Podcasts about Block Club Chicago

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: Jim's Original Could Stay In Maxwell Street Area ‘For Years' Under New Deal With UIC: The beloved hot dog stand still plans to move to Pilsen, but […]

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: Springsteen, Bono, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera To Perform At Obama Center Opening: Jennifer Hudson, The Roots, Common, Eddie Vedder and John Legend will also feature in Thursday's festivities in Woodlawn. Chicago's […]

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: Food Delivery Robots Coming To South Side After Alderman Approves Program's Expansion: Ald. William Hall is bringing the robots to portions of Chatham, Englewood and Greater Grand Crossing, saying his […]

Maple Walker, Director of Development and Engagement at Block Club Chicago, joins Jon Hansen to talk about the Together We Build: West Side workforce development and career fair. The all-day event will include professional headshots, a professional attire closet, resume reviews, and mock interviews. Plus, more than 30 community partner organizations will join to share information on apprenticeships […]

Walgreens has shuttered two more South Side locations, including the Chatham location, after closing five in 2025. Ald. William Hall (6th) wants to launch the city's first-ever Office of Pharmacy Access to create publicly owned alternatives. Block Club Chicago's Atavia Reed and WBEZ's Sarah Karp are here with details. Plus, we're recapping Chicago Public Schools Supt. Macquline King's congressional testimony in Washington this week.  Good News: Movies In The Parks, Chicago Music Legacy Tour, Simeon's First Play in Decade 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, June 12 episode: Visit Bloomington Friends of San Damiano Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

​The public plaza will be at 2550 N. Milwaukee Avenue near the Logan Square monument. BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO reports most of the people living on and near the plaza construction site have left. ​Some of the remaining homeless people are getting help from 35th Ward staff who will bring their belongings to a nearby church. Some people living at the Logan Square encampment say they are choosing not to move into city-run shelters because of safety reasons.

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: Blocked Access To Northerly Island During Some Concerts Has Neighbors Fuming: Events like this Saturday's Red Bull Spin Off and last weekend's Beyond Wonderland have left much of the island's beach […]

​The public plaza will be at 2550 N. Milwaukee Avenue near the Logan Square monument. BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO reports most of the people living on and near the plaza construction site have left. ​Some of the remaining homeless people are getting help from 35th Ward staff who will bring their belongings to a nearby church. Some people living at the Logan Square encampment say they are choosing not to move into city-run shelters because of safety reasons.

​The public plaza will be at 2550 N. Milwaukee Avenue near the Logan Square monument. BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO reports most of the people living on and near the plaza construction site have left. ​Some of the remaining homeless people are getting help from 35th Ward staff who will bring their belongings to a nearby church. Some people living at the Logan Square encampment say they are choosing not to move into city-run shelters because of safety reasons.

Michael Liptrot, reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Michael has details on: Historic Jefferson Park Firehouse Could Be Turned Into Salon Suite For Local Businesses: A developer is proposing turning the first floor of the vacant 120-year-old firehouse into a beauty and wellness space housing 15 businesses. […]

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: Foundry Park In Line For $200 Million In Public Funding At Former Lincoln Yards Site: The sprawling development is set to bring more than 3,000 housing units, a riverwalk and parks […]

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 Outdoor Pools Will Open A Week Earlier This Summer: Neighborhood pools open June 19. The pools, along with Humboldt Park Beach and more than 200 water features, will be […]

ICE agents sparked chaos in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood, crashing into a woman's car and threatening residents as they chased and detained a man. Media outlets got a preview of the Obama Presidential Center campus. Developers break ground on a $7-billion project around the United Center. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap with WBEZ senior statehouse reporter Mawa Iqbal, Chicago Tribune government reporter A.D. Quig and Block Club Chicago reporter Quinn Myers. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Michael Liptrot, reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Michael has details on: A Free Yard Sale? Ravenswood Neighbors Giving Away Housewares And More This Weekend: The Front Yard Free-Cycle drew over 1,000 attendees last year. It takes place Saturday throughout the neighborhood. Garfield Park Getting New Little […]

Quinn Myers, reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Quinn has details on: Swimmers On Parade? New Mag Mile Sculptures Aim To Recapture '90s Cow Magic: In the tradition of the legendary “Cows on Parade” installation, “Monuments of Stillness” consists of 10 sculptures of swimmers along Michigan Avenue. […]

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: Renaming Push Would Land Trump Tower On Street Honoring Barack Obama: An online petition seeking to rename a section of Wabash Avenue after Obama has more than 700 signatures. A […]

This week on the Queer News podcast, Anna shares the joy for compiling our first Chicagoland lesbian business directory. We're also talking all about the nationwide campaign Seven Days In June: HEALTH IS PRIMARY. In politics, Pattie Gonia Sued By Patagonia, and a Federal Judge in DC Blocked Trump's Plan To Move Trans Women Into Men's Prisons. In culture and entertainment, we roundup Chicago Pride Month Events, and Edgewater Dedicates Street to LGBTQ+ Activist Lori Cannon. Want to support this podcast?

