The Block Club Chicago Podcast

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman Editor - Iridian Fierro The Story - HERE Special Thanks - Mike Lowe's WGN-TV Report on Recipe For Change in 2016. Watch 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 neighborh...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporters - Reema Amin + Becky Vevea More on Chalbeat's coverage HERE https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2023/12/12/chicago-public-schools-moves-away-from-school-choice/ 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...

Block Club Chicago reporters share the stories they loved to cover this year! 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 pos...

Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Michael Leonard, Leonard Trial Lawyers Former Ald. Ed Burke, the city’s longest-serving alderman and one of its most powerful politicians for decades, was convicted of racketeering conspiracy Thursday afternoon. 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 reliab...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mick Dumke While the jury deliberates his fate, we take a look back at the complicated and important legacy of former 14th Ward Alderman Ed Burke.  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 ne...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman Contributing Reports - Linze Rice, Maia McDonald, Ariel Parrella, Shamus Toomey Simmons Pro Shop in North Center and Andy’s Bowling Pro Shop in West Lawn have stuck it out as neighborhood alleys disappear around them. 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 or...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mick Dumke As the new mayor and his team grew desperate to find housing for the migrants, the migrant emergency offered lucrative opportunities to some city contractors and well-connected property owners, Block Club Chicago has found. Read the story - HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit...

Host - Iridian Fierro Editor - Jon Hansen One Chicago suburb didn't grow organically over time, it was built with a plan -- to be the exact opposite of Chicago.  For more great stories from Block Club Chicago, click 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...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Trey Arline The Story - HERE Editor - Iridian Fierro Frederick Douglass Academy High School’s low enrollment numbers are a microcosm of the West Side’s history of disinvestment over the years, neighbors said. 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 reliab...

Host - Jon Hansen Once a week, a dozen seniors rediscover their love for music while sitting at the organ. Many played as children, but stopped playing when they started their families. They gather at a music school in South Elgin on Wednesdays, and they aren't old church lady organists... Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonpr...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Rachel Hinton The Chicago Housing Authority is supposed to provide affordable homes for those in need. But the agency has nearly 500 scattered-site units that are vacant — many causing problems for their neighbors.  Read the story - 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 d...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Jake Wittich Berlin Nightclub, which closed Nov. 19 after 40 years in business, was home to generations of LGBTQ+ people and others who wanted an alternative to the existing bars.  Read the story 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, rele...

Host - Jon Hansen Block Club Chicago's Holiday Gift Guide is here, and we've got some great ideas on where to shop this season! Find the entire gift guide, presented by Marquette Bank, 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...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman Guest - Sheila Haennicke David Haennicke is one of over 120 people who have died of overdoses on the CTA since 2020. Last year overdose deaths on the transit system almost doubled to 60. David's mother, Sheila, is working to change that by destigmatizing drug use and bringing Narcan to every home and public space.   More on her efforts HERE Want to donat...

Host - Jon Hansen Lots of great news today, including a visit to Val's Halla Records in Oak Park! The record store has been around 50+ years and is as popular as ever, and now teaming up with School Of Rock to bring live music to a new generation.  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 delive...

Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Drew Hansen Firefighter Drew Hansen joins the podcast to discuss how departments battle a big blaze, and why fires are getting hotter and spreading faster now than ever before.  Chicago Firefighter Killed Battling Morning Fire In Lincoln Park Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization...

Host - Jon Hansen See more about MSI - HERE   Read more about Dr. Voula Saridakis HERE More - Black Queer Chicagoans Fought To March In 1993 Bud Billiken Parade.      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 neighborhood...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers Editor - Iridian Fierro Mayor Brandon Johnson cast the deciding vote Tuesday not to censure Ramirez-Rosa, who stepped down as council floor leader after trying to physically block Ald. Emma Mitts from attending a meeting last week. Is this drama hurting Brandon Johnson's progressive agenda? More coverage from Block Club Chicago - HERE Want to donate to our...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter Mack Liederman At least eight businesses have been hit by 'crash and grabs' in the last two weeks, police said. The burglars’ tactic: ramming a car through the store’s security gates. Block Club Chicago's Coverage 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 deliverin...

Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Miguel Esparza   Miguel Esparza didn’t grow up wanting to be in broadcasting. Nevertheless, he is now the Spanish broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bears, and Chicago Bulls.  “I had no clue whatsoever what I wanted to do,” Esparza said. “I knew one thing: I didn’t want to go to college. I was done with school. Honestly, I wanted to be a singer....

Host - Jon Hansen Editor - Iridian Fierro Read the Sun-Time article about Elaine HERE Elaine Pierce is a 68-year-old Oak Park retiree who didn't think twice about allowing 7 strangers into her 3-bedroom home in August. They now operate like an extended family, and are forming a bond that is proving essential for both Elaine and "her people." Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Wh...

The story of Engine 21 holds a special place in Chicago's history as a symbol of progress and resilience. Their dedication and bravery paved the way for greater opportunities and advancements for Black firefighters.  Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Brandon Pope Full Engine 21 Story - HERE   Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprof...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Madison Savedra Editor - Iridian Fierro The Full Story HERE Southwest Siders continue to push back on city plans to house migrants in a tent encampment in Brighton Park. While some neighbors spoke in support of the city, many who were opposed shouted things like, “Send them back.” Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a&...

Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Kaylee Barron, Gilda's Club Tickets to the Fundraiser - HERE More on Gilda's Club - HERE Gilda's Club is a place where anyone whose life has been impacted by any type of cancer, as well as their families and friends, can feel they are part of a welcoming community of support. An fundraiser on November 4th aims to help more Chicagoans for generations to come.  Want to dona...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Crystal Paul Edited by Iridian Fierro Decades ago, officials demolished Beverly's three outdoor basketball courts. Politicians and neighbors cited safety concerns but at least one unnamed resident told the Chicago Tribune  in 2000 “There was trouble with a lot of Black kids coming in.” Now, some neighbors want them back.  Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLIC...