Podcasts about Block Club Chicago

Last weekend's Black Yacht Weekend brought thousands of visitors to the city and Lake Michigan for dozens of events in and out of the water. Unfortunately, between tragic accidents, oversold events, and mixed reviews, it's hard to know if the weekend was a real success. WCIU TV host Brandon Pope and Block Club Chicago's Maxwell Evans are here to recap. Plus, we're discussing the future of two of the city's largest shelters, exciting news for the first South Side birthing center, and Marvel's Ironheart landing in Chicago!     Good News: Food Truck Festival, Art of Sole 2, Margarita Festival  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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

A Midwest heat wave continues, Gov. JB Pritzker launches his campaign for a third term, hundreds rally for trans rights, and more. Reset goes behind the headlines of those stories and much more in our Weekly News Recap. Our panel today: Monica Eng, Axios reporter; Cindy Hernandez, Chicago Sun-Times general assignment reporter; Mack Liederman, Block Club Chicago reporter. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Jon Hansen (in for Bob Sirott) to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: Wicker Park Neighbors Fight ‘Atrocious' Rat Problem In Dean Park. So Far, The Rats Are Winning: To document the ongoing infestation, two residents have been filming night-vision […]

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Jon Hansen (in for Bob Sirott) to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: Looking For Unusual Salad Recipes? The 1926 Edgewater Beach Hotel Cookbook Has Them: Chef Arnold Shircliffe's “A Book Of Salads” was a first-of-its-kind cookbook that brought […]

It's time for your favorite weekly news catch-up! This week: thousands gather for “No Kings” protests in the Chicago area, Mayor Brandon Johnson pushes back on presidential threats to increase deportations, and Chicago's City Council passes stricter teen curfew that could face a veto. Reset dives into these and other top local stories in our Weekly News Recap, with Ravi Baichwal, ABC-7 News anchor; Paris Schutz, Fox-32 political correspondent; and Francia Garcia Hernandez, Block Club Chicago reporter. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

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: River Concert Series Creator's Next Act: A Musical Floating Parade: With the help of a $5,000 city grant, musician Ben Kinsinger and friends are organizing a July 19 show that will […]

Steve Grzanich has the business news of the day with the Wintrust Business Minute. One of Chicago’s most well-known gay bars wants to move into O’Hare Airport. Block Club Chicago reports Sidetrack is joining forces with restaurant operator German Gonzalez to bid on a space inside Terminal One. If approved, it would be the first […]

The former Loretto Hospital executive charged with stealing millions from the safety-net hospital also used fake COVID-19 testing companies to steal about $300 million from the government, prosecutors alleged in a newly unsealed indictment.Former Loretto COO and CFO Anosh Ahmed is among a group of four who now face charges related to the scheme, prosecutors said.Block Club has reported extensively on Ahmed's troubling conduct at Loretto Hospital, from letting well-connected people access COVID-19 vaccines early — and even bragging he vaccinated Eric Trump — to contracting with companies owned by his business partner, best friend and neighbor, Sameer Suhail.Ahmed and Suhail were charged in July with wire fraud, embezzlement and money laundering, with prosecutors alleging they defrauded the hospital out of $15 million. They fled to Dubai.Separately, Block Club also revealed in 2021 and 2022 that various COVID-19 testing companies were providing questionable and sometimes fake results while appearing to wrongfully seek federal reimbursements worth hundreds of millions of dollars. One of the labs highlighted by Block Club Chicago for problematic work was O'Hare Clinical Lab.Now, those stories have converged, as prosecutors say Ahmed, Mohamed “Siraj” Sirajudeen and Mahmood Sami Khan used O'Hare Clinical Lab, among others, to submit false COVID-19 testing claims to the government. They sought about $900 million in reimbursements, of which they received about $300 million.-- Host - Jon HansenReporter - Kelly Bauer 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.

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 Lincoln Park High School Students Are Fighting To Make Armitage Avenue Safer: Students are leading the push for protected bike lanes on Armitage Avenue. So far, their petition calling […]

The city preps for intensifying ICE raids and growing protests. CTA leadership continues to sound the alarm on potential service cuts. Uber blames tech errors for overcharging Chicagoans. Block Club Chicago's Francia Garcia Hernandez and Manny Ramos are here to break down the biggest headlines from the week. Plus, we've got coyote pups in Graceland cemetery, a Bronzeville Juneteenth celebration, and the Puerto Rican festival continues.  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 our sponsors: 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: Could Alderpeople Soon Have The Power To Ban Short-Term Rentals? City Council To Decide Next Week: A proposed ordinance would allow alderpeople to ban Airbnb and other rentals on a precinct-by-precinct […]

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: Uber Overcharged Riders Nearly $1.8 Million In Congestion Fees, City Records Show: Block Club found that Uber had been charging the city's Downtown congestion fee outside the window the fee is […]

