Best Broadway Block Podcasts (2025)

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Broadway Block - Episode 205 25:00

Play Pause

5h ago25:00

25:00

With the news only breaking last week fresh off wrapping an episode, we begin today's by discussing JT Miller's promotion to captain, and dive straight into the first two preseason games for the New York Rangers against the Devils and Bruins. Trying not to put too much stock into wins and losses, we focus on players that stood out in both a negativ…

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Chicago council approves "granny flat" ordinance 0:55

19m ago0:55

0:55

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Chicago aldermen have voted to lift the decades-old ban on new coach houses and "accessory" apartments in the city.

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"You're a sellout:" Tempers flare during Council debate 0:55

2h ago0:55

0:55

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on a contentious debate during Thursday's City Council discussion of a resolution honoring Hispanic Heritage Month.

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Chicago aldermanic seat stays in the family 0:39

1h ago0:39

0:39

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports the son of retired West side alderman Walter Burnett has been approved to succeed him on the Chicago City Council.

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O'Hare, Midway airports launch new sensory resources for travelers with disabilities 0:41

3h ago0:41

0:41

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) unveiled new sensory maps, instructional videos and other resources at O'Hare and Midway International Airports. They are designed to help neurodivergent travelers feel more comfortable in the airports and prepare for flights.

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Several Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools are being honored by a national organization 0:30

2h ago0:30

0:30

The Blue Ribbon award is given annually by the U.S. Department of Education to recognize academic excellence and student achievement.This year, ten Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools are being honored with Blue Ribbons.

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City Council to consider housing help near Obama Center 0:55

2h ago0:55

0:55

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports a Chicago City Council committee approved a relief package to help people at risk of being forced out of neighborhoods around the planned Obama Presidential Center.

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Pet parrot that flew away is reunited with his family. 0:47

15m ago0:47

0:47

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A COVID pen pal relationship keeps going 1:00

2h ago1:00

1:00

A pen pal relationship that started during the COVID lockdown between a Geneva family and a senior citizen is still going, five years later.18-year-old Madeline Barr is used to texting or calling but the Geneva High School senior says she is enjoying writing letters by hand.

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Chicago Horror Film Festival returns to Logan Theatre, features 150+ indie films 1:00

30m ago1:00

1:00

More than 150 independent horror films from around the globe will be shown at the Chicago Horror Film Festival, taking place at the Logan Theatre Sept. 26-28.

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National developer proposes residential skyscraper on Magnificent Mile 0:39

1h ago0:39

0:39

AMLI Residential has pitched a 56-story mixed-use tower for the northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Erie Street, according to a newsletter from 42nd ward alderman Brendan Reilly.

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BBB: Leaves aren't worth falling for a scam 1:00

1h ago1:00

1:00

Jay Elliott with the Better Business Bureau’s Tip-Off to the Rip-Off® on WBBM Newsradio has tips for avoiding scams from substandard contractors.

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State COVID-19 vaccine recommendation splits from CDC 0:46

22m ago0:46

0:46

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on the new guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health recommending that all adults receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

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Portillo's CEO resigns 0:41

14m ago0:41

0:41

Portillo's CEO has resigned and the search begins for a new leader by Cisco Cotto.

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Fire stadium plan poised for final City Council approval 0:51

1h ago0:51

0:51

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports a Chicago City Council committee approved plans for a new privately-funded stadium for the Chicago Fire FC soccer team.

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Nathan Pyle, Strange Planets, Hour Long Blocks of Old Commercials, and Rescue Dogs 55:09

1d ago55:09

55:09

Host John Moe leads off this episode by extolling the virtues of foster dog caretaking and he enumerates the many dogs his family as tended to in the last year: Cowboy, Bug, Beans, Ducky, Pork Chop, Radar, and Car Wash. All these dogs were, and all dogs are, eccentric. Then we welcome cartoonist Nathan Pyle, the man who brings you those Strange Pla…

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An event in Chicago this week of arts and athletics is just for girls 0:35

4h ago0:35

0:35

The Park District will host "Girls Day of P.L.A.Y." at 26 sites across the city this Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.The day of arts and athletics will include soccer and frisbee clinics, and line dancing.Registration for "Girls Day of P.L.A.Y." is online at (chicagoparkdistrict.com/girlsplay).

