The Block Club Chicago Podcast
News & Politics
About
The important, emotional, inspiring stories affecting Chicagoans. New episodes Tuesdays, Thursdays, or whenever a BIG story breaks.
Episodes
- How A Tortured Man Ended Up In The One Place He Couldn't Be Deported To
The Block Club Chicago Podcast covers the case of M.G., who was tortured in El Salvador and fled to the United States for refuge. Despite protection under the Convention Against Torture, he was detained for over a year and subsequently dep…
- Sidebar: Charges Against ICE Agents? + How AI Discriminates Job Seekers
Host Jon Hansen talks with employment lawyer Patrick Dolan and federal defense attorney Mike Leonard about potential local charges against ICE agents and protections for job seekers facing AI bias in hiring.
- The South Side Pharmacy Desert Is Growing As Another Walgreens Leaves
A Walgreens store at 8628 S. Cottage Grove Ave. is closing permanently on June 4, exacerbating the pharmacy desert on the South Side. Local leaders and residents protested, urging Walgreens to maintain the store or invest in community heal…
- Is The Mag Mile Back?
Reporter Melody Mercado joins host Jon Hansen to discuss the state of Chicago's Mag Mile shopping district. They explore whether the area is making a comeback with the opening of new tenants.
- West Side Center Opens To Fix Chicago's 16-Year Life Expectancy Gap
The West Garfield Park Sankofa Village Wellness Center has opened, providing primary medical care and fitness services. This initiative aims to address the 16-year life expectancy gap in the area, as discussed by Rukiya Curvey Johnson from…
- Could The Bears Bill Create Opening For A New White Sox Stadium?
A new economic development bill approved by the Illinois House could allow the Chicago Bears to build a stadium in Arlington Heights. This legislation may also open opportunities for other major projects, including a potential new stadium…
- Midway Blitz Is Over, Now ICE Is Quietly Targeting Immigrants At Court
Immigrant arrests are rising again, focusing on court hearings rather than street presence. Reporter Francia Garcia Hernandez discusses the shift, with host Jon Hansen.
- The Secrets Underneath The Chicago Museum That Almost Never Happened
The Block Club Chicago Podcast episode discusses Thrift Lab, a new sustainable fashion event at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, and touches upon the museum's archives and history with its head curator. Host Jon Hansen speaks wi…
- 'A Death Trap' -- Ford City Mall Could Be Shut Down By City
City officials have requested a judge to order the immediate evacuation of Ford City Mall. This action comes months after a developer proposed converting the largely vacant mall into an industrial campus.
- How Ray Lopez Became Conservative Media’s Favorite Chicago Democrat
Ald. Raymond Lopez, a 15th Ward alderman and independent council member, has become a favored figure in conservative media for his defense of Trump's immigration policies, despite his Democratic roots. Host Jon Hansen and reporter Manny Ra…
- One Woman's Crusade To Bring Maternal Health Care To The South Side
The Chicago South Side Birth Center, a nonprofit maternal and reproductive health center, broke ground this week. It will renovate a former church into birthing suites and a clinic, offering midwifery care and aiming to open in early 2027.
- A Private School Wants More Space - Why Many Neighbors Are Pushing Back
The Francis W. Parker School in Lincoln Park is facing community opposition regarding its plans to expand its campus footprint. Neighbors express concerns that the development could lead to displacement and alter the character of their res…
- Pat Tomasulo Wants You To Laugh Your Face Off
Comedian Pat Tomasulo and his wife Amy host the "Laugh Your Face Off" comedy fundraiser benefiting The Facial Pain Research Foundation. The event has successfully raised over $4.6 million for research into trigeminal neuralgia, a severe ne…
- Colonoscopies Aren't THAT Bad -- But They're More Important Than Ever
Rates of colon cancer are increasing among young adults. Dr. Salina Lee joins The Block Club Chicago Podcast to discuss the disease and advances in patient diagnosis and treatment.
- An AI School With No Teachers Coming To Chicago This Fall
Alpha Schools will open an AI-driven school in Chicago this fall, located in the former GEMS Academy in Lakeshore East. The school's AI model aims to teach core academics in two hours daily, replacing traditional teachers with
- After Chuy's Controversial Exit, A New Era Of Latino Leadership Begins
Following Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García's withdrawal from the reelection, four independent candidates are now competing for his Chicago congressional seat. This race is notable as the seat, historically held by Latino Democrats, might be won by…
- Do You Feel Safe On The CTA? Riders React To Boost In Police On Trains
CTA riders express concerns about safety on trains. While some believe increased policing will help, others are divided on its effectiveness as a solution.
