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio and orange sherbet — is the […]

Michael Liptrot, reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Michael has details on: Mahjong Is Having A Moment — And Uniting Chicagoans In Chinatown And Beyond: The parlor tile game created in 19th-century China is sweeping the city, providing strategic gameplay and social connection. Funkytown Brewery Bringing Black-Owned […]

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: After Trump Denies August Flooding Disaster Aid, City Leaders Vow To ‘Get Creative' To Help Neighbors: Following FEMA's decision to deny Illinois' appeal for aid, alderpeople and community leaders are […]

On Chicago's Southwest and East sides, the presence of federal agents lingers long after they left town. The mental health of many communities needs attention. Businesses are still struggling to bring back customers. Chicago's journalists are processing their exhaustive coverage of people taken, and teargas deployed.On today's Block Club Chicago podcast, reporter Francia Garcia Hernandez, details the long lasting impact of Operation Midway blitz, and how the city is responding.Host - Jon HansenReporter - Francia Garcia HernandezRead More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock 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 neighborhoods often ostracized by traditional news media.Ground-level coverageOur neighborhood-based reporters don't parachute in once to cover a story. They are in the neighborhoods they cover every day building relationships over time with neighbors. We believe this ground-level approach not only builds community but leads to a more accurate portrayal of a neighborhood.Stories that matter to you — every daySince our launch seven years ago, we've published more than 30,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 150,000 Chicagoans. We've built this loyalty by proving to folks we are not only covering their neighborhoods, we are a part of them. Some of us have internalized the national media's narrative of a broken Chicago. We aim to change that by celebrating our neighborhoods and chronicling the resilience of the people who fight every day to make Chicago a better place for all.

Quinn Myers, reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Quinn has details on: Chicago Trio Snags Guinness World Record For Visiting All CTA Stations: The friends set out in November to achieve the record for “Fastest Time to Travel to All Chicago Subway Stations.” The Guinness Book […]

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: Chicago's Puerto Rican Restaurants Were Slammed Sunday — Thanks To Bad Bunny: Restaurants saw customers lining up outside, and some got so many takeout orders they had to turn off […]

Last month, Legler Regional Library and the Greater Chicago Food Depository opened the city's first food pantry inside a public library. This week, a new partnership between GCFD and City Colleges of Chicago opened Statesmen Market, a redesigned food pantry inside Kennedy-King College in Englewood. Freelance Journalist Chasity Cooper and Block Club Chicago's Atavia Reed join us to break down all the details. Plus, Chicago Restaurant Week is ending, south side lounge culture is alive and well, and are you grabbing the new McNugget Caviar kit?Good News: The MothFill out this survey for a chance to win a $100 gift card!Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 6 episode: League of Chicago Theatres Chicago Restaurant Week Paramount Theatre Museum of Contemporary Photography Chicago Architecture Center Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: Palace Grill Up For Sale 2 Years After Fire Forced Its Closure: The Palace Grill property is being marketed as a redevelopment opportunity, signaling the end of the iconic 80-year-old restaurant […]

On today's Block Club Chicago podcast, sponsored by Rush, a chat with Dr. Elizabeth Simkus, diving into why it's 'New Year, Same You.'Dr. Simkus discusses Rush's Prevention Center, and how it's unique in the city at helping you keep those goals. Host - Jon HansenGuest - Dr. SimkusMore on the Rush Prevention Center Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock 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 neighborhoods often ostracized by traditional news media.Ground-level coverageOur neighborhood-based reporters don't parachute in once to cover a story. They are in the neighborhoods they cover every day building relationships over time with neighbors. We believe this ground-level approach not only builds community but leads to a more accurate portrayal of a neighborhood.Stories that matter to you — every daySince our launch seven years ago, we've published more than 30,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 150,000 Chicagoans. We've built this loyalty by proving to folks we are not only covering their neighborhoods, we are a part of them. Some of us have internalized the national media's narrative of a broken Chicago. We aim to change that by celebrating our neighborhoods and chronicling the resilience of the people who fight every day to make Chicago a better place for all.

Stephanie Lulay, Executive editor and Co-Founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: City Seeking Proposals To Redevelop Vacant Property Near 95th Street Red Line Station: Projects proposed for the city-owned land should include housing, retail and open public spaces. City Sues For Millions In […]

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: Buddy Guy Says He's ‘Just Trying To Keep The Blues Alive' After 9th Grammy Win: The icon who helped pioneer the Chicago blues sound won for his latest album, “Ain't Done […]

On January 16th, as snow crept into the Chicago area, temperatures dropped from a high of 37 degrees, and slipped below freezing.They haven't crept above, since.On today's Block Club Chicago podcast, WGN-TV meteorologist Bill Snyder says it's not your imagination — it's been a cold winter, even by Chicago standards. But there is light at the end of tunnel, and warmth, by the end of the week. Host - Jon HansenGuest - Bill Snyder Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock 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 neighborhoods often ostracized by traditional news media.Ground-level coverageOur neighborhood-based reporters don't parachute in once to cover a story. They are in the neighborhoods they cover every day building relationships over time with neighbors. We believe this ground-level approach not only builds community but leads to a more accurate portrayal of a neighborhood.Stories that matter to you — every daySince our launch seven years ago, we've published more than 30,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 150,000 Chicagoans. We've built this loyalty by proving to folks we are not only covering their neighborhoods, we are a part of them. Some of us have internalized the national media's narrative of a broken Chicago. We aim to change that by celebrating our neighborhoods and chronicling the resilience of the people who fight every day to make Chicago a better place for all.

