The Block Club Chicago Podcast

Block Club Chicago
  • 4.8 (171)
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The important, emotional, inspiring stories affecting Chicagoans. New episodes Tuesdays, Thursdays, or whenever a BIG story breaks.

  1. The Long Lasting Impact Of Operation Midway Blitz On Our Neighborhoods

    1D AGO

    The Long Lasting Impact Of Operation Midway Blitz On Our Neighborhoods

    On Chicago’s Southwest and East sides, the presence of federal agents lingers long after they left town. The mental health of many communities needs attention. Businesses are still struggling to bring back customers. Chicago’s journalists are processing their exhaustive coverage of people taken, and teargas deployed. On today’s Block Club Chicago podcast, reporter Francia Garcia Hernandez, details the long lasting impact of Operation Midway blitz, and how the city is responding. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Francia Garcia Hernandez 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.

    21 min
  2. Why Many Chicagoans Are Saying No To More Delivery Robots

    FEB 11

    Why Many Chicagoans Are Saying No To More Delivery Robots

    Companies operating food delivery robots will not be allowed to expand across parts of Wicker Park and Logan Square following overwhelmingly negative feedback from neighbors, the local alderman said Monday. Almost 500 1st Ward residents replied to an online survey distributed by Ald. La Spata’s office, with more than 83 percent said they “strongly disagreed” that the robots should be allowed to operate across the ward, according to numbers provided by La Spata. Host - Iridian Fierro Guest - Josh Robertson -- Read His Petition HERE 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.

    19 min
  3. New Year, Same You. Why Most Resolutions Fail And What To Do Next

    FEB 5

    New Year, Same You. Why Most Resolutions Fail And What To Do Next

    On today’s Block Club Chicago podcast, sponsored by Rush, a chat with Dr. Elizabeth Simkus, diving into why it’s 'New Year, Same You.' Dr. Simkus discusses Rush's Prevention Center, and how it's unique in the city at helping you keep those goals.  Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Dr. Simkus More on the Rush Prevention Center 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.

    21 min
  4. Chicago Sees Longest Winter Freeze In 19 Years -- But Relief Is Coming

    FEB 3

    Chicago Sees Longest Winter Freeze In 19 Years -- But Relief Is Coming

    On January 16th, as snow crept into the Chicago area, temperatures dropped from a high of 37 degrees, and slipped below freezing. They haven’t crept above, since. On today’s Block Club Chicago podcast, WGN-TV meteorologist Bill Snyder says it’s not your imagination — it’s been a cold winter, even by Chicago standards. But there is light at the end of tunnel, and warmth, by the end of the week.  Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Bill Snyder 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.

    20 min
  5. Fugitive Ex-Loretto Leader Arrested In Serbia

    JAN 29

    Fugitive Ex-Loretto Leader Arrested In Serbia

    The former Loretto Hospital executive who is accused of embezzling millions from the hospital — and defrauding the federal government of nearly $300 million — has been arrested in Serbia. Anosh Ahmed was taken into custody in Serbia on Nov. 30. On Friday, the U.S. government requested his extradition, according to a Wednesday court filing. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Kelly Bauer 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.

    13 min
  6. Is There Any Way Out Of Chicago's Horrible Parking Meter Deal?

    JAN 22

    Is There Any Way Out Of Chicago's Horrible Parking Meter Deal?

    In 2008, as a recession swept across the country, cities and states were desperate for cash. Chicago looked to privatize anything it could to close its deficits. Enter, the parking meter deal. A 75-year lease that has some have called the "worst deal a city has ever made in American history." On today’s Block Club Chicago podcast, investigative reporter and editor Mick Dumke gives us the back story, and ponders if there’s ever a way out of the deal.  Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mick Dumke 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.

    20 min
  7. The 28-Year-Old Breaking Birding Records In Chicago

    JAN 20

    The 28-Year-Old Breaking Birding Records In Chicago

    When Tarik Shahzad spotted two patches of white among the sea of gray sandhill cranes, he knew he’d done it again. Over Thanksgiving weekend, the 28-year-old avid birder saw two whooping cranes — one of the rarest birds in North America and his 295th bird species of 2025. Seen flying over Wood Oaks Green Park in suburban Northbrook, the cranes helped Shahzad secure the top spot in the Cook County Birding Big Year competition, breaking his own record of 294 species last year. The Norwood Park resident spotted one more bird, a western grebe, before the end of the year, officially setting the Cook County record at 296 bird species. But for Shahzad, participating in the Cook County Birding Big Year is about far more than breaking records. The competition highlights the importance of conservation and habitat restoration, said Shahzad, an environmental policy advocate and associate with the Nature Conservancy. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Tarik Shahzad 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.

    16 min
  8. Good. Better. Best. Grater -- The Bears’ Wild Ride Continues

    JAN 15

    Good. Better. Best. Grater -- The Bears’ Wild Ride Continues

    What a ride. On today's episode CHGO's Mark Carman on the miraculous win over the Packers. And the 'Cheese Grater Guy' joins the show! Host - Jon Hansen Guests - Mark Carman, Brandon Martinez Read More About Cheese Grater Guy Here CHGO Chicago Bears Podcast on Apple CHGO Chicago Bears Podcast on YouTube 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.

    23 min
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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
    364
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021 Block Club Chicago
  • Show Website
    The Block Club Chicago Podcast

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