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The Gatsby Made In Chicago 1:35

9h ago1:35

1:35

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Pritzker stands by "interruptor" program after photo flap 0:42

1d ago0:42

0:42

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Governor J.B. Pritzker is responding to questions about the violence interruptor program in Chicago, after a participant was charged in a fatal smash-and-grab and crash.

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Pritzker orders 4% state budget cuts 0:53

12h ago0:53

0:53

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has issued an executive order calling for across-the-board spending cuts at all state agencies.

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Illinois sees first case of new virus spread by ticks 1:02

13h ago1:02

1:02

The Illinois Public Health Department says a resident has contracted a virus it has never seen here before. The Pawassan virus has been around the US and Canada for years but never appeared in Illinois until now.

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Mayor seems OK with "granny flats" compromise 0:52

15h ago0:52

0:52

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on the new compromise designed to clear the way for new coach houses and other "granny flat"-style apartments in Chicago.

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New Eye Cancer Treatment Used by Doctors at Northwestern Medicine for First Time 0:50

16h ago0:50

0:50

A retired nurse from Niles becomes the first patient at Northwestern Medicine to receive a new treatment for an advanced eye cancer. 66-year-old Bozena Wojtach was diagnosed with uveal melanoma, a rare form of eye cancer, last year.

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Arrest Made After Body Reportedly Found in Dumpster on South Side 0:31

19h ago0:31

0:31

Chicago Police make an arrest, days after reportedly finding a body in a dumpster on the South Side.

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Aldermen: Lead pipe warnings a slow drip 0:49

1d ago0:49

0:49

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Chicago City Council members learned more about why the city missed a deadline to notify people who may have lead pipes supplying water to their homes.

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Worker heat protections clear City Hall hurdle 0:54

1d ago0:54

0:54

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports a Chicago City Council committee has approved new requirements for outdoor workers to protect against heat-related illness.

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Changes proposed to Chicago's speed camera program 0:54

1d ago0:54

0:54

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports that Chicago aldermen are now going over a report proposing changes to the city's speed camera enforcement program.

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Gridiron Report: Bears Bash Dallas For Johnson's First Win 2:28

2d ago2:28

2:28

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Brookfield Zoo wants you to help name a unique amphibian 0:32

4d ago0:32

0:32

The newest axolotl at the Brookfield Zoo arrived this spring after being rescued at O'Hare Airport by U.S. Fish and Wildlife officers.His name choices are: Bubblegum, Mochi, Poseidon and Sir Mix-A-Lotl.You can vote at Brookfield Zoo's Facebook page.

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Morton Arboretum gets ready for leaf peeping 0:59

4d ago0:59

0:59

It doesn’t feel like fall yet but there are glimpses of the coming season at the Morton Arboretum.Two Freeman maples are starting to turn red at the edge of Meadow Lake in the west suburban garden.

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Broadway Sing-a-long Bar comes to Chicago 1:13

5d ago1:13

1:13

It's the ultimate theater kid's dream and it's coming to Chicago next month. WBBM's Lisa Fielding gives us a preview.

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CPD superintendent says officer overtime is needed 0:57

5d ago0:57

0:57

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling's appearance during recent City Council budget hearings.

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Police union chief calls Chicago mayor "hypocrite" 0:52

5d ago0:52

0:52

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports the head of the Chicago police officers' union is criticizing Mayor Brandon Johnson for describing law enforcement as a "sickness."

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ICE surge exposes split between father, daughter restaurant owners 0:55

5d ago0:55

0:55

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports the Trump Administration's immigration enforcement surge has exposed the political divide between two restaurant owners from the same family.

