Best Block Club Chicago Podcasts (2025)

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Why NIMBYs Often Win Neighborhood Battles 24:20

Play Pause

3d ago24:20

24:20

Development fights are often won or lost in the community meeting. And so-called (though some would argue unfairly labeled) NIMBYs are often at the meetings in force, and can kill a project or fight for a compromise. Quinn Myers details some battles he's covered, and Madison Savedra is in the midst of a fight brewing on the North Side over a gigant…

1
This Scuba Diver On A Boat With No Name Finds Your Stuff In The Lake 17:08

5d ago17:08

17:08

Yohei Yamada reunites boaters with valuables they’ve dropped into the lake — from cellphones to wedding rings and Rolex watches. In the water is also where he is finding himself again. Host - Iridian Fierro Reporter - Mack Liederman Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non…

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Anthony Rizzo Back On The Cubs -- For One Day 19:00

10d ago19:00

19:00

Anthony Rizzo, one of the most beloved Chicago Cubs in recent memory, announced his retirement from baseball Wednesday morning — and he’s doing so as a Cub. The 14-year MLB veteran, who spent a decade anchoring first base at Wrigley Field, will work with the Cubs as an official ambassador, the team announced Wednesday. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Sha…

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What To Know About ICE’s Operation Midway Blitz In Chicago 22:37

12d ago22:37

22:37

The surge in federal immigration raids has started in Chicago. The surge, dubbed Operation Midway Blitz, will target undocumented people in Chicago and throughout Illinois, according to a press release issued Monday by the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Host - Jon Hansen Reporters - Quinn Myers,…

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Could AI Data Centers Drain Lake Michigan? 22:14

17d ago22:14

22:14

Data centers powering artificial intelligence are putting a strain on Lake Michigan and other local water systems, which could lead to water shortages if not addressed, according to a recent report from the Alliance for the Great Lakes. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Helena Volzer, the Alliance for the Great Lakes’ Senior Source Water Policy Manager Wan…

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How The West Side's 'Shine King' Keeps Going Even As Shoe Shining Disappears 18:22

19d ago18:22

18:22

The Austin shop carries on the legacy of its founder, James Cole, who died in 2022. But these days, employees are as likely to fix up Jordans and Uggs as they are leather dress shoes, said his son and current owner Vernon Cole. Host - Iridian Fierro Reporter - Michael Liptrot Read More Here More on episode sponsor, Rush Want to donate to our non-pr…

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A Look Inside What Some Call Chicago's "Death Hospital" 32:15

25d ago32:15

32:15

Patients and staff have reported filthy rooms, broken supplies and a flooded ER at Community First in Portage Park despite the tens of millions in taxpayer grants sent to the for-profit safety-net hospital since the pandemic. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Manny Ramos Read More Here More on today's sponsor, Columbia College Chicago Want to donate to …

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Meet The Watermelon Man, A South Side Legend With The Sweetest Melons In Town 25:27

26d ago25:27

25:27

When South Siders have a taste for the sweetest summer fruit, they know exactly where to find it: on Kenny The Watermelon Man’s truck at 83rd Street and Stony Island Avenue. Host - Iridian Fierro Reporter - Atavia Reed Read More Here For more about Columbia College Chicago - Click Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we ar…

1
Are Your Kids Sick? Pediatricians Still Battling 'Illness Of The Summer' As School Starts 20:50

1M ago20:50

20:50

As kids go back to school, pediatricians play an important role in helping students get ready for potential illnesses -- including some that have percolated throughout the summer. Pediatricians also are on the front line of helping kids deal with the emotional and mental issues that come from heading back into the classroom. Today's episode, sponso…

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The Uptown Theater Is 100 Years Old, But Will It Ever Open Again? 21:47

1M ago21:47

21:47

The Uptown Theatre has sat vacant for 44 of its 100 years. Efforts to reopen it have come and gone. A new effort carries a $190 million price tag, with funding yet to be secured. “Uptown is missing its crown jewel,” its owner said. Host - Jon Hansen Reporters - Mack Liederman, Madison Savedra Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom…

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Terrible Portrait Artist Says ‘I Have No Plan To Get Better’ -- Still A Hit In Logan Square 17:30

1M ago17:30

17:30

Logan Square farmers market attendees are flocking to a table in the boulevard to have their portrait drawn by Jacob Ryan Reno for $5 — and he’s “bewildered” as to why. Host - Iridian Fierro 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 deli…

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Is It Safe To Swim In The Chicago River? 17:07

1M ago17:07

17:07

For the first time in 98 years, the Chicago River will host an open water swim event early this fall The event — which was approved by the city after officials denied it a permit last year — takes place Sept. 21. But is it safe to swim in the river? Chris Anchor from the Cook County Forest Preserve weighs in. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Chris Anchor …

1
Will Chicago Close More Streets And Create More Pedestrian Malls? 23:15

2M ago23:15

23:15

In 1979, Mayor Jane Byrne transformed a nine-block stretch of state street into a pedestrian mall. It did not go well. Since then, that example has been used as a cautionary tale against turning streets into pedestrian only areas. But is the tide turning? Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsr…

1
Could DuSable Lake Shore Drive Move Underground? There's A Plan For That 19:14

2M ago19:14

19:14

A long-awaited improvement plan for Grant Park calls for the famed park to be extended to the lakefront — with DuSable Lake Shore Drive routed underneath the expanded green space. That is, if city officials can find the money to pull it off. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK …

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Why Chicago's Affordable Housing Crisis Is Getting Worse 24:15

2M ago24:15

24:15

Why is it so expensive to build affordable housing in Chicago? One recent West Side development clocked in at $884,000 per unit. While the city says it’s working to address red tape that drives up expenses, advocates say more must be done to rein in “crazy” costs associated with affordable housing. Host - Jon Hansen Reporters - Michael Liptrot and …

1
She Taught Her Own HS Chem Class, Now She's Headed To Her Dream College 29:51

2M ago29:51

29:51

As her senior year got underway, two of the many people who reached out to Carolina Carchi were teachers she’d had in elementary school. “You were amazing when I had you, and you are still showing them how to turn a terrible experience into an amazing opportunity to learn and grow,” one wrote. Another wrote: “I. AM. SO. PROUD. OF YOU!!!!… You are A…

1
Chicago's Rich History of Political Nepotism 20:00

2M ago20:00

20:00

Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicatedto delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago'sdiverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to becovered in a meaningful way.We amplify positive stories, cover development and lo…

1
The Flashy Fugitives: Ex-Loretto Hospital Leader And Contractor Are Living Large In Dubai 22:17

2M ago22:17

22:17

Entrepreneurs and doctors Anosh Ahmed and Sameer Suhail had matching cars, a matching taste for luxury watches and matching condos in Chicago’s Trump Tower. The two even had similar backstories: They’d immigrated to the United States as children — Ahmed from Pakistan and Suhail from Jordan — and had gotten their medical degrees from overseas school…

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O'Hare's Bees Give A Second Chance To Formerly Incarcerated Chicagoans 21:18

2M ago21:18

21:18

Boeing 737s and Airbus A350s aren’t the only things taking flight at O’Hare Airport. A quiet patch of green space at O’Hare has been home to a collection of beehives for almost 15 years. In 2011, O’Hare became the first airport in the United States to have an apiary. Since then, the hives have produced thousands of pounds of honey. Host- Jon Hansen…

1
The Chicago Way -- Powerful Alderman Resigning, And His Son Wants The Gig 17:08

2M ago17:08

17:08

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Melody Mercado One of Chicago’s most influential aldermen, Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27th) is stepping down by the end of the month to lead the Chicago Housing Authority — or retire from politics entirely. His son wants the job. Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Ch…

1
The Lightning Bugs Are Back This Year -- But Will This Be Their Curtain Call? 20:08

2M ago20:08

20:08

Swarms of flying insects are usually a nuisance. But this summer, Chicagoans are lighting up for a big return of lightning bugs. The flying beetles known for their bioluminescence are keeping the lights on across the city — more so than past summers, local bug experts have observed. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman Read More Here Want to…

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The Foundation of Freedom: Maria Garza on Housing, Healing & Change 11:07

2M ago11:07

11:07

After over a decade behind bars, Maria Garza returned to a world with little support and even less stability. Facing housing insecurity and emotional strain, she saw firsthand the failures of a system that promised rehabilitation but delivered barriers. Determined to break the cycle, she co-founded Challenge II Change, a reentry organization that c…

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This Episode May Save Your Life -- Important Clues To Recognize A Stroke 23:15

3M ago23:15

23:15

Chicago hospitals have been key to helping more people surviving strokes. Today's episode, sponsored by Rush, explains what signs to watch out for, and how the hospital systems continues to improve outcome for patients. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Dr. Laurel Cherian More About Rush Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are…

1
Harry Peña: From Prison to Purpose 7:20

2M ago7:20

7:20

When a rash decision changed the course of his life, Harry Peña spent decades behind bars. But prison didn't break him — it revealed his purpose. Determined to turn his painful past into a force for good, Harry founded the Life Impacters Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to disrupting the incarceration and recidivism cycle that traps so many former…

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Some Chicago Officials Want ICE Agents To Take Off Their Masks 18:31

3M ago18:31

18:31

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Francia Garcia Hernandez A group of police district council members is urging city officials to prohibit federal immigration agents from wearing face masks and force them to identify themselves when working in the city. The call comes as masked federal agents have been seen making arrests at immigration courts, during r…