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: Failed Crosstown Expressway Could Become Bike Trail Connecting Bucktown To Botanic Gardens: The 3.2-mile trail would follow a Union Pacific rail line and connect The 606 to the North Branch […]

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 Green Mill Is For Sale — But Will Likely Remain Unchanged: The owner of the iconic, historic jazz club is selling the Uptown building it calls home. Edison Park's Kaage […]

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: Chicago's Grocery Tax Was Slated To End In 2026. Now, Mayor Wants To Keep It Going: State lawmakers last year approved ending the statewide 1 percent grocery tax in 2026. Municipalities now […]

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: Rooftop Cinema Club Returns With Open-Air Movie Screenings In Fulton Market: The open-air theater takes over the fifth floor terrace of the Emily Hotel and screens classics including “Mamma Mia” and […]

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: Navy Pier Marina Opens In June, Allowing Boaters To Dock At Popular Tourist Site: First proposed in 2016, the marina will finally allow public boaters to dock […]

Today's episode is sponsored by Rush University Medical Center.May is National Nurses Month, and on this episode, we chat with two nurses at Rush to find out why they love their job, and what sets Rush apart. Nursing remains the country's most trusted profession. Medical centers across the country are counting on a new generation of nurses to fill a critical shortage, and keep the job's legacy strong.  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 Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: South Siders ‘Puzzled,' Smitten By Concrete Cadillac Housed In Hyde Park Parking Garage: A 1957 Cadillac DeVille, encased in concrete using instructions by artist Wolf Vostell, moved into […]

Jen Sabella, 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: Pe Erre Domino Club Coming to Humboldt Park's Paseo Boricua: An all-ages social club aimed at preserving the game of dominoes, a Puerto Rican cultural tradition, is […]

Jen Sabella, 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: Self-Guided ‘Pastport' Offers Bargoers A Tour Of 8 Historical Logan Square Taverns: The monthlong crawl highlights insider secrets, weird building tidbits, and stories from bar owners past […]

City officials have been celebrating drops in homicides, assaults, and armed robberies. However, one place that has gotten far less attention is the continuing rise of domestic violence across Chicago, where homicides and assaults are up this year. We break down an investigation into Chicago's domestic violence crisis with Block Club Chicago's Mina Bloom and WTTW's Brandis Friedman. Plus, we talk about the five years since police murders sparked protests across the country, and our extended Memorial Day weekend.  Good News: Parachute Hifi, The Beer Temple 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 May 23 episode: Williamstown Theatre Festival Paramount Theatre – Use the code CityCast for $5 off/ticket. Valid for up to 4 tickets Griffin Museum of Science and Industry 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: After Uber Caught Overcharging Chicago Riders, City And State Push To Regulate Rideshares: Block Club reported that Uber was overcharging the city's downtown congestion fee. A city […]

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: Northwest Side Getting Its 1st Trader Joe’s In Jefferson Park: The City Council approved a zoning change Wednesday which clears the way for the popular grocery store to replace a former CVS. […]

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: Will City Council Sign Off On ‘Snap Curfews' — Allowing Cops To Make Up Curfews On The Spot?: The move aims to combat large gatherings of unsupervised teens— but critics say […]

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: Pope Leo's Childhood Church Could Become A City Landmark: St. Mary of the Assumption has fallen into disrepair, but landmark status would protect its exterior. The move could also help […]

Nearly a dozen South Side elementary students sickened after ingesting marijuana edibles. Mayor Johnson reaches the midpoint of his term. Congressional competitions heat up in the race to replace retiring Sen. Durbin and Rep. Schakowsky. Reset goes behind the headlines of those stories and much more in our Weekly News Recap with a panel of journalists. This week we have Block Club Chicago reporter Mack Liederman, WBEZ senior editor of government, politics and safety Angela Rzas O'Toole, and government finance and accountability reporter with the Illinois Answers Project at the Better Government Association Alex Nitkin. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Mick Dumke, Investigator Editor at Block Club Chicago, joins Lisa Dent to detail Block Club Chicago suing ICE over immigration arrest records. Dumke requested arrest records over a 10 day period in January using The Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA). ICE didn’t meet the required 30 day deadline and emailed Dumke saying they needed 10 […]

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 Adds 11 New Speed Cameras — Here's Where They Are: The new speed cameras will begin issuing tickets in June after a warning period. They were introduced as the city […]

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: Mayor Brandon Johnson Says He Hasn't Done Enough To Convince Chicago Of Job He's Doing: In an interview with Block Club ahead of his two-year anniversary as mayor, Johnson spoke on 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: Block Club Chicago Sues ICE Over Immigration Arrest Records: Federal immigration officials still haven't released records showing how many people they rounded up during January sweeps in Chicago or what […]

Federal immigration officials still haven't released records showing how many people they rounded up during January sweeps in Chicago or what happened to them afterward.Host - Jon HansenReporter - Mick DumkeREAD MORE HEREDONATE 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.