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: Photo Booth Lovers Find Options Galore At The Strip Club In Bucktown: The Strip Club will showcase a range of formats and styles from machines retrofitted by A&A Studios, the […]

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: Chicago Opens Its 1st Food Pantry Inside A Public Library: Legler Regional Library's food pantry will be open Thursdays and Sundays, offering protein, produce, dairy and other food items, as […]

Stephanie Lulay, Executive editor and Co-Founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: ‘Abolish ICE' Submitted 9,200 Times For Chicago Snowplow Naming Contest, Records Show: Anti-ICE sentiments made up nearly 80 percent of submissions. Voting for the top six names opens Sunday and runs through […]

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: 6 Chicago-Area Catholic Schools To Close This Spring, Archdiocese Says: St. Francis Borgia in Dunning, Sts. Bruno and Richard School in Archer Heights, St. Jerome School in Bridgeport, St. Stanislaus Kostka […]

Why did Chicago just agree to ban some hemp products? Who is falling behind in the race to replace Sen. Dick Durbin? And did a Chicago landlord tip off ICE? In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap with Tahman Bradley, WGN political editor, Bob Herguth, Chicago Sun-Times investigative reporter, and Mack Liederman, Block Club Chicago reporter. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: CTA Riders May See More Police On Trains As Federal Funding Deadline Looms: The programs to boost police presence and add outreach workers began this week. The Trump administration has threatened […]

In 2008, as a recession swept across the country, cities and states were desperate for cash. Chicago looked to privatize anything it could to close its deficits.Enter, the parking meter deal. A 75-year lease that has some have called the "worst deal a city has ever made in American history."On today's Block Club Chicago podcast, investigative reporter and editor Mick Dumke gives us the back story, and ponders if there's ever a way out of the deal. Host - Jon HansenReporter - Mick Dumke Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock 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 neighborhoods often ostracized by traditional news media.Ground-level coverageOur neighborhood-based reporters don't parachute in once to cover a story. They are in the neighborhoods they cover every day building relationships over time with neighbors. We believe this ground-level approach not only builds community but leads to a more accurate portrayal of a neighborhood.Stories that matter to you — every daySince our launch seven years ago, we've published more than 30,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 150,000 Chicagoans. We've built this loyalty by proving to folks we are not only covering their neighborhoods, we are a part of them. Some of us have internalized the national media's narrative of a broken Chicago. We aim to change that by celebrating our neighborhoods and chronicling the resilience of the people who fight every day to make Chicago a better place for all.

Stephanie Lulay, Executive editor and Co-Founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: Uber, Lyft Drivers Push For Right To Unionize, Citing Lost Pay, Safety Risks: Illinois drivers launched a statewide push Tuesday for legislation that would allow collective bargaining without changing their contractor status. […]

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: 4 Ways Chicago Is Celebrating Derrick Rose Ahead Of Bulls Legend's Jersey Retirement: A mural, flower shop and retail collection have been unveiled in the past week to honor Rose. Chicago […]

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: The Best Chicago Restaurant Week Deals Of 2026, Listed By Locals: Influencer Paige Serena's spreadsheet of the best and worst dining values has become a go-to resource for many foodies. […]

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: Cheese Grater Guy Gets Prime Seats To Bears Playoff Game Thanks To His Favorite Beer: Brandon Martinez went viral after he snuck a cheese grater into Soldier Field with some […]

Stephanie Lulay, Executive editor and Co-Founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: The Wieners Circle Is Looking For Chicago's Top Caleb Williams Look-Alike: Quarterback build, appetite for hot dogs? This snarky Lincoln Park institution wants to see you. How Chains Are Changing Fulton Market, […]

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: Danny's Tavern Building In Bucktown To Be Demolished: The popular Bucktown dive bar closed in late 2020 after more than 30 years in business. Its Schlitz On Tap neon sign lives […]

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: Blue-Collar Worker Finds Fame As ‘Cheese Grater Guy' In Bears' Iconic Playoff Win Over Packers: Brandon Martinez went undetected by security on his way to fame for shredding cheese during the […]