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Chicago's Sunniest Month Is Here — Don't Let It Ruin Your Skin 24:15

3M ago24:15

24:15

Today's episode is sponsored by Rush. July is Chicago's sunniest month. But be careful -- it can age our skin and potentially cause skin cancer. Dr. Samantha Venkatesh from Rush with some useful tips to stay safe and enjoy the sunshine. For more on Rush, click here! Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago…

1
WTF Is Banana Ball And Why Is It The Hottest Ticket In Chicago? 20:10

3M ago20:10

20:10

The hottest ticket for a game in town isn’t for the Chicago Cubs or White Sox. A new barnstorming league of dancing ballplayers making national headlines and packing football stadiums for reimagining the stodgy rules of America’s pastime have sold out Sox Park for two nights between Aug. 15-16. More than 182,000 people applied to a lottery just for…

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Wendell Robinson: Life Sentence to Reentry Reform 9:36

3M ago9:36

9:36

Sentenced to life in prison at just 19 years old, Wendell Robinson drew his own map to freedom. Now, through his work at Restore Justice, Robinson uses his experience and knowledge to help other formerly incarcerated people navigate the reentry system and find their place in society. Produced by Skylah Martinez, Bing Wang, and Eliza Westhusing for …

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Why Lake Michigan Has Fallen Nearly 4 Feet Since 2020 20:35

3M ago20:35

20:35

Lake Michigan set a record high in 2020. In Edgewater, the low lake levels have connected two popular beaches while also exposing a protected dunes area to beachgoers. In South Shore, neighbors are relieved the high waters aren’t threatening their buildings. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Madison Savedra This episode sponsored by Rush Want to donate …

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Sidetrack Could Become The First Gay Bar In An American Airport 12:36

3M ago12:36

12:36

Sidetrack, the city’s largest and arguably most popular gay bar, has applied to open a location at O’Hare Airport — a move that, if approved, would make it the first gay bar inside an airport in the United States. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Patrick Filbin Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club C…

1
Ex-Loretto Hospital Executive Charged With Stealing $300 Million Through COVID Testing Scams 24:25

3M ago24:25

24:25

The former Loretto Hospital executive charged with stealing millions from the safety-net hospital also used fake COVID-19 testing companies to steal about $300 million from the government, prosecutors alleged in a newly unsealed indictment. Former Loretto COO and CFO Anosh Ahmed is among a group of four who now face charges related to the scheme, p…

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Struggle to Serve: Larry Sapp and the push for political inclusion 9:06

3M ago9:06

9:06

“Struggle to Serve: Larry Sapp and the push for political inclusion” Larry Sapp has dedicated the past 30 years to serving his community. In 2021, he was elected to the Sauk Village Board of Trustees, promising to get the community thriving again after years of decay. His dream was deferred when he was removed from the Board for a decades-old felon…

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Trump Says ICE Is Cracking Down In Chicago — But The City Vows To 'Resist' 21:40

3M ago21:40

21:40

The Chicago No Kings rally comes as protests have ramped up against ICE and the Trump administration this week locally and in Los Angeles, where the National Guard and Marines have been deployed against the wishes of local leaders. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Francia Garcia Hernadez Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are …

1
Chicago Is Sinking More Than Most Cities. Here's Why. 17:06

3M ago17:06

17:06

Chicago is the fifth-fastest-sinking major city in the United States, according to a new study. While the city is only sinking by a few millimeters every year, experts say the shift could damage buildings and other infrastructure. Reporter - Molly DeVore Host - Jon Hansen Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we a…

1
Shimere Love-Shanklin: From Struggle to Strength 12:02

3M ago12:02

12:02

“Shimere Love-Shanklin: From Struggle to Strength” Finding employment and opening doors that seem permanently closed is a barrier that people with felony records continually face. Shamere Love-Shanklin knows this reality all too well. In this episode, Love-Shanklin shares her reentry journey—navigating the challenges, embracing the triumphs, and re…

1
Chicago’s Escalating Domestic Violence Crisis 28:08

4M ago28:08

28:08

Content warning: This story contains descriptions of domestic violence and abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, contact the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 877-863-6338. Local officials say they’re making concerted efforts to reduce domestic violence and raise awareness. Yet a complicated mix of factors can lead to these tragic cases…

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Rhymes & Resistance: King Moosa uses creativity to advance voting rights 8:08

4M ago8:08

8:08

“Rhymes & Resistance: King Moosa uses creativity to advance voting rights” Did you know that individuals with felony convictions in Illinois still retain the right to vote? Rockford-born hip-hop ARTivist Brian Harrington, aka King Moosa, is trying to spread the word. Sentenced to 25 years in prison at the age of 14, King Moosa experienced the isola…