- Will The State's Attorney Charge Fed Officials After Midway Blitz?
Host Jon Hansen discusses Operation Midway Blitz with Federal Defense Attorney Mike Leonard. A coalition of nearly 250 leaders is calling for a special prosecutor to investigate alleged crimes committed by federal agents.
- Chicago's Weather Whiplash -- From Hail To Snow, Single Digits to 60s
Host Jon Hansen and WGN-TV meteorologist Bill Snyder discuss Chicago's erratic weather forecast for the upcoming week, describing the conditions as "real March madness" with significant temperature fluctuations and precipitation.
- Chicago Is Hemorrhaging Breweries. Is There A Way To Stop It?
Half Acre Beer Co. and Maplewood Brewery & Distillery are merging into a new company to navigate economic challenges in Chicago's craft brewery industry. Both brands will continue operating independently.
- Lawsuit Says Warlord On ‘Brink Of Ruin’ After Chef’s Abusive Behavior
A lawsuit filed by Emily Kraszyk and John Lupton claims former Warlord chef Trevor Fleming's abusive behavior caused an estimated $1.4 million in lost revenue. The suit was filed on February 19, coinciding with the publication of an invest…
- Can We Save Chicago's Dwindling Number Of Neon Signs?
The Block Club Chicago Podcast episode discusses the dwindling number of neon signs in Chicago, with only about 30 mid-century examples remaining. The episode highlights the lack of clear incentives for business owners to maintain these si…
- The South Side Is Primed To Become A National Hub For Green Tech
The Block Club Chicago Podcast episode highlights the development of the TRECC Global Campus for Youth & Families on the South Side, which includes a tech hub and museum. This initiative is part of a broader trend of new technology-focused…
- Why Cook County Is Prosecuting ICE Protesters While The Feds Drop Cases
A Block Club Chicago investigation reveals that dozens of ICE protesters arrested by state police still face criminal charges for minor offenses, despite assurances from Governor JB Pritzker regarding First Amendment rights. Reporter Mina…
- How Five Deep Breaths A Day May Save Your Heart
Dr. Rupa Sanghani explains on the Block Club Chicago Podcast how managing stress through techniques like deep breathing can benefit heart health. The episode emphasizes taking time to unplug from stressful news cycles.
- For Many South Siders, Icon Jesse Jackson Was Their Neighbor ‘Rev’
Rev. Jesse Jackson, an icon and advocate, was also known to his South Side neighbors as
- The Long Lasting Impact Of Operation Midway Blitz On Our Neighborhoods
Reporter Francia Garcia Hernandez details the long-lasting impact of Operation Midway Blitz on Chicago's Southwest and East sides, addressing community mental health, business recovery, and the reflections of journalists who covered the ev…
- Why Many Chicagoans Are Saying No To More Delivery Robots
Following overwhelmingly negative feedback from nearly 500 residents, Chicago alderman La Spata announced that companies will not be allowed to expand food delivery robot operations in Wicker Park and Logan Square. More than 83 percent of…
- New Year, Same You. Why Most Resolutions Fail And What To Do Next
On the Block Club Chicago podcast, host Jon Hansen speaks with Dr. Elizabeth Simkus about why New Year's resolutions often fail and how Rush's Prevention Center uniquely helps individuals achieve their goals. The episode is sponsored by Ru…
- Chicago Sees Longest Winter Freeze In 19 Years -- But Relief Is Coming
The Block Club Chicago Podcast discusses the city's longest winter freeze in 19 years. Meteorologist Bill Snyder confirms the unusually cold weather and forecasts a return to warmer temperatures by the end of the week.
- Fugitive Ex-Loretto Leader Arrested In Serbia
Anosh Ahmed, an ex-executive at Loretto Hospital accused of embezzling millions and defrauding the government, has been arrested in Serbia. The U.S. government has requested his extradition.
- Is There Any Way Out Of Chicago's Horrible Parking Meter Deal?
This episode of The Block Club Chicago Podcast examines the controversial 75-year parking meter deal initiated in 2008. Investigative reporter Mick Dumke discusses the deal's background and explores potential ways to exit the agreement.
- The 28-Year-Old Breaking Birding Records In Chicago
Tarik Shahzad set a new Cook County birding record with 296 species in 2025, surpassing his previous record. The avid birder emphasizes the importance of conservation and habitat restoration through the competition.