Quinn Myers, reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Quinn has details on: Apothecary Lounge Wants To Bring Craft Cocktails And Calm Vibe To Lakeview: The pharmacy-inspired bar, which opens Friday, will offer drinks made with housemade infusions, elevated bar food and DJs spinning soul and jazz. Riot […]

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: Plastic Posts Installed To Block Drivers Using Elston Bike Lane To Skirt Traffic: Rush-hour backups near Goose Island have led some drivers to illegally use a partially protected bike lane on […]

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 Toasts To Schlitz As Bars Serve Up Their Last Kegs Of The Truly Midwestern Beer: Parent company Pabst Brewing ended production Saturday. In Chicago, where Schlitz tied houses still dot […]

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: Ford City Mall's Final Weeks Draw Shoppers — And Neighbors Ready To Fight Plans For Industrial Park: Two Southwest Side groups will host a community meeting Saturday to rally neighbors […]

City Council reached a near-unanimous decision to pause the subminimum wage hike for tipped workers this week. When they voted to free the subminimum wage hike back in March, Mayor Brandon Johnson ultimately vetoed their decision. Johnson confirmed this week he will accept this compromise and not pursue another veto. WBEZ's Susie An and Block Club Chicago's Madison Savedra are here to discuss why this ordinance is being reversed just three years in. Plus, Illinois is getting millions for lead pipe removal, and changes are coming to Ravenwood's popular Del Sur Bakery.  Good News: South West Side Zine Library 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, May 22 episode: Enjoy Illinois Broadway In Chicago - Spamalot Newberry Library 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 Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: Good News For Gardeners: Native Plants On Parkways Can Grow To 36 Inches Under New City Rule: Previously, gardeners could be fined if native and pollinator garden […]

Michael Liptrot, reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Michael has details on: This Pilsen-Based Indie Events Company Is Making A Splash On Chicago's Festival Scene: Tucked behind a repair shop, Windy City Events Management has grown from hosting loft parties to producing Michelada […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, and award-winning journalist and political pundit Marj Halperin. This week, the Rascals start the podcast talking about the feud between Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor Pritzker over the Bears stadium and other issues in […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, and award-winning journalist and political pundit Marj Halperin. This week, the Rascals start the podcast talking about the feud between Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor Pritzker over the Bears stadium and other issues in […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, and award-winning journalist and political pundit Marj Halperin. This week, the Rascals start the podcast talking about the feud between Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor Pritzker over the Bears stadium and other issues 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: Still Waiting For That Library Book You Put On Hold? Driver Shortage Is To Blame: The delay is due to a “temporary reduction in driver availability,” a Chicago Public Library official […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, and award-winning journalist and political pundit Marj Halperin. This week, the Rascals start the podcast talking about the feud between Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor Pritzker over the Bears stadium and other issues 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: Chicago Cyclists Are Organizing More Bike Tours To Buy Out Street Vendors: The series is meant to help street vendors recovering from plummeting sales due to immigration enforcement, an organizer said. […]

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: Ann Sather Opening In Wicker Park This Summer At Former Yolk Space: Owner and former Ald. Tom Tunney is opening a location of the breakfast staple on Division Street and will […]

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 Teens Killed On Scooters, City And State Push To Regulate Motorized Scooters, E-Bikes: A bill to regulate scooters and e-bikes advanced in the House this week, and the city […]

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: Vintiques & Company Opens On Andersonville's Clark Street, A Vintage Shopping ‘Destination': More than a dozen vendors are selling vintage art, decor and clothing out of the new storefront from the […]

Quinn Myers, reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Quinn has details on: Dozens Of Developments Advance At City Hall As Zoning Committee Finally Meets Again: Under new chair Ald. Gilbert Villegas, the committee greenlit residential developments in the West Loop, Near North Side, Avondale and elsewhere. Avondale […]

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: Goose Island Traffic ‘Like The Wild West,' With No Immediate Relief In Sight: Bridge closures have increased congestion on Elston Avenue and Division Street, neighbors say. Drivers are also using a […]