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Chicago River Swim 0:55

5d ago0:55

0:55

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Attorney General Kwame Raoul accuses Ticketmaster and Live Nation of illegal practices 0:29

5d ago0:29

0:29

The lawsuit against Live Nation alleges that Ticketmaster, which is owned by Live Nation, deceptively displays lower ticket prices on its website, only to charge customers substantially more at checkout.Raoul's lawsuit also claims that Live Nation and Ticketmaster unlawfully coordinate with ticket brokers, which drives up prices for tickets in resa…

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Report: Pritzker in picture with Mag Mile burglary suspect 0:57

5d ago0:57

0:57

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Governor Pritzker was photographed with a suspect in a Mag Mile smash-and-grab burglary and fatal crash a week before the incident.

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Chicago Symphony Orchestra celebrates start of new season, featuring Klaus Mäkelä, Riccardo Muti 1:06

6d ago1:06

1:06

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 2025/2026 Season Thursday night. Many of the programs this season are led by Klaus Mäkelä and Riccardo Muti.

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Cook County Drug Court grads get convictions wiped 1:00

6d ago1:00

1:00

Six people who had been charged with crimes had their cases dismissed after they successfully completed Cook County’s Drug Treatment Court program. Capping the intensive two-year program was a commencement ceremony in a Skokie courtroom Wednesday full of hugs, applause and speeches.

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CPD superintendent says more officers seeking mental health assistance 0:51

7d ago0:51

0:51

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling says there's been an "uptick" in the number of officers seeking mental health assistance.

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Open House Chicago returns, offers behind-the-scenes look at more than 200 historical sites 1:00

8d ago1:00

1:00

The 15th annual Open House Chicago offers participants a behind-the-scenes look into more than 200 historical Chicago sites. The festival takes place October 18-19.

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Petition to save Chicago's Motorcycle Riding Skeleton 0:57

8d ago0:57

0:57

An online petition is aiming to keep "Skelly," a skeleton on a motorcycle statue that has been outside the now-shuttered Twisted Spoke Bar on the near West Side in the neighborhood.

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New interest in re-opening Uptown Theatre? 0:57

8d ago0:57

0:57

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson has expressed interest in helping find resources for a restoration and re-opening of the 100-year-old Uptown Theatre.

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Attention shoppers: Chicago faces deadline on grocery tax 0:53

8d ago0:53

0:53

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Chicago aldermen face an October 1 deadline to vote on whether to maintain a 1% tax on grocery items.

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Joliet City Council narrowly approves ‘Dome of Unity’ sculpture for downtown 1:05

7d ago1:05

1:05

City Council members voted 5 to 4 to spend $197,000 for the “Dome of Unity,” a proposed sculpture that provoked a controversy, both among residents and city council members.

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BBB: Beware of the spooky new 'ghost tapping' scam 1:00

8d ago1:00

1:00

Before the Halloween costumes come out, beware of a spooky new scam called ghost tapping.Jordan Wright with the Better Business Bureau’s Tip-Off to the Rip-Off® on WBBM Newsradio has all the details.

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Cook County leaders denounce ICE activities 0:43

8d ago0:43

0:43

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Cook County leaders have condemned ICE enforcement activities, including the shooting death of a man by agents in Franklin Park.

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Good grief! Learn about good deeds from the Peanuts gang at a new local exhibit 0:31

7d ago0:31

0:31

The "Take Care with Peanuts" exhibit is at the Chicago Children's Museum now through January 4th.There sections include making music with Schroeder, learning composting with Pigpen, and having fun ice skating with Charlie Brown and Lucy.

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Broadway Block - 204 featuring "BigCeaz" Cesar Lucero 29:05

7d ago29:05

29:05

With the Rangers preseason scheduled to begin in less than a week, we've been privileged enough to finally enjoy some exhibition hockey with the New York Rangers prospects splitting the series against the Flyers in the Rookie Series. On today's show, we chat with Florida Panthers super fan BigCeaz, who shares his perspective on similarities between…

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Budget group releases Chicago recommendations 0:52

9d ago0:52

0:52

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports a working group established by Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson has released a report containing 89 recommendations for closing the city's projected 2026 budget gap.