Podcasts about Block Club Chicago

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

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: Flu Hospitalizations In Chicago Hit 3-Year High: The rise is driven by a new variant called subclade K that's led to outbreaks across the globe. There's still time to get […]

Quinn Myers, reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for Lisa Dent, to discuss the reported number of murders in Chicago in the year of 2015. Myers reports that the city reported 419 murders, the lowest since 1965. Myers shares that not only is this number lower than the pre-COVID crime spike, […]

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: 10 Things To Do Outside In Chicago This January: Start off the new year by savoring the last of the twinkling lights, going on an “owl prowl,” […]

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 Top Chefs Unite For Todos Ponen, A Fundraiser For 125 Immigrant Families: Restaurateurs Diana Dávila and Marcos Carbajal will bring together more than 40 chefs for the Jan. 19 event […]

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.

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: 40 Ways To Celebrate The New Year In Chicago: Parties, Fireworks, Fine Dining And Family Fun: Celebrate the new year with midnight ball drops, fireworks shows, […]

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.

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: 3,000+ Cheese Grater Hats Sold After Bears Shred Packers, ‘A Christmas Miracle' For Hat Company: Foam Party Hats started selling the grater caps after the Packers […]

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.

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 Closed Englewood's Racine Green Line Station Over 30 Years Ago. By 2029, It Could Reopen: The 63rd and Racine Green Line station closed permanently in 1994 despite community pushback. A […]

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: How Chicago's Bike Courier Collective Is Surviving The Age Of DoorDash And Delivery Robots: Cut Cats Couriers, one of Chicago's last bike delivery companies, has provided personalized service across the […]

Wendy Davis joins to show to review the information surrounding the disappearance of her father, Dan Davis, on November 25th. Click for Instagram video. Click for more from 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: Apartment Tower To Replace Lou Malnati's In Gold Coast: The proposal includes a 312-foot tower with 307 apartments plus retail and restaurant space. Group Planning 2,000 Affordable Homes For South, West […]

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: Maternity Care Is Lacking On The South Side. Kennedy-King's Midwife Program Aims To Change That: Students in the program will train in a state-of-the-art simulation classroom and earn national certification […]

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

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward, and multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope's Screening Room. The ‘kids table’ Rascals begin the podcast by breaking down the last drama surrounding the Chicago budget. Will there […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward, and multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope's Screening Room. The ‘kids table’ Rascals begin the podcast by breaking down the last drama surrounding the Chicago budget. Will there […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward, and multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope's Screening Room. The ‘kids table’ Rascals begin the podcast by breaking down the last drama surrounding the Chicago budget. Will there […]

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: Proposed Hemp Ban Adds Exemption For THC Drinks: Small business owners selling intoxicating hemp often as edibles, vapes and flower are still on the chopping block — but a vote on […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward, and multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope's Screening Room. The ‘kids table’ Rascals begin the podcast by breaking down the last drama surrounding the Chicago budget. Will there […]

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: DePaul Athletic Facility, Hundreds Of Apartments Across City OK'd By Council's Zoning Committee: The City Council's zoning committee advanced the Lincoln Park practice facility, the Morgan Park Commons project and numerous […]

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: Delivery Robots Take Over Chicago Sidewalks, Sparking Debate And A Petition To Hit ‘Pause': As companies dispatch more of the app-based food delivery robots into neighborhoods, some Chicagoans are sounding […]

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: Scammers Are Trying To Extort Chicago Restaurants With ‘Bomb' Of Fake Negative Reviews: Alpana, SHŌ and Beity are among the restaurants that recently faced a barrage of fake negative reviews. Google […]

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: Gale Street Inn Reopens Thursday, Bringing Back Its Famous Ribs: The beloved Jefferson Park restaurant abruptly closed at the end of June. New owner Paulo Villabona said reservations are booked through the […]

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: Should Christkindlmarket Move? Mayor Floats Idea, But Vendors, Organizers Not So Sure: As vendors and organizers grapple with new city-ordered capacity limits for the popular Christmas market, Mayor Brandon Johnson said his […]

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: Rogers Park's New 400 Theaters Is Reopening As New Operator Revives 113-Year-Old Movie House: The operator of three historic movie theaters in Michigan has leased the shuttered Rogers Park theater, […]