- Good. Better. Best. Grater -- The Bears’ Wild Ride Continues
CHGO's Mark Carman joins host Jon Hansen to discuss the Chicago Bears' win against the Packers. The episode also features a special guest, the 'Cheese Grater Guy,' Brandon Martinez.
- As Crime Rates Fall, Domestic Homicides Are Surging In Chicago. Why?
Despite a general decrease in Chicago
- Bears. Packers. Grate night? Or Does The Pack Still Own Da Bears? UPDATE: DAAAAAAAAA BEARS
Mark Carman from the CHGO Bears Podcast previews the Bears' matchup against the Packers, discussing whether the team is ready to compete.
- In 2025, Chicago Recorded Its Fewest Murders In 60 Years. Why?
Chicago recorded its lowest number of murders in over 50 years in 2025, despite facing political criticism. Reporter Quinn Myers explores the factors contributing to this significant decrease.
- The Stories We Loved In 2025!
In this episode of The Block Club Chicago Podcast, staff members share the stories they found most impactful in 2025. The podcast is produced by a non-profit news organization focused on Chicago neighborhood coverage.
- Chicago Under Siege -- How Operation Midway Blitz Changed Our City
Operation Midway Blitz, aimed at undocumented immigrants with criminal histories, resulted in the detention of day laborers, vendors, and families, many without prior offenses. Federal agents reportedly used violent tactics and chemical ag…
- Fraud Cases Are Skyrocketing -- How AARP Is Fighting Back With You
This episode of The Block Club Chicago Podcast, sponsored by AARP, discusses the organization's history and its current initiatives, particularly focusing on combating fraud that targets seniors. The Illinois chapter is making a significan…
- After Budget Battle Ends, A New Question Emerges - Who Runs Chicago?
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced he will not veto the City Council's alternative budget, which he had previously criticized. This decision averts a potential government shutdown, with the city now needing to pass a balanced 2026 budget.
- Chicago's Flu Season Is Here -- Is It Too Late To Protect Yourself?
Epidemiologist Dr. Michael Lin joins host Jon Hansen on The Block Club Chicago Podcast to discuss the ongoing flu season in Chicago and advise listeners on whether it's still possible to protect themselves.
- Is Chicago Closing In On A Government Shutdown?
Host Jon Hansen and reporter Quinn Myers discuss alternative budget proposals introduced to Chicago City Council that aim to eliminate a corporate head tax. Mayor Brandon Johnson's support for the tax raises questions about a potential gov…
- ‘Lying Constantly’ - How The Feds Used Propaganda During Midway Blitz
This episode of The Block Club Chicago Podcast examines accusations that Homeland Security has distorted facts and misled the public, presenting violent encounters as triumphant narratives. The report details how judges, journalists, and e…
- Financial Crimes Have Become 'The New Wave' In Chicago -- What to Know
This episode covers a forum on fraud prevention at the Chase Bank South Shore Community Center, focusing on tips to help neighbors avoid scammers, especially during the holiday season.
- He Started His Own Postal Service Delivering And Reading Mail For Free
Logan Square artist Charlie Dean has started a free postal service as a public art project, delivering mail for special occasions or difficult news. The project is gaining attention as an alternative way to communicate.
- The Ultimate Guide To Shopping Local In Chicago For The 2025 Holidays
Block Club Chicago reporters have compiled a guide to local businesses for holiday shopping in 2025. The guide features a variety of items including jewelry, toys, books, and clothing from small, neighborhood-owned shops across the city.
- Hop On The Bears Bandwagon! They May Be Good (Or Might Kinda Suck) UPDATE: THEY'RE GOOD
The Bears' current 8-3 record is discussed, with Mark Carman of the CHGO Bears Podcast and WGN Radio joining to analyze the team's performance and whether they are as good as their record suggests.
- Breast Cancer Diagnoses Are Up -- But More Women Are Surviving Than Ever
Dr. Dipti Gupta joins The Block Club Chicago Podcast to discuss current trends in breast cancer diagnoses, improved survival rates, and Rush's initiatives to serve diverse communities. The episode is sponsored by Rush.
- “This Budget Is A Disaster” -- The Committee That Told The Mayor 'No'
The City Council's finance committee voted against Mayor Brandon Johnson's 2026 budget proposal, adding uncertainty to negotiations after debating revenue ordinances. Block Club Chicago is a non-profit news organization focused on Chicago…