The Block Club Chicago Podcast

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

  1. Chicago Under Siege -- How Operation Midway Blitz Changed Our City

    3H AGO

    Chicago Under Siege -- How Operation Midway Blitz Changed Our City

    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 Hansen Reporter - Francia Garcia Hernandez READ MORE HERE SUBSCRIBE OR DONATE TO OUR NON PROFIT NEWSROOM 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.

    29 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Fraud Cases Are Skyrocketing -- How AARP Is Fighting Back With You

    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 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
  3. After Budget Battle Ends, A New Question Emerges - Who Runs Chicago?

    DEC 23

    After Budget Battle Ends, A New Question Emerges - Who Runs Chicago?

    Mayor Brandon Johnson said Tuesday he will not veto the so-called alternative budget that passed the City Council over the weekend, despite weeks of sharply criticizing parts of the spending plan as unbalanced and harmful to working Chicagoans. The announcement comes one week before a year-end deadline to pass a balanced 2026 budget. If Johnson had issued a mayoral veto, the city ran the risk of facing an unprecedented government shutdown, which could have interrupted services, paychecks and other operations. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers 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
  4. Chicago's Flu Season Is Here -- Is It Too Late To Protect Yourself?

    DEC 18

    Chicago's Flu Season Is Here -- Is It Too Late To Protect Yourself?

    On today’s podcast, sponsored by Rush, epidemiologist Dr. Michael Lin on what we’re in for this flu season, and if it’s too late to protect yourself.  Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Dr. Michael Lin More on Rush 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.

    24 min
  5. Is Chicago Closing In On A Government Shutdown?

    DEC 11

    Is Chicago Closing In On A Government Shutdown?

    A group of 27 alderpeople introduced a set of alternative budget proposals to City Council that would scrap a corporate head tax. Mayor Brandon Johnson has doubled down on his support of the idea. Are we headed toward a government shutdown? Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers 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.

    18 min
  6. ‘Lying Constantly’ - How The Feds Used Propaganda During Midway Blitz

    DEC 9

    ‘Lying Constantly’ - How The Feds Used Propaganda During Midway Blitz

    Homeland Security has sought to reshape violent encounters into triumphant narratives — even as judges, journalists and experts said the agency has repeatedly distorted facts, misled the public and attacked those who challenged its story. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Patrick Filbin Read More Here BECOME A BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO SUBSCRIBER 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.

    26 min
  7. Financial Crimes Have Become 'The New Wave' In Chicago -- What to Know

    DEC 4

    Financial Crimes Have Become 'The New Wave' In Chicago -- What to Know

    Today's podcast is a field trip to the Chase Bank South Shore Community Center at 6650 S. Stony Island Ave. The branch was established to be a place for all neighbors to gather nearly five years ago. Today we attend a forum on fraud prevention, and see how neighbors are buying into the community center, and learning important tips to avoid scammers this holiday season.  Host - Jon Hansen Guests - Jared Evans, Chase Community Manager; CPD Detective John Madden More on Chase's Community Banking Here Block Club's Coverage of the branch opening in 2021 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.

    22 min
  8. He Started His Own Postal Service Delivering And Reading Mail For Free

    DEC 2

    He Started His Own Postal Service Delivering And Reading Mail For Free

    A whimsical yet very serious public art project by Logan Square artist Charlie Dean is gaining traction as an alternative to a paid postal service, designed to be used for monumental conversations or difficult news that need softening. Host - Iridian Fierro Guest - Charlie Dean 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.

    20 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    351
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021 Block Club Chicago
  • Show Website
    The Block Club Chicago Podcast

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