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: Neighbors Fought To Save NW Side Green Space. Now, The Dunning Read Natural Area Is Growing: Twenty years ago, neighbors fought to keep 21 acres of green space from being turned […]

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: Hundreds Pack The Metro — And Lakeview Streets — To Honor Tony Fitzpatrick: ‘Tony Was Chicago': The Chicago visual artist, poet and actor died in October at the age of […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward, and Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago. This week, the Rascals kick off the podcast with ‘News or Noise.’ What are the news stories that are […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward, and Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago. This week, the Rascals kick off the podcast with ‘News or Noise.’ What are the news stories that are […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward, and Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago. This week, the Rascals kick off the podcast with ‘News or Noise.’ What are the news stories that are […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward, and Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago. This week, the Rascals kick off the podcast with ‘News or Noise.’ What are the news stories that are […]

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: South, West Sides Hit Hardest By Massive Property Tax Bill Spikes, New Report Shows: A report this week from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas' office found the median residential tax bill […]

On today's Block Club Chicago podcast, sponsored by Rush, Dr. Dipti Gupta on what women, and men, should know about breast cancer, and how Rush is trying to reach all communities in our city. Host - Jon HansenGuest - Dr. Dipti GuptaMore on Rush 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 five years ago, we've published more than 25,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 130,000 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: 21 Things To Do In Chicago This Weekend: Christkindlmarket, Tree Lighting, Mag Mile Lights Festival: There's also the Millennium Park Holiday Market, a Beyond Hunger fall benefit concert, a cardboard art show, […]

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: 1985 Bears' Hit Single ‘The Super Bowl Shuffle' Is The Subject Of New HBO Documentary: The 40-minute documentary will explore how a local record executive convinced the Bears to try rapping, […]

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: How Chicagoans Helped Their Neighbors Through The SNAP Freeze: From turning their porches into food pantries to baking birthday cakes, neighbors found creative ways to help those going without food […]

Quinn Myers, reporter, Block Club Chicago, joins Jon Hansen to discuss the rejection of the 2026 revenue ordinance proposed by Mayor Brandon Johnson. Quinn shares the Mayor’s thoughts on the rejection and what the plan is moving forward.

Chicago is suing the Trump administration again. In the Loop looks at that latest lawsuit and what voting to end the government shutdown could mean for senior Senator Dick Durbin's political legacy. Plus, time for a retail reality check following a presidential post dissing Chicago's shopping mecca, Michigan Avenue. In the Loop breaks down those stories with David Greising of the Better Government Association, Sophie Sherry of the Chicago Sun-Times and Mack Liederman of Block Club Chicago. 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: 3 Friends Visit Every CTA ‘L' Stop In 9 Hours In Effort To Set Guinness World Record: The trio wore Chicago flags as capes and fought snowfall Monday to reach their ambitious […]

The Groupon story is personal to many Chicagoans. The company at one point was located in the former Montgomery Ward Warehouse along the banks of the Chicago river.On today's Block Club Chicago podcast, sponsored by Groupon, we turn the page to the next chapter - Mike Tepeli from Groupon on what's next for this still Chicago-based company, and we hear from a small business that exists because of Groupon, and is seeing big results from their current partnership with the company. More On GrouponMore On Get A Grip Trapeze 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 five years ago, we've published more than 25,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 130,000 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: Hundreds Previously Detained By ICE Could Be Released By Judge Under New Order: The order could allow hundreds of immigrants to return home while the court reviews whether their arrests were unlawful. […]

After a weekend of raids across Little Village, federal agents gathered for a photo op Monday morning at the Bean in Millennium Park. Block Club Chicago reported that agents were seen joking about the operations that have gripped Chicago for two months. Plus, we are discussing how the government shutdown and the first snow of the season are combining to cause increased airport delays and Mr. Submarine's 50th anniversary ad campaign. Good News: Greater Chicago Sudanese American Association 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 Nov. 11 episode:  The Newberry Paramount Theatre MUBI Babbel – Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Earlier this week, we broke down some of the major line items in the $1.5 billion transit bill. However, we did not answer whether or not CTA and Metra fares were still planned to go up, given that the Regional Transportation Authority officials announced weeks ago that the expected 10% fare hikes were not contingent upon the final bill. We ask Block Club Chicago's Manny Ramos and Quinn Myers what we should expect at the farebox. Plus, the city wants to buy the downtown bus terminal, librarians denounce budget cuts, and the baby Bulls keep winning!  Good news: Deeply Rooted Dance Theater 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 If you enjoyed today's interview with Composer Steve Hackman, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 7 episode:  The Newberry Chicago Loop Alliance Deborah's Place Chicago Board of Election Commissioners Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history drags into day 38, affecting everything from air travel to SNAP benefits in Illinois. Democratic U.S. Congressman Chuy Garcia surprised constituents by announcing he won't be running for reelection. And a federal judge issued a key ruling on use of force by federal agents. Plus, snow could be coming to the Chicago area this weekend. In the Loop breaks down those stories with WBEZ's Alden Loury, Chicago Sun-Times' Jon Seidel, Block Club Chicago's Quinn Myers. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

65% of men say they avoid seeking medical attention as long as possibleOnly 3 in 5 men go for their annual physical.And in Chicago, men are 10% less likely to have a primary care provider compared to women. And die 6 years earlier than women on average.On today's Block Club Chicago podcast, sponsored by Rush, doctor Zachary Glaser from Rush University's Department of Urology, on how 'Movember' can make a difference. Host - Jon HansenGuest - Dr. Zachary Glaser, Rush University Medical 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 five years ago, we've published more than 25,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 130,000 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.

Three years ago, the first buses from Texas carrying migrants and asylum-seekers came to Chicago. More than 51,000 have arrived since then. With immigration agents now roaming the city, we're checking in on where those new arrivals are now. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with Borderless magazine's Mauricio Peña, Diane Bou Khalil, and Katrina Pham, along with Block Club Chicago's Madison Savedra. 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 Oct. 27 episode:  Broadway in Chicago Deborah's Place Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Another week, another violent encounter with ICE in a Chicago neighborhood, as federal agents targeted residents on the city's Southeast Side earlier this week and unleashed more tear gas on protesters. We are breaking down what we know so far with Block Club Chicago's Francia Garcia Hernandez and TV host Brandon Pope. Plus, CTA fares are expected to jump next year, Chicago is expanding free composting, and we've got our favorite picks at the Chicago International Film Festival.  Nominate City Cast Chicago as best podcast and Hey Chicago as best email newsletter in the Reader's Best of 2025.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us on social media @CityCastChicago You can also text us or leave us a voicemail at  773-780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 17 episode:  Chicago Board of Election Commissioners  The Other Art Fair Window Nation MUBI Babbel — Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Kate, Leah, and Melissa preview what fresh hell SCOTUS has in store for us this term, including challenges to the Fourteenth Amendment and the Court's continued obsession with fighting the culture wars. Then, after breaking down the latest legal news, the hosts welcome Lieutenant Governor of Illinois–and Senate candidate–Juliana Stratton to discuss Trump's plan to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, how state and local governments can push back against this administration, and what gives her hope in this fight. Finally, a game to commemorate Chief Justice Roberts' 20 long years on the Court. This episode was recorded live at the Athenaeum Center in Chicago.Favorite things:Leah: Bone Valley: A True Story of Injustice and Redemption in the Heart of Florida, Gilbert King; Without Precedent: How Chief Justice Roberts and His Accomplices Rewrote the Constitution and Dismantled Our Rights, Lisa Graves; One Battle After Another; The Life of a Showgirl, Taylor SwiftKate: WBEZ Chicago; Block Club Chicago; Chicago Reader; The Chicago Sun-Times on Broadview; Heart the Lover, Lily KingMelissa: Ta-Nehisi Coates and Ezra Klein Hash Out Their Charlie Kirk Disagreement; Tony Shalhoub's Breaking Bread (CNN); Mexodus (Audible's Minett a Lane Theater); Meghan Markle in Balenciaga Learn more: http://crooked.com/eventsOrder your copy of Leah's book, Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad VibesGet tickets to CROOKED CON November 6-7 in Washington, D.C at http://crookedcon.comFollow us on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.