The Block Club Chicago Podcast

Block Club Chicago
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  • Updated Daily

The important, emotional, inspiring stories affecting Chicagoans. New episodes Tuesdays, Thursdays, or whenever a BIG story breaks.

  1. 2d ago

    Chicago Has A Literacy Problem. Chicagoans Like You Can Help Solve It

    DONATE TO BACK TO SCHOOL WITH BLOCK CLUB There’s no doubt that Chicago has a literacy problem. About 43% of CPS students grades 3-8 met the state’s reading proficiency benchmarks in 2025. But like so many things in Chicago, a lot depends on the zip code. Open Books Director of Education Paula Santos discusses how all of us can become a part of the solution.  Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Paula Santos Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we are Block 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 coverage Our 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 day Since 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.

    Chicago Has A Literacy Problem. Chicagoans Like You Can Help Solve It

  2. 5d ago

    How The Dave Matthews Dump Actually Helped The Chicago River

    Dave Matthews’ tour bus emptied its 800-pound septic tank on people taking a cruise 22 years ago this week. One boat passenger thinks the band has paid an unfair price for its driver’s error, but gets why Chicagoans won’t forget. And some people think that the incident actually helped the Chicago River. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Clint Worthington Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we are Block 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 coverage Our 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 day Since 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.

    How The Dave Matthews Dump Actually Helped The Chicago River

  3. Aug 4

    Finally, Chicago Is Getting A Cat Tour Of Its Own This Weekend

    Lincoln Square neighbors will be able enjoy a day of cat videos followed by a street tour showcasing the neighborhood’s feline friends this August.  “Caturday” in Lincoln Square will kick off 12:30 p.m. Aug. 8 with a screening of CatVideoFest 2026 at the Davis Theater, 4614 N Lincoln Ave., followed by the first-ever Lincoln Square Cat Tour through the neighborhood from 3-5 p.m. Host - Iridian Fierro Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we are Block 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 coverage Our 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 day Since 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.

    Finally, Chicago Is Getting A Cat Tour Of Its Own This Weekend

  4. Aug 1

    Is The American Justice System The Best? An Outsider Weighs In.

    Australian true crime podcaster Jack Laurence joins Sidebar to discuss the American justice system from the outside looking in.  Host - Jon Hansen Guests - Jack Laurence, Mike Leonard, Patrick Dolan Listen To One Minute Remaining Patrick Dolan, Employment Lawyer Mike Leonard, Federal Defense Attorney Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we are Block 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 coverage Our 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 day Since 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.

    Is The American Justice System The Best? An Outsider Weighs In.

  5. Jul 30

    The Battle Between Chicago Renters And Landlords Is Heating Up

    The fight over the future of renters’ rights in Chicago is heating up, as supporters of a proposal put forth by Mayor Brandon Johnson are blasting a competing measure as the “Chicago landlord’s big, beautiful bill.” Meanwhile, four Logan Square residents have filed the first lawsuit linked to the city’s tenants right pilot program, accusing their a landlord, his realtor and a brokerage company of running afoul of a Northwest Side anti-gentrification law. Host - Jon Hansen Reporters - Melody Mercado, Ariel Parrella Read More Here: https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/15/logan-square-renters-the-1st-to-sue-landlord-over-tenant-right-of-first-refusal-act-violation/ https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/21/big-beautiful-bill-for-landlords-tenant-groups-slam-counterproposal-to-mayors-housing-plan/ Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we are Block 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 coverage Our 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 day Since 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.

    The Battle Between Chicago Renters And Landlords Is Heating Up

  6. Jul 28

    How Much Damage Did The Wildfire Smoke Do To Our Lungs?

    The heaviest wildfire smoke in Chicago history has cleared away -- for now. But many Chicagoans are wondering just how damaging it is to our lungs, and if health experts are concerned about the smoke's growing presence during the summer months.  Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Dr. Samuel Fox, Rush Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we are Block 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 coverage Our 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 day Since 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.

    How Much Damage Did The Wildfire Smoke Do To Our Lungs?

  7. Jul 21

    Is Wildfire Smoke Now A Permanent Part Of Chicago Summers?

    As Chicago saw record-breaking poor air quality last week, local leaders advised people to stay inside and mask up to avoid the potential health effects. On today's podcast, a chat with WGN-TV meteorologist Bill Snyder on if this is just a part of Chicago summers from now on.  Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Bill Snyder, WGN-TV Meteorologist Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we are Block 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 coverage Our 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 day Since 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.

  8. Jul 16

    Spare A Kidney? The Surprising Perks Of Becoming A Living Organ Donor

    Roughly 100,000 Americans are waiting for a kidney transplant, and the times to be matched with a donor can approach a decade. On today's Block Club Chicago podcast, sponsored by Rush, Dr. Aneesha Shetty explains everything you need to know to become a donor -- and shares the personal reason she works in this field.  Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Aneesha Shetty, MD, MPH READ MORE ABOUT BECOMING A DONOR HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we are Block 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 coverage Our 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 day Since 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.

    Spare A Kidney? The Surprising Perks Of Becoming A Living Organ Donor
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About

The important, emotional, inspiring stories affecting Chicagoans. New episodes Tuesdays, Thursdays, or whenever a BIG story breaks.

Information

  • Creator
    Block Club Chicago
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    421
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021 Block Club Chicago
  • Show Website
    The Block Club Chicago Podcast

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