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: Millennium Park Summer Workout Schedule 2025: Free Classes Kick Off Saturday: Pilates, yoga, Zumba and other guided workout classes are back on Saturdays in Millennium Park through August. City Crews […]

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: Da Pope: Chicago Loses Its Mind Over Homegrown Pontiff: Within minutes of the announcement, Chicagoans had Photoshopped the new pope holding an Italian beef sandwich and made at least 50 Malört […]

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: Butch McGuire's Eyes 2nd Location In Lincoln Park: The family-owned Division Street bar, a favorite among young bar hoppers, is planning an expansion after more than 60 years. Devil Dawgs […]

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: Former Chicago Alderman Goes Viral For Giving Man His Jacket On Blue Line: ‘A Reminder To Be Kind': Edwin Eisendrath, a former Lincoln Park alderman and former Sun-Times CEO, said […]

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: Chicago's Comic Book Stores Banding Together For Citywide Shop Crawl Saturday: Neighborhood shops plan to take this year's Free Comic Book Day festivities to a new level, […]

Stephanie Lulay, Executive editor 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: Uber Wrongfully Charged Riders Downtown Congestion Fee For Months: After Block Club reached out to Uber about customers complaining they'd been charged city congestion fees outside of allotted […]

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: New DuSable Park Plans Would Bring A Boardwalk, Lush Greenery To The Lakefront: The park's design pays homage to Chicago's founder and first non-Indigenous Black settler, Jean […]

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: Lincoln Square Car-Free Zone Extended To May As Neighbors Make The Most Of Street Closure: The original plan was for the 4700 block of North Lincoln Avenue to be blocked off to […]

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: Rainbow Cone Opening In June On Michigan Avenue: The South Side ice cream company's newest location is on a prominent stretch near Millennium Park that includes Nutella Cafe, Stan's Donuts and other […]

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 Landlords Are Charging Hundreds In Move-In Fees. Renters Want To Know Why: Renters are being asked to pay pricey move-in fees that provide them little or no benefit. “It's 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: Could Banning Cars On Michigan Avenue Be The Key To Revitalizing Downtown?: The winning proposal from UChicago graduate students in this year's Harris Policy Innovation Challenge suggests the city turn a stretch […]

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: Fern Hill's Old Town Redevelopment Plan Clears Final City Council Vote: The 30-story apartment tower and renovation at North Avenue and LaSalle Drive will bring 349 units, including 70 affordable apartments, to […]

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: After Another Pedestrian Killed Crossing DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Neighbors Say Better Signs Needed: Tourists and other visitors sometimes try to cross the drive near the Museum Campus instead of using […]

Will Mayor Johnson's affordable housing plan make it through City Council this week? Do you need a Real ID before the May 7 deadline? What are some of Chicago's biggest foods according to Block Club Chicago? Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran answer these questions and more. Good News: Jackson Park Cherry Blossoms 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 April 15 episode: Prolonlife.com/city – Use this link for 15% off Cozy Earth – Use code COZYCHICAGO for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mayor Johnson's first aldermanic appointment is approved and a Chicago City Council committee advances a measure banning Jan. 6 participants from city jobs. Reset dives into these and other top local stories in the Weekly News Recap with Quinn Myers, Block Club Chicago reporte; Brandis Friedman, WTTW “Chicago Tonight” anchor; and Tom Schuba, Chicago Sun-Times reporter. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

In 2024, Chicago was named the rattiest city in the US by Orkin Pest Control for the TENTH year in a row. The city's budget for its ‘Bureau of Rodent Control' is almost $15 million annually. And they're trying something new. Starting in [[[]]], bait boxes with rat ‘birth control' will be placed in alleys throughout Wicker Park and Bucktown to try to curb the growth of rat populations. Reset checks in with Quinn Myers of Block Club Chicago to learn more about the program. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Local and national advocacy organizations are suing Immigration and Customs Enforcement alleging illegal arrests, a coalition of Southeast Side neighbors is pushing back on Chicago's future Quantum Campus, and we've got thoughts on Lolla's lineup. Joining us to break it all down are Katrina Pham from Borderless Magazine and Maxwell Evans from Block Club Chicago. Plus, we're dropping our 1,000 things we love about Chicago on Monday, and we've got some live music to add to your calendars. Good News: JWF Amp'd Up Open Mic Series 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 March 21 episode: Moats Entertainment Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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 political pundit Marj Halperin! This week, the Rascals start the podcast by congratulating new dad Jon Hansen! Next, the Rascals discuss the first few months of the Trump administration. What are the biggest […]