Podcasts about Block Club Chicago

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: Thousands Of City Buildings Are Overdue For Fire Code Inspections, Watchdog Report Says: The report found that only 17 percent of buildings are up to date on fire […]

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.

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: Chicagoans Flock To Belmont Cragin Restaurants After ICE Fears Slowed Sales: ‘Truly Grateful': Restaurant owners and local activists hope the recent boost in sales will continue […]

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

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: Historic Portage Theater Has A New Owner Who Plans To Revive It As A Community Space: Chris Bauman, founder of the Avondale Music Hall and partial owner of the Patio Theater, […]

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-Area Companies Raked In Millions From Feds As Operation Midway Blitz Intensified: One Chicago-based company was awarded more than $7 million to relocate ICE employees while a suburban weapons manufacturer was paid […]

Northern Super League co-founder and chief growth officer Diana Matheson and filmmaker and director of “The Pitch” Michèle Hozer join Sarah to discuss the inaugural NSL season, how Michèle’s film documents Diana’s fight to launch the league, and the moments along the way when the duo thought the first-ever women’s pro soccer league in Canada might not happen at all. Plus, new threads just dropped, sharing a bid with friends, and staying neutral all the way. Upcoming screenings of “The Pitch” can be found here The 2025 World Gymnastics Championships broadcast schedule can be found here Read Jasmine Mander’s story about dronegate here Watch producer Alex ask NWSL player Kate Del Fava to fact check her first goal here Read the story in Block Club Chicago about the work being done to help residents amid ICE raids here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArtwork See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: A Chicago High Schooler Had Just Returned From Chemotherapy. Then ICE Arrested Her Father: Ofelia Torres is being treated for Stage 4 cancer while her father […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and The Last Ward, long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, and political pundit Marj Halperin! Today, the podcast comes to you from the Tangled Roots Brewing Company in […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and The Last Ward, long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, and political pundit Marj Halperin! Today, the podcast comes to you from the Tangled Roots Brewing Company in […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and The Last Ward, long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, and political pundit Marj Halperin! Today, the podcast comes to you from the Tangled Roots Brewing Company in […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and The Last Ward, long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, and political pundit Marj Halperin! Today, the podcast comes to you from the Tangled Roots Brewing Company in […]

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

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 Cyclists Are Buying Out Tamale Carts To Keep Vendors Home And Safe From ICE: Cycling x Solidarity's latest mutual aid effort takes cyclists on group rides […]

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: Hundreds Pack ‘Whistlemania' Events To Fight ICE In Chicago: ‘We Have To Stand Up For One Another': Neighbors joined Whistlemania events in seven neighborhoods Tuesday to assemble whistle […]

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: The Promontory, Beloved Hyde Park Music Venue, Closing At End Of Year: The popular venue will close following its New Year's Eve party. The news came just […]

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: Pilsen's Homegrown Studio, A Collective Retail Shop, Offers A Little Of Everything From Local Makers: “It's like a crafts fair without all the walking,” said one of the artists selling out […]

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 Restaurants Struggle Out Of The Spotlight As ICE Fears Mount: The Trump administration's immigration crackdown has restaurant owners, chefs and workers on high alert as they cope with staffing shortages and […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and the The Last Ward, and multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope's Screening Room. The Rascals begin the podcast talking about the Cook County Sheriff's Office stepping up enforcement for illegally […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and the The Last Ward, and multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope's Screening Room. The Rascals begin the podcast talking about the Cook County Sheriff's Office stepping up enforcement for illegally […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and the The Last Ward, and multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope's Screening Room. The Rascals begin the podcast talking about the Cook County Sheriff's Office stepping up enforcement for illegally […]

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: How Can West Side's Madison Street Be Improved? City Works To Reverse Years Of Disinvestment: Once the epicenter of the West Side, Madison Street has suffered from disinvestment, civil unrest and […]

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and the The Last Ward, and multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope's Screening Room. The Rascals begin the podcast talking about the Cook County Sheriff's Office stepping up enforcement for illegally […]

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: 72 Drivers Ticketed In Past Week For Using Shoulders To Beat Traffic, Cook County Sheriff's Office Says: The Cook County Sheriff's Office is stepping up enforcement of “unsafe driving” on […]

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.

After months of warnings, the federal government said 100 National Guard troops will be deployed in Chicago. President Trump told military leaders to use U.S. cities as a “training ground” for operations. Meanwhile, immigration arrests and protests continue throughout the Chicago region. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap with WBEZ senior editor Alden Loury, WTTW news correspondent Nick Blumbert and Block Club Chicago reporter Mack Liederman. 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 Stops Damen Silos Demolition Due To Excessive Dust: The demolition is on hold until the city approves new plans, officials said. Neighbors and environmental leaders had previously called for the […]

Mack Liederman, Reporter, Block Club Chicago, joins Jon Hansen to talk about federal agents raiding an apartment building in South Shore. Mack describes what happened during the raid, how many people were detained, why the agents raided this particular building, and how the people were treated during the raid.

Mack Liederman, Reporter, Block Club Chicago, joins Jon Hansen to talk about federal agents raiding an apartment building in South Shore. Mack describes what happened during the raid, how many people were detained, why the agents raided this particular building, and how the people were treated during the raid.

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 Chicago Art Locker Brings Whimsy And Free Works Of Art To Avondale: What started as a free initiative has blossomed to include art supplies, bilingual Know Your Rights pamphlets and stickers. […]

Mack Liederman, Reporter, Block Club Chicago, joins Jon Hansen to talk about federal agents raiding an apartment building in South Shore. Mack describes what happened during the raid, how many people were detained, why the agents raided this particular building, and how the people were treated during the raid.

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and The Last Ward, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals start the show this week talking about federal agents marching through downtown Chicago. Is there a long-term goal that the Trump […]

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: Sculpture Walk Connecting Jefferson And Portage Park To Be Unveiled This Weekend: The NW Side Art Walk features 10 sculptures along the Milwaukee Avenue corridor, five of them new. A dedication […]

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: Lake Street Bridge Construction Starts Soon, Closing It To Traffic For 2 Years: Work on the bridge over the Chicago River will start in October and run through January 2028. […]

Sometimes the most powerful conversations happen outside the studio. Recorded live at the Abilities Expo in Chicago, this episode introduces you to Victoria Jembe, a remarkable self-autism advocate revolutionizing opportunities for people with disabilities through the captivating rhythms of West African drumming.Victoria shares the inspiring story behind founding Victoria Djembe Academy in 2021, where students with disabilities learn authentic drumming techniques from Guinea, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Mali. Her vision goes beyond simply teaching music—she's creating spaces where people with disabilities can be "seen, heard, and celebrated" through cultural expression and public performance. We explore Victoria's entrepreneurial journey and recent successes, including features on Fox 32 Chicago and in Block Club Chicago newsletter. Her ambitious plans to expand nationally and eventually connect back to West Africa demonstrate her commitment to both disability inclusion and cultural preservation. The conversation highlights additional community initiatives, including monthly drum workshops and disability-focused open mic events that welcome talents ranging from poetry to comedy.Whether you're interested in disability advocacy, cultural arts, or inclusive entrepreneurship, Victoria's story offers inspiration and practical insight. Discover how rhythmic expression is creating powerful new opportunities for community building and creative celebration. Visit Victoria's website or attend an upcoming event to experience firsthand how West African drumming is breaking barriers and building bridges.

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: Private Fences Put Up Around Public Park Irk Near North Neighbors: The park must be publicly accessible 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily as part of an agreement with the city — but some […]

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: Speed Camera Program Should Axe Late Fees, Boost Transparency To Be More Effective: Report: A report from a city-backed group tasked with improving the controversial program suggests more than a dozen […]

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: Does Chicago Comfort Food Exist For Vegans? Yes — And We Found It: Think iconic Chicago eats are just for meat lovers? From Italian “beef” and deep-dish to wings with […]

Why is Trump sending the National Guard to cities when crime is already falling?Earlier this month, President Trump posted this: “I love the smell of deportations in the morning. Chicago about to find out why it's called the Department of WAR.” He seemed poised to send the National Guard to the city in an attempt to curb crime, after having deployed them in D.C. But this week, he turned his attention to Memphis, signing an order for deployment there and vowing to circle back to Chicago later. And these three cities aren't the only ones on his radar: Baltimore, Portland, New Orleans, and St. Louis are also bracing for possible deployments. But why send the National Guard – a temporary military force – to these cities when crime has already fallen this year in every single city he's mentioned? Brittany gets into it with Abdallah Fayyad, policy correspondent at Vox, and Alex V. Hernandez, neighborhood reporter for Block Club Chicago.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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: State Of The West Loop: Crime Is Down, 500-Plus New Apartments And Aldi On The Way: At the State of the West Loop meeting, city and police leaders reported sharp drops […]

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: In Little Village, Residents Are Blowing Actual Whistles To Warn Neighbors About ICE: Residents have equipped themselves with bright orange whistles amid ramped-up ICE arrests. “People could hear that noise, and if […]

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: Bridgeport's Formerly Polluted Riverfront Park Is Now Thriving And Could Be Expanded: Park No. 571 occupies a site on the Chicago River that once housed a Peoples Gas plant. With Peoples […]

Mick Dumke, Investigative Editor at Block Club Chicago, joins Lisa Dent to talk about how many people ICE arrested in the days following President Trump’s inauguration. Using the Freedom of Information Act, Dumke and other reporters at Block Club Chicago sued ICE and the department of Homeland Security to obtain information about the arrests in […]

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: Sanders BBQ Supply Makes NYT's Top Restaurant List — And Will Expand To Hyde Park: The popular Beverly spot that fuses regional barbecue styles will open Sanders BBQ Prime below […]

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: SW Side In ‘Trouble' If Warehouse Park Doesn't Replace Ford City Mall, Ald. Says As Some Neighbors Oppose Plan: Bridge Industrial is the only company that has approached Ald. Derrick Curtis […]

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: As North Park Homeless Encampment Cleared, Residents Say They Have Nowhere To Go: “We're just gonna move to the next park. It's just going to keep happening again and again unless they […]

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: Jason Kelce's Epic Chicago Visit: Nisei Lounge, Old Fashioned Donuts, Jake Melnick's: The former Eagles star sported an Old Fashioned Donuts T-shirt live on air and gushed about “the best apple […]

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: City Is Not Using Salt Trucks To Thwart ICE, Despite Viral Posts Claiming Otherwise: A social media post claimed salt trucks were blocking interstates into Chicago to thwart ICE. 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: Sorry, Trump: Chicago Is Not The ‘Murder Capital Of The World' — Not Even Close, Data Shows: Chicago has been a political punching bag for decades, and while there is […]

After growing concern and anxiety about how Chicago Public Schools would close a $700 million deficit before the end of August, we finally got our first look at the district's 2026 budget proposal. We are breaking down the key points with author and professor Arionne Nettles and Block Club Chicago's Atavia Reed. Plus, will the Uptown Theatre ever get new life? Why is Illinois lowering standardized testing requirements? And, where can you get some of the city's best watermelon?  We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast Chicago swag. 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 Aug. 15 episode: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Babbel — Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Window Nation Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE