The Block Club Chicago Podcast

Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Angela Esposito, Chicago Architecture Center Everything about Open House Chicago - HERE Chicago is filled with architectural wonders and histories, and this weekend you’ll have a chance to explore over 170 of them.  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 re...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers The Full Story The 2024 budget proposal would increase police spending slightly, focusing on more detectives. It also provides $150 million to help asylum seekers — and does not include a property tax hike. 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 deliver...

Host - Jon Hansen From lush gardens, rewards for drinking beer, cheese fortune tellers, and priceless art hanging in dorms, we've got a hodgepodge of good news for Episode 100!   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...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Manny Ramos As CTA riders coped with unreliable and sometimes unsafe service, agency President Dorval Carter’s salary climbed more than 60% in just eight years. But he operates with little accountability. 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,...

Host - Jon Hansen Lee Crooks, "The Voice of the CTA" who tells "L" and bus riders what stop is coming and which side the doors open joins the show! 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 n...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers Read the rest of the story HERE Alderpeople and an influential restaurant industry group have reached a compromise on a plan to eliminate the “subminimum wage” for tipped workers. 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 Cats in Action’s mission is to enable people to help free-roaming cats through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) by sharing best practices and providing comprehensive resources. Jon Hansen tagged along with the team on Chicago's East Side.  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 deliv...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman With "The Kidler," a bunch of inquisitive Chicago teenagers have teamed up to keep the pulse of their neighborhoods. 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...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Madison Savedra  The Story - HERE Thousands of people are still sleeping on police station floors and a lack of concrete, long term planning has the city's stop gaps faltering. Madison Savedra reports.  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, re...

Host - Jon Hansen The Schmidts have visited over half of Chicago's 600-plus parks. It's been a fun, an enlightening journey.  Follow their journey 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...

Host - Jon Hansen Photojournalist - Colin Boyle A KC-135 refueling tanker took off from Gary Jet Center Thursday morning with Illinois Air National Guardsmen and members of the media for a midwestern jaunt. Our photographer Colin Boyle was on board.  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 deli...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman Yes, Cubs fans, the spirit and sound of Wrigley Field — otherwise known as Ronnie Woo Woo — is alive and well as the streaking Cubs make a push for the pennant. And his voice doesn’t hurt much, either.  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 deliveri...

Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Thor Pedersen, Once Upon a Saga Thor Pedersen is thought to be the first person to visit every single country on earth, in one continuous journey, without ever traveling by plane. His decade long journey led him through Chicago in 2014.  Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedi...

Block Club's new(ish) Arts and Culture Editor Gwen Ihnat discusses the beat, best things to do this weekend, and her favorite Chicago music venue.  Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Gwen Ihnat Coverage on: SAG-AFTRA WGA Strike Last Summer on State Street Tron Cat Video Fest 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 Guest - Brandon Pope Four-on-the-floor, 120 beats per minute. Today's artist are getting on the house music trend, which started in Chicago. Brandon Pope explores why we can claim ownership of house music's origins.  WATCH THIS STORY  More about 'On The Block' HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ne...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman More on the story HERE More on Ravenswood On Tap HERE Many employees — now owners — of the beloved Rogers Park shop have worked there for decades. "We wanted them to be in charge of their destiny," said Ken Walchak, whose grandfather started the business in 1924. Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a&nbs...

Award-winning media personality Anna DeShawn has been sharing queer news and stories through radio and podcasts for nearly 15 years. This summer, she's going on a nationwide tour to amplify queer, Black and people of color (BIPOC) creators. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Anna DeShawn E3 Radio Queer News Podcast The Qube TONIGHTS EVENT! - UNAPOLOGETIC: Being Black and Queer in Podcasting Want to donate...

Independent Bookstores Unabridged and Women & Children First have been there for the LGBTQ+ Community For Decades. They remain relevant today by keeping their focus on helping the communities they serve - present and future.  Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Kayleigh Padar Unabridged Bookstore Women &  Children First Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago i...

Mike McMains, founder of Tours With Mike and creator of the Ugly Buildings tours, has three tours focusing on LGBTQ+ history on the North Side, South Side and Downtown. Host - Jon Hansen Check out Tours By Mike 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 nonpartisa...

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Kayleigh Padar More Proud City 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 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 positiv...

Four Chicago transplants have formed a deep bond known as chosen family, a term for people who choose to embrace, support and love each other like relatives, regardless of blood or marriage. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Jake Wittich More on the Pepperoni Family HERE More on Queer Pride Fam Jam by Slo ‘Mo and Kido HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chic...

From street festivals, to concerts, to bike rides and picnics -- Block Club Chicago staffers share what's on their summer bucket list! 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...

Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Chris Anchor, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Forest Preserve District of Cook County A chunky, scaly bad boy is stealing the city’s heart. Chonk the snapping turtle may also be a sign the Chicago River is returning to it's pre-industrial health.  More on this story HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non...

Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Maggie Winters - Insta - TikTok Maggie Winters learned everything she knows about comedy from her experience growing up in Chicago. Now, she's selling out shows and trying to help make Chicago a comedic destination, not just a stepping stone to LA or NYC.  Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit new...

On The Block Host Brandon Pope interviews Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson.  You can catch 'On The Block' Thursdays at 7p on The U, Saturdays at 10a and Sundays at 6:30p on CW26. Here's a station 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 o...