The Block Club Chicago Podcast
The important, emotional, inspiring stories affecting Chicagoans. New episodes Tuesdays, Thursdays, or whenever a BIG story breaks.
Sidebar: The Pope Is Critical Of AI, So Can You Stop Using It At Work?
On this week's Sidebar episode, employment lawyer Patrick Dolan on the story of a woman who claimed a religious exemption from using AI -- and her company agreed! Federal defense attorney Mike Leonard discusses a part of his practice that defends college students during disciplinary hearings -- a system Leonard refers to as a 'kangaroo court'.
Guests:
Patrick Dolan, Employment Lawyer
Mike Leonard, Federal Defense Attorney
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Who we are
Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non...
Will The Obama Center Deliver What It Promised To South Siders?
“Hope,” like the Obama campaign slogan, is a common feeling for nearby residents awaiting this week’s opening. Others question what community benefits will come with the global destination.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Maxwell Evans
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 am...
Is Chicago Part Of 'Tornado Alley' Now?
Illinois has seen nearly 150 tornadoes so far in 2026, leading the nation. It’s the fourth year in a row where the state has surpassed 100 twisters, many in the Chicagoland area. WGN-TV's Bill Snyder answers the question -- is Chicago part of 'Tornado Alley' now?
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 beli...
Heading To The Vatican? You’ll Probably Run Into Some Chicagoans
As the sun rose over Vatican City, hundreds — including many Chicagoans — lined up to enter St. Peter’s Square ahead of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s meeting with Pope Leo XIV.
Reporter Ariel Parrella and Photographer Colin Boyle were there with the mayor and met many Chicagoans who also made the journey.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporters - Ariel Parrella, Colin Boyle
Read More Here
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Who we are
Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organizati...
Illinois Banning Cellphones From Classrooms — Will It Work?
Illinois is set to join a growing number of states that have barred cellphone use in the classroom.
Just as the Illinois General Assembly reached its deadline to wrap up its legislative session Sunday, the state Senate passed legislation that would largely restrict cellphones in Illinois schools. The legislation would go into effect for the 2027-28 school year, meaning school districts will have a year to plan before the restrictions are implemented.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Makiya Seminera
Read More Here
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Sidebar: Will US Attorney Resign? + Many Chicagoans Fall For New Scam
The local U.S. Attorney’s Office is instituting “sweeping internal reforms” to its handling of grand jury proceedings after a high-profile case against a group of protesters crumbled due to prosecutorial misconduct. But will it save Andrew Boutros' job?
And an employment scam promising "pay for likes" costs hundreds of Chicagoans thousands of dollars.
Federal Defense Attorney Mike Leonard and Employment Law Lawyer Patrick Dolan break it all down.
Host - Jon Hansen
Guests:
Mike Leonard, Federal Defense Attorney
Patrick Dolan, Employment Lawyer
ABC-7's Repor...
Why The Chicago Accent Is Dying
The so-called “Chicago accent” is one of the city’s greatest exports, alongside Italian beef, deep-dish pizza and up-and-coming sketch comedians.
Most associate a particular kind of sound to the average Chicagoan. But there are actually many Chicago accents with different origins. And many of them are dying out.
Host - Jon Hansen
Guest - Tanera Marshall
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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 Chica...
How The Bears Got Nothing From Springfield
Despite a Hail Mary heave from the Illinois Senate in the final hours of the spring legislative session, state lawmakers ultimately failed to reach the end zone on a bill incentivizing the Chicago Bears to build a new stadium in Illinois.
Host - Jon Hansen
Guest - Ben Szalisnki, Capitol News Illinois
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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 n...
Field Trip! The Smart Museum Celebrates Alma Thomas' Dazzling Abstracts
Alma Thomas (1891–1978) is a singular figure of twentieth-century American art. She developed her form of abstraction – characterized by the dazzling interplay of pattern and hue – late in life, after retiring from a long career as a schoolteacher.
Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas draws on the extensive holdings of the artist’s paintings at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) and offers an intimate view of Thomas’s evolving practice during her most prolific period.
Host - Jon Hansen
Guest - His Mom, Marcia
Guest - Galina Mardilovich, Curator
Learn More H...
Why Women Have More Strokes Than Men — And How You Can Survive One
A stroke that might have killed you 50 years ago — or left you permanently disabled 20 years ago — can now sometimes be treated so effectively that patients go on to live long, healthy lives. But timing is everything… and increasingly, so is understanding your personal risk factors.
Host - Jon Hansen
Guest - Dr. Sarah Song
More, at Rush.edu
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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 coverag...