1
Nurses Remain The Most Trusted Profession -- Here's One Chicago Hospital Where They Thrive 21:29

4M ago21:29

21:29

Today's episode is sponsored by Rush University Medical Center. May is National Nurses Month, and on this episode, we chat with two nurses at Rush to find out why they love their job, and what sets Rush apart. Nursing remains the country's most trusted profession. Medical centers across the country are counting on a new generation of nurses to fill…

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Season 5 Trailer 0:35

4M ago0:35

0:35

By Reparations Media

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Block Club Chicago Sues ICE Over Immigration Arrest Records 17:29

4M ago17:29

17:29

Federal immigration officials still haven’t released records showing how many people they rounded up during January sweeps in Chicago or what happened to them afterward. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mick Dumke READ MORE HERE DONATE HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news…

1
'Art For Zhegagoynak/Chicagoland' Honors Indigenous Voices 18:29

5M ago18:29

18:29

Read More About Woven Being Here Through the perspectives of four collaborating artists with connections to Zhegagoynak—Andrea Carlson (Grand Portage Ojibwe/European descent), Kelly Church (Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Tribe of Pottawatomi/Ottawa), Nora Moore Lloyd (Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe), andJason Wesaw (Pokagon Band of Pota…

1
Uber Wrongfully Charged Riders Downtown Congestion Fee For Months 10:18

5M ago10:18

10:18

A review of Uber receipts showed the company has been routinely adding the $1.50 charge on Downtown rides outside of the surcharge’s time window. In response to a Block Club inquiry, an Uber spokesperson said the company had “mistakenly charged” the congestion fee on rides after 10 p.m. since early January, when the city expanded the Downtown conge…

1
The West Side Teen Operating A Hair Salon In Her High School Bathroom 15:33

5M ago15:33

15:33

A North Lawndale student whose pop-up bathroom hair salon became an online sensation is working to turn her passion for hairstyling and supporting her friends into a business. Host - Iridian Fierro Reporter - Michael Liptrot 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 n…

1
The Illegal Junkyard Operating On City Property For A Decade 17:18

5M ago17:18

17:18

Corroded cars, broken-down trucks and dusty motorcycles have piled up on two lots in Englewood. For years, families have been forced to live next to the collection of mangled vehicles and junk. Still, no one has taken responsibility for the junkyard on the 7100 block of South Normal Boulevard. Public records identify a North Side man as the agent o…

1
Is The Mag Mile Staging A Comeback? 16:17

5M ago16:17

16:17

As questions about Water Tower Place’s future swirl, city leaders say a new plan will prevent the historic mall from becoming another casualty of the pandemic-era retail collapse — and could spark fresh momentum for the Mag Mile’s ongoing revival. Host - Iridian Fierro Reporter - Melody Mercado Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsro…

1
The Chicagoans With The 3,000 Mile Commute 20:04

6M ago20:04

20:04

Mat Riendeau, his wife, and their three kids spend fall, winter, and spring like all Chicagoans. In the summer, they commute to Kodiak Island, Alaska, and really get to work. More About Hook Point 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 deliveri…

1
Chicago Teacher’s Book Explores Life As A Kid In An Immigrant Household 14:18

6M ago14:18

14:18

Teacher Jacqueline Alcántara’s book is inspired by her experience as a first-generation child growing up in a Spanish-speaking household. Families can attend a launch party Saturday in Pilsen. Host - Iridian Fierro Reporter - Francia Garcia Hernandez Guest - Jacqueline Alcántara Tíos and Primos, By Jacqueline Alcántara Want to donate to our non-pro…

1
The Neighborhood Looking For Answers As Survivors Look For Justice 26:07

7M ago26:07

26:07

Six survivors, some of whom were attacked as recently as last month and others back in 2022, have come together to speak out about their assaults in the Logan Square neighborhood. “We want our collective nightmare to end.” Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Ariel Parella Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Bloc…

1
90 Years Of Cheezborger Cheezborger 17:33

7M ago17:33

17:33

There’s now a Billy Goat at both Chicago airports, Navy Pier, near the United Center, and most recently Wrigley Field, with two additional locations for good measure and even more cheezborgers for sale in supermarket freezers. Business is sizzling. And late last year the Billy Goat Tavern turned the corner on 90 years. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - …

1
The Alderman's Office That Kicked A Block Club Reporter Out Of A Public Meeting 17:38

7M ago17:38

17:38

When 25th Ward officials announced the reopening of a controversial Pilsen bar at a public meeting last week, Francia Garcia Hernandez wasn’t allowed to hear what neighbors had to say about it. That’s because Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez’s 25th Ward chief of staff kicked her out, a move media experts say may violate First Amendment rights that protect t…