The Block Club Chicago Podcast
The important, emotional, inspiring stories affecting Chicagoans. New episodes Tuesdays, Thursdays, or whenever a BIG story breaks.
Do You Feel Safe On The CTA? Riders React To Boost In Police On Trains
Riders across Chicago say safety problems on CTA trains are real, but they’re divided on whether the agency’s latest plan to increase policing on trains will actually fix them.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Patrick Filbin
Read More Here
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Who 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.<...
Will The State's Attorney Charge Fed Officials After Midway Blitz?
A coalition of almost 250 elected officials, faith leaders, community organizations and other residents are demanding a special prosecutor be appointed to investigate alleged crimes committed by federal agents during Operation Midway Blitz.
Host - Jon Hansen
Guest - Mike Leonard, Federal Defense Attorney
Read More Here
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Who 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 c...
Chicago's Weather Whiplash -- From Hail To Snow, Single Digits to 60s
Buckle up, Chicago: It’s going to be a wild weather ride for the next week.
“What we’re about to endure over the next couple days can only be classified as the real March madness."
Host - Jon Hansen
Guest - Bill Snyder, WGN-TV meteorologist
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Who 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...
Chicago Is Hemorrhaging Breweries. Is There A Way To Stop It?
Two popular Chicago craft brewers are merging to form a new company, their owners announced Tuesday.
Half Acre Beer Co. in Bowmanville and Maplewood Brewery & Distillery in Logan Square are combining to form a “unified beverage company” that will keep their respective brands active amid turbulent economic times for local craft breweries.
Host - Jon Hansen
Guest - Shamus Toomey
Read More Here
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Who we are
Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedica...
Lawsuit Says Warlord On ‘Brink Of Ruin’ After Chef’s Abusive Behavior
Former Warlord chef and co-owner Trevor Fleming’s abusive behavior has led to an estimated $1.4 million loss in revenue at the once-celebrated restaurant, according to a lawsuit filed last month by Fleming’s business partners.
Emily Kraszyk and John Lupton filed the case in Cook County Circuit Court on Feb. 19, the same day Block Club Chicago published an investigation detailing allegations Fleming abused women with whom he worked and had relationships.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Ariel Parrella
Read More Here
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Can We Save Chicago's Dwindling Number Of Neon Signs?
There are about 30 mid-century neon signs remaining in Chicago — but not clear incentives for owners to keep them up when their small businesses close, preservationists said.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Mack Liederman
Read More Here
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Who 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 pos...
The South Side Is Primed To Become A National Hub For Green Tech
The TRECC Global Campus for Youth & Families will house the Hip Hop Heritage Museum, a community center, sports and tech hub, workforce center and hotel, replacing long-shuttered McCorkle Elementary. It's one of many developments moving forward on the South Side with a focus on new technologies.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Jamie Nesbitt Golden
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Who we are
Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and...
Why Cook County Is Prosecuting ICE Protesters While The Feds Drop Cases
A Block Club investigation found dozens of protesters arrested by state police are still facing criminal charges for minor infractions, such as sitting on a concrete barrier — even after Gov. JB Pritzker vowed to protect their First Amendment rights.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Mina Bloom
Read More Here
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Who 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 nei...
How Five Deep Breaths A Day May Save Your Heart
Five deep breaths. It takes longer than you think, we’ll likely get through this entire introduction till you’re done.
But those five deep breaths are a great start at combating one giant source of an unhealthy heart - stress.
On today’s Block Club Chicago Podcast, sponsored by Rush, Dr. Rupa Sanghani, on how unplugging for a moment, time away from the stressful chicago news cycle, might just save your heart.
Host - Jon Hansen
Guest - Rupa Sanghani, MD
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For Many South Siders, Icon Jesse Jackson Was Their Neighbor ‘Rev’
Rev. Jesse Jackson was an icon, a civil rights advocate, a two-time presidential candidate and a political powerhouse for decades.
He was also “Rev,” a fixture in the Jackson Park Highlands community and a “sweet” and “caring” man who would speak openly on his meetings with historical figures like Martin Luther King, Jr. over hot links on the porch, his neighbors said.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Maxwell Evans
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Block Club...
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
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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
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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
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Who we are
Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, releva...
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
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Who...
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
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Who we are
Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedic...
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...
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...
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
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Who we are
Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and n...
As Crime Rates Fall, Domestic Homicides Are Surging In Chicago. Why?
While homicide totals and most other violent crime figures dropped in Chicago last year, homicides that resulted from domestic violence increased by 15 percent, according to the city’s violence reduction dashboard.
Advocates say the surge in violent abuse is due to “a tornado of risk factors,” including longstanding issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, such as unstable employment, food insecurity and homelessness.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Mina Bloom
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Who we are
Block Club Ch...
Bears. Packers. Grate night? Or Does The Pack Still Own Da Bears? UPDATE: DAAAAAAAAA BEARS
How ya feeling Bears fans? Is Ben Johnson and crew ready to take a giant leap and slay the dragon that is Green Bay? Mark Carman from the CHGO Bears Podcast breaks it all down.
Read More Here
CHGO Chicago Bears Podcast on Apple
CHGO Chicago Bears Podcast on YouTube
Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE
Who 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 bel...
In 2025, Chicago Recorded Its Fewest Murders In 60 Years. Why?
Throughout 2025, Chicago faced a barrage of attacks from President Donald Trump and other politicians painting the city as a murder-ridden hellscape needing federal — and even military — intervention. Yet as the city brought the year to a close this week, it reported its lowest number of murders in more than half a century, according to preliminary data. Quinn Myers dives into why.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Quinn Myers
Read More Here
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Who we are
Block Club Chica...
The Stories We Loved In 2025!
Some of reporters, editors, and staff weigh in on the stories they loved in 2025.
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Who 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 re...
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. Bl...
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...
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
<...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 HERE
Who 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.
...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 HERE
Who 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 a...
‘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
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Who 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...
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 o...
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 HERE
Who 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 d...
The Ultimate Guide To Shopping Local In Chicago For The 2025 Holidays
Block Club reporters are putting the spotlight on small, locally owned businesses, which are offering everything from jewelry to toys, books, self-care items, clothing and more during the holidays.
THE ENTIRE GIFT GUIDE
Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE
Who 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 m...
Hop On The Bears Bandwagon! They May Be Good (Or Might Kinda Suck) UPDATE: THEY'RE GOOD
The Bears are 8-3. If you haven't been paying too much attention, now would be a great time to hop on the Bears bandwagon.
But guard your heart. They might not be as good as their record suggests.
Mark Carman from the CHGO Bears Podcast and WGN Radio breaks it all down.
Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE
Who 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 ne...
Breast Cancer Diagnoses Are Up -- But More Women Are Surviving Than Ever
On today’s Block Club Chicago podcast, sponsored by Rush, Dr. Dipti Gupta on what women, and men, should know about breast cancer, and how Rush is trying to reach all communities in our city.
Host - Jon Hansen
Guest - Dr. Dipti Gupta
More on Rush Here
Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE
Who 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 neigh...
“This Budget Is A Disaster” -- The Committee That Told The Mayor 'No'
The City Council’s finance committee on Monday voted against Mayor Brandon Johnson’s latest 2026 budget proposal, throwing what some alderpeople have characterized as an already-strained negotiations process into further uncertainty.
After a few hours of debate over a proposed corporate head tax as well as borrowing plans and other issues, the finance committee voted decisively against the budget’s revenue ordinance.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Quinn Myers
Read More Here
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Who we are
Bloc...
No, Groupon Isn't Dead. It's Still Based In Chicago And Growing Again.
The Groupon story is personal to many Chicagoans. The company at one point was located in the former Montgomery Ward Warehouse along the banks of the Chicago river.
On today’s Block Club Chicago podcast, sponsored by Groupon, we turn the page to the next chapter - Mike Tepeli from Groupon on what’s next for this still Chicago-based company, and we hear from a small business that exists because of Groupon, and is seeing big results from their current partnership with the company.
More On Groupon
More On Get A Grip Trapeze
It Was A Celebrity Hangout. It Closed. Workers Say They Weren't Paid
A once high-profile Italian restaurant in Fulton Market is facing legal and financial troubles, with records showing more than $400,000 in unpaid rent, vendor bills, taxes and wages, even as its owner tries for a comeback.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Melody Mercado
Read More Here
For More On Chase for Business, Coaching For Impact, Click HERE
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Who we are
Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and n...
The Rink On 87th Has Been A Haven For 50 Years
The Rink, 1122 E. 87th St., has been a haven for South Side skaters for 50 years. As one skater says as he rolls by, “Everybody’s welcome. No one is invited.”
This year, owners and married couple Curtis and Ramona Pouncy hosted a glow-in-the-dark mural contest in honor of The Rink’s 50th anniversary. Artists were asked to create an image that captured what The Rink means to them and the community. A mural celebrating “The Rink Way” now lights the floor under red and green lights.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Atavia Reed
Re...
What Would Happen If Chicago Got Nuked?
In “A House of Dynamite,” the U.S. nuclear defense apparatus is caught off-guard by a single intercontinental ballistic missile, which is fired from an unknown point of origin and is headed toward Chicago.
What do experts say would happen if this played out in real life?
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Clint Worthington
Read Clint's Story Here
Check out NUKEMAP Here
More on Thursday's event Here
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Who we are
Block...
Can Judges Curb ICE’s Operation Midway Blitz?
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis took the unusual step of ordering Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino to appear in court every day to report on “use of force incidents” after a series of tear gassings in Chicago neighborhoods flouted her past orders.
On Wednesday, less than two hours before Bovino — the head of Trump’s Chicago immigration crackdown — was set to appear before Ellis for his first check-in, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals put a temporary halt to the judge’s order.
On today's podcast, federal defense attorney Mike Leonard on the role of f...
Why Are Chicago Men So Afraid To Go To The Doctor?
65% of men say they avoid seeking medical attention as long as possible
Only 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 Hansen
Guest - Dr. Zachary Glaser, Rush University Medical Center
Want to...