'Broadview 6' Charges Dropped After Feds Admit To Errors And Misconduct
Charges against four Broadview protesters accused of impeding immigration officers were dropped Thursday after the U.S. Attorney’s Office made the extraordinary admission that federal prosecutors had committed misconduct during the grand jury proceedings that led to charges being filed in the first place.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Madison Savedra
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 Chi...
Sidebar: Tipped Wage Hike Paused + DOJ's New 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund
The City Council decisively moved to delay a planned phaseout of the subminimum base wage for tipped workers by two years, stymying one of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s most significant legislative wins during his first term in office.
The Department of Justice settled a tax lawsuit from President Trump, establishing a fund to pay Americans who feel they were prosecuted unfairly by the government.
Host - Jon Hansen
Guests:
Mike Leonard, Federal Defense Attorney
Patrick Dolan, Employment Lawyer
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How Lowrider Bikes Are Bringing Together Teens Impacted By ICE Raids
Teens at nonprofit Bikes & Roses, many children of immigrants or immigrants themselves, are creating unique bikes to help heal after the violence their communities experienced during operations Midway Blitz and At Large.
Host - Iridian Fierro
Reporter - Alex V. Hernandez
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...
How Did An Eel Get Into The Chicago River?
Last week, Ben Gorashchenko looked down into the Chicago River at the long, twisting, wriggling creature he just reeled in.
Gorashchenko was pulling in an American eel — an extremely rare find in the Chicago River. Researchers told Block Club that, to their knowledge, there is just one other known instance of someone catching an American eel in the Chicago River in recent years, when a child caught one in 2017.
This catch also presents bigger mysteries — like what finding an eel in Chicago can tell us about the local ecosystem and how exactly this animal found its...
Chloe’s Closet Is Making Prom Dreams Come True For Bronzeville Students
Dunbar Vocational High School teacher Tyesa Walton launched the giveaway in memory of her daughter Chloe, who died at birth. She’s giving away 400 dresses to students this prom season.
Host - Iridian Fierro
Reporter - Jamie Nesbitt Golden
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...
How A Tortured Man Ended Up In The One Place He Couldn't Be Deported To
After he was tortured in El Salvador and one of his family members was killed, M.G. sought refuge in the United States. A protection under the Convention Against Torture was supposed to make sure M.G. didn’t go back. Instead, immigration officials detained him for over a year, then deported him. Now, we can't get a hold of him.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Rachel Hinton
Read More Here
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Who we are
Block Club Chi...
Sidebar: Charges Against ICE Agents? + How AI Hurts Some Job Seekers
Introducing 'Sidebar', a podcast featuring Chicago lawyers discussing important legal discussions and issues. Employment lawyer Patrick Dolan and federal defense attorney Mike Leonard will join host Jon Hansen every other Saturday.
This week, Mike Leonard discusses the potential of ICE agents facing local charges after Operation 'Midway Blitz' and Patrick Dolan weighs in on local laws protecting workers from AI bias during the hiring process.
Host - Jon Hansen
Guests:
Mike Leonard, Federal Defense Attorney
Patrick Dolan, Employment Lawyer
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The South Side Pharmacy Desert Is Growing As Another Walgreens Leaves
The pharmacy desert on the South Side is growing.
As another South Side Walgreens prepares to close, so local leaders and residents rallied outside the business Monday to demand corporate officials either keep the store open or invest in other healthcare organizations in the community.
The Walgreens store at 8628 S. Cottage Grove Ave. will close permanently June 4, according to Ald. William Hall (6th) and the national drugstore chain.
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Who we are
Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonpro...
Is The Mag Mile Back?
With new tenants opening up on the Mag Mile, Melody Mercado on whether the famed shopping district is back.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Melody Mercado
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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 wa...
West Side Center Opens To Fix Chicago's 16-Year Life Expectancy Gap
The West Garfield Park Sankofa Village Wellness Center offers primary medical care, fitness services and more. Access to these things could help residents who live, on average, 16 years fewer than people in other parts of Chicago, advocates say.
On today’s Block Club Chicago podcast, sponsored by Rush, their VP of community health equity Rukiya Curvey Johnson discusses the opening.
Host - Jon Hansen
Guest - Rukiya Curvey Johnson
READ MORE HERE
Michael Liptrot's Coverage of the opening HERE
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Could The Bears Bill Create Opening For A New White Sox Stadium?
After more than three years on the legislative backburner, the Illinois House approved a major economic development bill that would clear the path for the Chicago Bears to build a new domed stadium in Arlington Heights.
The bill includes broader economic development provisions, especially for Chicago and Springfield.
Blighted or underused rail yards in Chicago would be eligible for their own type of megaproject aimed at redeveloping and revitalizing the yards. To be eligible, the projects must bring in $40 billion in new tax revenue over at least 40 years and increase transit ridership by 10,000 riders on...
Midway Blitz Is Over, Now ICE Is Quietly Targeting Immigrants At Court
Arrests are ticking back up, with immigrants targeted at hearings and in courthouses, although federal agents are far less present in the streets than they were in the fall.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Francia Garcia Hernandez
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.
The Secrets Underneath The Chicago Museum That Almost Never Happened
Creators behind a new interactive event coming to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry have one goal in mind: fashion, but make it sustainable. Thrift Lab, which will feature an expert panel of speakers on sustainability and clothing, a textile mending workshop, a communal fashion project and a vintage market, will take place after hours at the museum from 6-10 p.m. April 30.
It looks like a great event, and reminded the Block Club Chicago podcast team about conversations with the museums head curator, about MSI's history and what's in their archives that most people never...
'A Death Trap' -- Ford City Mall Shut Down
City officials filed a motion Monday asking a Cook County judge to enforce the immediate evacuation of all tenants and occupants at Ford City Mall — months after a local developer proposed a plan to transform the nearly vacant space into an industrial campus, records show.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Atavia Reed
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 Chic...
How Ray Lopez Became Conservative Media’s Favorite Chicago Democrat
As Southwest Side neighbors were targeted or hid in their homes, Ald. Raymond Lopez repeatedly defended Trump’s immigration roundups on conservative and right-wing media. The 15th Ward alderman has long been a vocal and complex figure in the City Council. With roots in the Democratic machine, Lopez emerged as a tough-on-crime ward politician more than a decade ago and has evolved into an outspoken council independent.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Manny Ramos
Read More Here
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One Woman's Crusade To Bring Maternal Health Care To The South Side
A maternal and reproductive health care center on the South Side broke ground this week as organizers prepare for the culmination of years of planning and fundraising.
The Chicago South Side Birth Center, 8301 S. South Shore Drive, will renovate the former Morning Star Bible Baptist Church into three birthing suites and a reproductive health clinic with culturally relevant midwifery care. The nonprofit center is expected to open in early 2027.
Host - Jon Hansen
Read More Here
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A Private School Wants More Space - Why Many Neighbors Are Pushing Back
Francis W. Parker School, a private K-12 college prep school in Lincoln Park, is moving forward with plans to expand its footprint following years of neighborhood backlash, failed buyout attempts and at one point a lawsuit.
The school’s plan to expand, neighbors say, could cost families their homes, reshape a tightly knit residential block and deepen a yearslong rift between the school and the community it calls home.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Patrick Filbin
Read More Here
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Pat Tomasulo Wants You To Laugh Your Face Off
Pat Tomasulo is a man of many talents -- from sports anchor on WGN-TV's Morning Show, to his hilarious standup specials, Pat has been making people laugh for decades.
His wife Amy is one of roughly 400,000 people in the US who suffers from trigeminal neuralgia, a nerve disorder doctors classify as one of the worst pains known to mankind. Others simply call it “the suicide disease.”
Pat and Amy started “Laugh Your Face Off,” a comedy fundraiser to benefit The Facial Pain Research Foundation (facingfacialpain.org). After a successful debut in 2015, the event has raised over $4...
Colonoscopies Aren't THAT Bad -- But They're More Important Than Ever
Colon cancer rates are rising among younger Americans. But on today's podcast, Rush's Dr. Salina Lee demystifies the disease and highlights the recent progress made in diagnosing and treating patients.
Host - Jon Hansen
Guest - Dr. Salina Lee
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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...
An AI School With No Teachers Coming To Chicago This Fall
Alpha Schools, opening this fall in the former GEMS Academy in Lakeshore East, says its AI-driven model can help students learn core academics in just two hours a day, freeing up time for workshops, unique projects and learning various life skills.
Using only software, no textbooks or homework, the classrooms are also purged of traditional teachers and replaced with “guides” who are instructed to motivate students as they complete their virtual lessons.
Host - Jon Hansen
Reporter - Melody Mercado
Read More Here
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After Chuy's Controversial Exit, A New Era Of Latino Leadership Begins
Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García dropped his reelection campaign at the last minute in November, giving Patty García, his chief of staff, a head start on filing petitions and potentially a clear path to Congress. The move instead set off a campaign frenzy; now, four independent candidates are vying for the congressional seat.
The race is shaping up to be one of the most unique in the country as the seat — held by Latino Democrats for more than 30 years — could be taken by an independent in November’s general election.
Host - Jon Hansen
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
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...
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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