While CTA riders coped with dirty and delayed trains and buses, Carter spent a cumulative total of more than three months in other U.S. cities, Spain, Puerto Rico, New Zealand and Australia from spring 2023 to spring 2024. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Manny Ramos Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is…

ACM’s Thirsty Ears Festival is Chicago’s only classical music street festival! For two days Wilson street between Hermitage and Ravenswood are closed to feature stellar ensembles and soloists performing music from Beethoven to Shostakovich to Reich and everything in between on the main stage. Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom…

An eventful final day at the DNC convention. Block Club reporters covered it all. Reporters - Mack Liederman, Alex V Hernandez, Melody Mercado, Colin Boyle, Jamie Nesbitt Golden, Quinn Myers 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…

An eventful Day Three of the DNC featured continued protests, a strange incident involving maggots, the pomp inside the United Center and a sit-in following the festivities. Block Club Chicago covers its all. Reporters - Melody Mercado, Colin Boyle, Mack Liederman, Quinn Myers, Ariel Parella, Gwen Ihnat. Read More Here Want to donate to our non-pro…

The DNC is halfway through, and day two featured energy, drama, and some weird stuff too! Our reporters covered it all. Host - Jon Hansen Reporters - Melody Mercado, Colin Boyle, Quinn Myers, Mack Liederman, Madison Savedra 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 ne…

The 2024 Democratic National Convention kicked off in Chicago Monday, after months of preparations and an eventful summer that saw Vice President Kamala Harris abruptly become the party’s nominee as President Joe Biden stepped aside. Here's what part of the day sounded like from Block Club reporters. Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK…

Marques “Merk” Elliston and Cher’Don Reynolds hope to buy the former Strangers Home Missionary Baptist Church and convert it into the Cabrini Art House, an arts and community center. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Patrick Filbin Read More Here Ahead of the school year, Block Club is partnering with the organization Open Books to provide 1,600 free bo…

An analysis of city permit data found many street festival producers are submitting permits for crowd sizes significantly lower than what’s being advertised online — but the estimates are used to make safety plans. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Melody Mercado Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club …

Dave Matthews’ tour bus emptied its 800-pound septic tank on people taking a cruise 20 years ago this week. One boat passenger thinks the band has paid an unfair price for its driver’s error, but gets why Chicagoans won’t forget. And some people think that the incident actually helped the Chicago River. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Clint Worthingto…

Gator trapper Frank Robb said Chance is the “beefiest and bossiest” gator at the Florida gator farm, where he’s been living “a glorious life” since he was caught. Mina Bloom on how Chance changed everything. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mina Bloom Read More Here Buy Block Club Animals Merch! Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who…

The “mother of synchronized swimming” was once an instructor at Wilbur Wright College. The college’s longtime synchro club is trying to rebuild after losing members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Host - Iridian Fierro Reporter - Molly DeVore Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c…

For 71 years, piping plovers were missing from Cook County shores. Monty and Rose changed that in 2019, and one organization is working hard to ensure future generations return to Montrose Beach. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Tamima Itani The Chicago Piping Plovers Organization Block Club Chicago's Piping Plover Coverage Want to donate to our non-profi…

WGN-TV Weather Producer Bill Snyder talks about the historic July 15th tornado outbreak, and why more days like it are likely on the way. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Bill Snyder 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 …

The former chief financial officer at Loretto Hospital who was at the center of a COVID vaccine scandal in the early days of the pandemic has been charged with defrauding the safety net hospital out of $15 million. Our Kelly Bauer says it was reader tips that started her investigation. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Kelly Bauer Block Club Chicago's L…

Another year of Nascar in the books, but the question remains -- is it worth it? Melody Mercado with a recap of what went down Nascar weekend, and how some neighbors, businesses, and community leaders feel about another race next year. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Melody Mercado Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE W…

Maggie Shea grew up sailing with her family on Lake Michigan on her grandfather’s boat WINDANCER, and quickly fell in love with being on the water and competing. Now, she's getting to represent the USA in the Paris Olympics! Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Maggie Shea Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is …

The Silver Room Block Party and Hyde Park Summer Fest grew from neighborhood parties into popular, community-focused festivals. But the fests got too expensive for organizers, and some wonder if these types of events will return to the South Side. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Maxwell Evans Read More Here Maia McDonald's coverage of the final Silver…

So many bikes litter the lake that the Fire Department, the rideshare company and a group of volunteers dubbed the Divvy Fishers Society can barely keep up. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Leiderman 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 dedicat…

Tamar Manasseh, founder of Mothers Against Senseless Killing, is considering disbanding the group, which keeps watch over Englewood blocks, after she and fellow organizers were shot at and her pleas for help have been ignored. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Jamie Nesbitt Golden Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who …

Eighteen innings of baseball over nine hours in 90-plus-degree weather, with a packed train ride in between? It takes guts, a game plan, at least a few hot dogs and a high tolerance for booze and losing baseball. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Ch…

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. But most associate a particular kind of sound to the average Chicagoan. But there are actually many Chicago accents with different origins, and they span far beyond the North Side climes that soak up a lo…

DIRKSEN FEDERAL COURTHOUSE — Former Ald. Ed Burke, the longest-serving alderman in Chicago history, was sentenced to two years in prison Monday, six months after he was convicted of racketeering and a suite of other crimes committed while he was in office. Federal Defense Attorney Mike Leonard explains what happened. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Qu…

When Sophia Catania learned that there would be a massive invasion of cicadas in the Chicago area, she was thrilled. That’s because she turns cicadas into jewelry. In 2020, Catania began taking walks “as a way to stay sane” during the pandemic, she said. Her casual walks soon turned into nature walks while she looked for and observed bugs. One day,…

An ordinance establishing a noise-sensitive zone around a Downtown woman’s clinic passed City Council Wednesday, ending an eight-month battle spearheaded by Ald. Bill Conway (34th). Host- Jon Hansen Reporter - Melody Mercado 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…

Six years ago, a small and scrappy group of journalists refused to give up on neighborhood news, and Block Club Chicago was born. But our 6th birthday is not just a celebration of Block Club — it’salso a celebration of reader support. We wouldn’t be here without the generosity of readers like you. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Shamus Toomey, Stephanie …

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman A group of alderpeople want the state to pump the brakes on plans to redesign DuSable Lake Shore Drive and instead find ways to prioritize public transit on the city’s most famous road. Fourteen alderpeople have signed a letter to Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman and Chicago Depa…

The nation’s first Black tennis club started on privately owned land needs help repairing its tennis courts, and club members are looking to the public for support. The Chicago Prairie Tennis Club, 3211 S. Ellis Ave., faces a heavy financial lift as four of the courts they’ve been using for decades have fallen into disrepair. Host - Jon Hansen Repo…

For over 120 years, the battle over fans, space and prestige in Chicago — and in the history books — has simmered between the North Side and South Side teams and their supporters. Here’s how it happened. Host - Jon Hansen Guests - Linze Rice, Shamus Toomey Read More Here About Cubs - Sox History Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE…

The backdrop of Andersonville’s Clark Street business corridor may have evolved over the decades, but one anchor on the street has remained steadfast: an unsuspecting neighborhood bar with a large “pickled” herring neon sign hanging over the sidewalk. Simon’s Tavern, 5210 N. Clark St., has been operating for 90 years as of this spring, owner Scott …

The city has 77 community areas -- but no officially recognized neighborhoods. A Chicago Neighborhood Project survey asked residents to define where they live. Project leader Professor Emily Talen joins the Block Club Chicago podcast to explain. Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonpr…

The Block Club Chicago Staff offers their summer bucket lists for 2024! 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 cove…

Queer Fam Pride Jam returns June 2nd for its second annual edition. The LGBTQ+ family-friendly celebration will kick off Pride Month with drag performances, DJ sets, dancing, crafts, face painting, a vendor market and more. Today's episode chats with the organizers of the event. Queer Fam Pride Jam will take place 10 a.m.-1 p.m. June 2 at Millenniu…

Alderpeople voted 34-14 on Wednesday to pass legislation to upend Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to phase out ShotSpotter this year. Johnson later said the vote “did nothing.” A majority of alderpeople want CTA President Dorval Carter out -- the Mayor doesn't. Are these two stories a sign of fading City Council support for the Mayor? Host - Jon Hanse…

Two years after busloads of migrant children began arriving in Chicago, many have landed in schools where most don’t speak Spanish. Custodians and kindergarten teachers are taking on the role of translator, but students are still falling behind. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mina Bloom Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK …

Chicagoans took more than twice as many bike trips last year as they did in 2019, with increases of nearly 200 percent in some parts of the South Side, according to recent estimates. But that growth isn’t uniform, as ridership is growing more slowly on the Far South and Southeast sides — mirroring trends elsewhere on the city’s outskirts. Host - Jo…