Chicago's Cinco de Mayo parade is cancelled for a second year due to immigration enforcement fears. IBM announces a new innovation center at the Quantum and Microelectronics Park on Chicago's South Side, pledging hundreds of jobs for City College graduates. Meanwhile, in Springfield, the Illinois legislature is finalizing its game plan to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more with Block Club Chicago reporter Mack Liederman, Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mary Norkol and Alex Nitkin, Illinois Answers Project government finance and accountability 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: City Bringing Back 17 Parking Spots On Brighton Park's Archer Ave After Protests: The city is re-adding parking spaces and changing traffic patterns along some sections of the dangerous Brighton Park […]

The West Garfield Park Sankofa Village Wellness Center offers primary medical care, fitness services and more. Access to these things could help residents who live, on average, 16 years fewer than people in other parts of Chicago, advocates say. On today's Block Club Chicago podcast, sponsored by Rush, their VP of community health equity Rukiya Curvey Johnson discusses the opening.  Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Rukiya Curvey Johnson READ MORE HERE Michael Liptrot's Coverage of the opening 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: IBM Promises 750 Full-Time Jobs At South Side Quantum Campus, Officials Say: The company agreed to create the jobs in exchange for an estimated $19 million in state tax credits to build a computing hub […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, and Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward on Substack. The Rascals start this week’s podcast talking about the fatal shooting of Chicago police officer John Bartholomew. The suspect […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, and Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward on Substack. The Rascals start this week’s podcast talking about the fatal shooting of Chicago police officer John Bartholomew. The suspect […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, and Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward on Substack. The Rascals start this week’s podcast talking about the fatal shooting of Chicago police officer John Bartholomew. The suspect […]

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: As Skyway Lanes Closes, Hundreds Say Goodbye To City's Last Black-Owned Bowling Alley: The Far South Side alley survived for a year after a viral fundraiser. On Sunday, its bowlers left […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, and Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward on Substack. The Rascals start this week’s podcast talking about the fatal shooting of Chicago police officer John Bartholomew. The suspect […]

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: Holiday Club Is Closing May 17 After 25 Years In Uptown: The bar revealed its last day of service on Instagram after announcing in February it would be closing to […]

Creators behind a new interactive event coming to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry have one goal in mind: fashion, but make it sustainable. Thrift Lab, which will feature an expert panel of speakers on sustainability and clothing, a textile mending workshop, a communal fashion project and a vintage market, will take place after hours at the museum from 6-10 p.m. April 30. It looks like a great event, and reminded the Block Club Chicago podcast team about conversations with the museums head curator, about MSI's history and what's in their archives that most people never get to see.  Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Dr. Voula Saridakis MORE ON THRIFT LAB 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.

Just in time for Black Doula Day, the kick off to Black Maternal Health Week, the Chicago South Side Birthing Center broke ground this week in South Chicago. The new maternal and reproductive health care center is expected to assist in over 220 births annually once it opens in late 2027. Block Club Chicago's Atavia Reed and Francia Garcia Hernandez are here with the latest details. Plus, the state's attorney office won't drop a murder charge in a case advocates say is self-defense, Chicago wants more students at the library, and Spend in the Black brings thousands to 75th street.  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 Learn more about the sponsors of this April 10 episode:  Enjoy Illinois Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Efforts begin to rename Pilsen's Cesar Chavez Post Office. Chicago launches a citywide program allowing homeowners to add additional dwelling units. Meanwhile, housing advocates announce plans to sue Chicago Housing Authority over last month's CEO appointment. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in our Weekly News Recap. Our panel today: Block Club Chicago reporter Quinn Myers; Monica Eng, Chicago reporter for AXIOS; and Sun-Times reporter Kaitlin Washburn. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, and Steve Bertrand, host of the ‘Steve Bertrand on Books‘ podcast. This week, the Rascals start the podcast discussing the Supreme Court hearing oral arguments on President Trump’s effort to end birthright […]

The Chicago Police Department has been under a federal consent decree, required to “change the way it trains, supervises and disciplines officers,” for seven years. Since it was introduced, CPD has reached ⁠full compliance with just 22%⁠ of mandates and has yet to implement a⁠ new system that tracks misconduct allegations⁠. We are joined by WTTW's Heather Cherone and Block Club Chicago's Manny Ramos. Plus, ⁠West Suburban Hospital⁠ is temporarily closing its doors today, Lincoln Park has a ⁠new baby rhino⁠, and Happy Birthday, Mama T! 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this March 27 episode: ⁠The Other Art Fair⁠ ⁠Become a member of City Cast Chicago⁠. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info ⁠HERE⁠