The Block Club Chicago Podcast

The Cubs have battled the rooftop owners for well over two decades. A judge's ruling has given the Cubs a win in the final round -- for now. Also, Illinois law is changing to help people serving on juries. Host - Jon HansenGuests - Patrick Dolan, Conti and Dolan LawMike Leonard, Leonard Trial Lawyers Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan co...

One family's nut-feeding operation has continued despite city fines, as neighbors report rat infestations, damage to park property and disruptions to Green City Market.Host - Jon HansenReporter - Patrick FilbinRead More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock 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 positive stories...

Recorded live at the Block Club Chicago Block Party on October 3rd, hosts Jon Hansen and Iridian Fierro asked obscure Chicago trivia questions, and attendees gave it their best shot! How many out of 6 questions would you have gotten right?Hosts - Jon Hansen, Iridian FierroMore on the party HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock 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...

News of the pope’s lung cancer diagnosis has been a blow to many Chicagoans and Catholics around the world. The news, while tough, could motivate more Chicagoans to get screened for lung cancer, something Americans are terrible at. On today’s Block Club Chicago podcast, Rush thoracic surgeon Dr. Gillian Alex, on what the Pope is likely dealing with, and how there’s a lesson there for all of us. Host - Jon HansenGuest - Dr. Gillian Alex More at RUSH.EDU Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom...

Members of a group called the Northwest Neighborhood Alliance acknowledge they didn’t have permission from the city to install the benches, but the local alderperson said he supports the effort.Host - Iridian FierroReporter - Quinn MyersRead More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock 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 wa...

When Great Lakes Credit Union moved into the Austin neighborhood, banks soon followed. And now, in what was once a financial desert, investment and infrastructure are starting to move into the community. On today's podcast, how GLCU members from all over Chicagoland have contributed to Chicago's West Side, and how you can join them. Host - Jon HansenGuests - Steve Bugg, GLCU. Deborah Thurmond-Williams, The Leaders NetworkMore on GLCUMore on The Leaders Network Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho w...

Explore one of the largest architecture and urban festivals in the world as Open House Chicago returns to celebrate 16 years of architecture, culture and community. Lauren Bakos joins the pod with a preview!Open House ChicagoHost - Jon HansenGuest - Lauren Bakos  Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock 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 c...

Illinois has a cancer screening problem. One third of adults in the state are behind on colorectal cancer screenings. 30% of women aren’t up to date and screenings for cervical cancer, and 1 in 4 women aren’t getting screened regularly for breast cancer.  And shockingly, only 6% of high risk Illinois adults are getting screened for lung cancer.On today’s podcast, sponsored by Rush, Dr. Lisa Stempel discusses why we’re bad at this, and why it could be a costly mistake. Host - Jon HansenGuest - Dr. Lisa StempelMore at Rush.Ed...

The 'Broadview Six' were back in federal court last week, as the prosecutors in their dropped case face potential discipline following alleged misconduct during the grand jury process. And the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan bill aimed to 'fix college sports', five years after NIL payments were permitted -- upending the status quo. Host - Jon HansenGuests - Mike Leonard, Patrick Dolan Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to de...

All 21 members of the Chicago Board of Education are up for election this fall. Chicago voters can cast a ballot for a school board president and a representative from their district. Today's podcast gives you the lay of the land with a month till the election. Host - Jon HansenGuest - Makiya Seminera Chicago School BoardVoter Guide 2026 Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering re...

A new pop-up boutique in Beverly focused on vintage clothing, accessories and jewelry started as a Chicago Public School teacher’s crafting hobby over twenty years ago. Beverly resident Melissa Matthews opened her pop-up boutique, Adorned By M, on Aug. 29 at 10045 S. Western Ave. The storefront features a mix of primarily vintage items including clothing, hats, accessories and jewelry. Host - Iridian FierroGuests - Jim Lynch, Melissa MatthewsRead More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBloc...

Uncle Greg -- as he is known by family, friends and fans -- has sewing in his blood. Growing up in a family where thrifting was a necessity as much as art, Greg has found a rejuvenated love for needle thread after years of putting that skillset away. On today's podcast, we join Greg on a journey to Goodwill, where he finds materials and inspiration!Host - Jon HansenGuest - Uncle GregMORE ON GOODWILL HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we...

Little Village, one of the city’s most historic Latino neighborhoods, is no longer home to the largest Latino population in Chicago, a new study found.Belmont Cragin is now home to the largest Latino population with nearly 58,000 people, compared to 56,000 people in Little Village, according to the study by the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois Chicago.Host - Iridian FierroReporter - Francia Garcia HernandezREAD MORE HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we are...

Plans for a rooftop park next to the United Center that previously called for a soccer pitch and green space have been scrapped in favor of more parking, but project developers assure a new park remains in the works for the area. Are neighbors convinced?Host - Jon HansenReporter - Michael LiptrotRead More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of...

An event by the Chicago Tabletop Game Association catering to women, nonbinary and femme people sold out in five days — proof of the growing appetite among women for the roleplaying game.Host - Iridian FierroRead More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock 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 positive st...

Illinois is set to become the first Midwestern state to allow terminally ill patients to seek life-ending medication from their physicians when the law goes into effect on Saturday. There's a last minute push to stop the law before it starts. Host - Jon HansenGuests - Mike Leonard, Patrick Dolan Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock 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 d...

Does Chicago's noise, extreme temperature changes, allergies and varying sunshine add up to a detriment to its residents' health? You asked these questions, and we got answers from Rush doctors!Host - Jon HansenGuests - Alana Kirby, MD, PhD, NeurologistLauren Kelly, AuD, AudiologistChristopher Greb, MD, AllergistLinna Gali, MD, DermatologistLauren Cordes, DO, Family MedicineJon Tueting, Hand and Upper Extremity Orthopedic SurgeonFor more, head to Rush.edu Want to donate to our non-profit n...

Four Star Mushrooms on the Near West Side supplies to grocery stores and some of Chicago’s most acclaimed restaurants. Its mushrooms have also appeared on the hit FX series.Host - Iridian FierroGuest - Joe Weber, Four Star co-founder and presidentRead More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock 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 co...

On today's Sidebar podcast, federal defense attorney Mike Leonard breaks down three court cases this summer that captivated the country.  Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Mike Leonard, Leonard Trial Lawyers Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock 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 positive stories, cover development and local school council m...

Today's podcast focuses on Mayor Brandon Johnson's chances of re-election. Block Club Editor Mick Dumke and host Jon Hansen suggest many people are too quick to dismiss the possibility that he wins again. Host - Jon HansenGuest - Mick Dumke, Block Club EditorRead More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock 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 b...