Mayor Brandon Johnson said the proposed $4.7 billion stadium and surrounding green space will be open to Chicago’s kids and teens, but some organizers who work with youth question what that access will actually look like. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Jamie Nesbitt Golden Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we ar…

Mayor Brandon Johnson is finishing up his first year in office. The Block Club Chicago team examined his campaign promises, and analyzed which ones have been met, are being worked on, or have been left to the side -- for now. Host - Jon Hansen Reporters - Quinn Myers, Melody Mercado, Madison Savedra, Reema Amin - Chalkbeat Chicago Editor - Iridian …

Distinguished film, television, stage actor and producer (and South Side native) Harry Lennix joins 'On The Block' to discuss performing back in Chicago, and how he is turning a building on South Cottage Grove into an African-American museum and stage. Host - Jon Hansen 'On The Block' Host - Brandon Pope Reporters - Molly DeVore, Jamie Nesbitt Gold…

In Pullman, A roughly 150-year-old home the Chicago Housing Authority owns has sat vacant since 2005. Facing criticism, the CHA pledged to rehab it and others six months ago — but work hasn’t begun and it’s unclear if it ever will. In West Humboldt Park, neighbors surrounded by the drug trade are desperate for help as the house has been left empty …

The rare double brood of Cicadas is getting close to emerging across Chicagoland, and Janelle Iaccino from Rose Pest Solution fills us in on what we need to know. She's also getting ready to make a cicada album from the incest sounds! Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Janelle Iaccino Rose Pest Solutions Website How To Protect Your Trees - Morton Arboretum …

Chicago Kalbi in Albany Park looks like an unassuming neighborhood spot until you see the lineup of stars on the wall, including Ichiro, who once ate there six nights in a row. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Dave Hoekstra Read More Here DONATE TO BLOCK CLUB ON WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Bl…

A City Council committee revved up discussions Wednesday over dropping Chicago’s default speed limit from 30 to 25 mph. Transit experts and leaders with the Chicago Department of Transportation testified at a Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety hearing Wednesday that lowering speed limits could save lives and better deter fast and furious dr…

State lawmakers proposed new legislation on Monday that would overhaul public transportation in northeastern Illinois by merging CTA, Metra and Pace under a single agency. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Manny Ramos Editor - 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)…

35 Foxtrot and Dom's stores closed abruptly Tuesday, devastating shoppers and employees. Did the owners violate state or federal laws? While the lawsuit moves through the judicial system, some leaders are calling for stronger protections for Chicago workers. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Patrick Dolan, Conti & Dolan Read More Coverage Here Additional a…

Former UIC Flame and current MLB All Star outfielder, Curtis Granderson, generously donated a sum of $5 million to help fund a $10 million ballpark at the University of Illinois at Chicago, the largest one-time gift from a professional athlete back to their alma mater in history. 'On The Block' host Brandon Pope reports on the difference the organi…

The Chicago Sky went big in the WNBA Draft, and the city is extremely excited about it. With the No. 3 and the No. 7 overall picks, the Sky selected 6-foot-7 Brazilian center Kamilla Cardoso of South Carolina and 6-foot-3 forward Angel Reese of Louisiana State University. What does that mean for the team, and women's basketball across Chicago? Mack…

LaVonté Stewart, founder of the nonprofit Lost Boyz Inc., once again is wearing the championship ring he won with Hampton University’s football team in 1994. Where it was found, and Stewart's journey to redemption, are improbable and inspiring. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - LaVonté Stewart Read Original Story Here More On Lost Boyz Inc Want to donate t…

Kocoy Malagón was among the small business owners forced to leave Little Village Discount Mall last year after their landlord wouldn’t renew their leases. “When we closed in the mall, that forced me to reinvent myself,” she said. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Iridian Fierro, Madison Savedra Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? C…

Antia Lyons, 63, passed out on her bus and later died — and no one noticed for nearly an hour. Reporter Manny Ramos explains how that's possible, and what the CTA says - or isn't saying - about what happened. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Manny Ramos Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago i…

Kamaca Champion dreamt for years of turning her love for knitting into her own store. Miss Purl opened in 2021, a place for South Side crafters to express themselves in a yarn paradise. After chatting with Kamaca in 2021, we got an update for how things are going nearly three years later! Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Atavia Reed Read More About Mis…