The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability held a meeting this week to hear testimony from Chicagoans about federal immigration enforcement over the past six months. We talk about the latest news with Block Club Chicago's Francia Garcia Hernandez and The Triibe's Corli Jay, including a teen curfew advancing in the City Council, an affordable housing initiative in North Lawndale, indoor farmers markets, and how you can help families impacted by ICE. Plus, we share predictions for the Bears' playoff game against our rivals.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Jan. 9 episode:  Chicago Restaurant Week Teatro Zinzanni – Use code CITYCAST for $20 off tickets through Feb. 28 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Ticket prices reach a record high for the Bears and Packers wild-card game, the city of Chicago adds a new surcharge for ride shares, and U.S. Congressman Mike Quigley announces plans to run for Chicago's next mayor. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap with Melody Mercado, Block Club Chicago reporter, Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune city hall reporter and Sarah Karp, WBEZ education reporter. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Midway Blitz's aim was to “target” undocumented immigrants with serious criminal histories — “the worst of the worst,” Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, said when announcing the initiative in early September.Yet, neighbors saw immigration agents detain day laborers, construction and landscaping workers and street vendors, mothers and fathers, many of whom had no criminal history.Federal agents often used violent and unlawful tactics during the operations, advocates and lawyers said. And they've “displayed a massive show of force,” said Mark Fleming, director of litigation for the National Immigrant Justice Center. Block Club Chicago was part of a team that found federal agents used chemical weapons on people in Chicago at least 49 times this fall.Chicagoans had been preparing for a surge in immigration enforcement since President Donald Trump was reelected. The city has long been a target of Trump's criticism, and his border czar, Tom Homan, promised that mass deportations would “start right here in Chicago.” Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested nearly 400 people in Chicago and in neighboring states during the 10 days after Trump's January inauguration, according to records obtained by Block Club.Still, Midway Blitz and At Large — and the chaotic, seemingly random arrests and violence that came with them — have exceeded Chicagoans' expectations.Host - Jon HansenReporter - Francia Garcia HernandezREAD MORE HERESUBSCRIBE OR DONATE TO OUR NON PROFIT NEWSROOM Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock 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 neighborhoods often ostracized by traditional news media.Ground-level coverageOur neighborhood-based reporters don't parachute in once to cover a story. They are in the neighborhoods they cover every day building relationships over time with neighbors. We believe this ground-level approach not only builds community but leads to a more accurate portrayal of a neighborhood.Stories that matter to you — every daySince our launch seven years ago, we've published more than 30,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 150,000 Chicagoans. We've built this loyalty by proving to folks we are not only covering their neighborhoods, we are a part of them. Some of us have internalized the national media's narrative of a broken Chicago. We aim to change that by celebrating our neighborhoods and chronicling the resilience of the people who fight every day to make Chicago a better place for all.

In the 1940s, a retired principal named Ethel Percy Andrus, learned that a former colleague of hers had been forced to live in a chicken coop because she couldn't afford housing or medical care.That moment started her on mission to help retired people in the country. And eventually led to the start of AARP. On today's Block Club Chicago podcast, sponsored by AARP, we chat with the irIllinois chapter about their efforts today - including a big push in 2026 to help stop seniors from falling victim to fraud. For all about AARP and their efforts in Illinois, click HERE! Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock 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 neighborhoods often ostracized by traditional news media.Ground-level coverageOur neighborhood-based reporters don't parachute in once to cover a story. They are in the neighborhoods they cover every day building relationships over time with neighbors. We believe this ground-level approach not only builds community but leads to a more accurate portrayal of a neighborhood.Stories that matter to you — every daySince our launch seven years ago, we've published more than 30,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 150,000 Chicagoans. We've built this loyalty by proving to folks we are not only covering their neighborhoods, we are a part of them. Some of us have internalized the national media's narrative of a broken Chicago. We aim to change that by celebrating our neighborhoods and chronicling the resilience of the people who fight every day to make Chicago a better place for all.

As their winning season heats up, the Chicago Bears make another play for an Indiana stadium. Lakeview neighbors replace presents for needy families collected by a local bar that was burglarized. Local public transit gets an overhaul. Meanwhile, Chicago is one step closer to an alternate budget proposed by alders. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more with WTTW News correspondent Nick Blumberg, Block Club Chicago reporter Mack Liederman and WBEZ city politics reporter Mariah Woelfel. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

It has been two months since Mayor Brandon Johnson introduced his $16.6 billion budget plan, which he argues leverages new taxes on Chicago's largest corporations to avoid layoffs, service cuts, and property tax hikes while funding critical public safety initiatives. This week a group of alderpeople introduced an alternative budget. We ask WTTW's Heather Cherone and Block Club Chicago's Jaime Nesbitt Golden, how it differs from the mayor's and how likely it is either plan crosses the finish line? Plus, alders renew push for teen curfew, mayor criticizes police promotion policy, and have you played Rich Auntie Trivia.   Good News: The Chicago Hip Hop Heritage Museum moving Feral cats avoiding Chicago's rat poison Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Dec. 12 episode:  SAUCED Night Market Paramount Theatre Richard H. Driehaus Museum  MUBI Aura Frames – Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE