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…

Riot Fest is set to return to Douglass Park in September. Though some neighbors still want it gone, local business owners said organizers have stepped up efforts to support them. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Leen Yassine 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 …

Advocates want bird safety building requirements to be mandatory. They say small changes, like requiring developers to use materials birds can see on the first 75 feet of a building, would make a huge impact. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Annette Prince, director of Chicago Bird Collision Monitors Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroo…

The first-term mayor defended his handling of the migrant crisis and pointed to enacted policies as proof he’s fulfilling his campaign promises in an interview with Block Club. But he’s also faced criticism from his own supporters. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we a…

David Ross taught himself to make electric bikes while growing up in an Amish community. He’s helped make Robert’s Cycle, opened in 1935, a hub of e-bike repairs and sales. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Kayleigh Padar 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 orga…

As neighborhood groups and nearby restaurant owners lobbied against Clark Street Outdoor Dining program, Ald. Brendan Reilly says he was pressured to write a letter agreeing to end it or permits wouldn’t have been approved last year. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Melody Mercado Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who…

A report on policing alternatives looked at over 4 million 911 calls from 2022 in Chicago and in seven other cities. It found that most were unrelated to urgent safety needs, spurring calls from advocates for more alternative policing strategies. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Rachel Hinton Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CL…

Local alderpeople and firefighter organizations formed a Black Fire Coalition Friday to demand the city implement policies to rectify discriminatory practices that have kept Black people from joining and getting promoted within the Chicago Fire Department. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Atavia Reed Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit news…

Ashley Dickson never expected to see her copper-colored prom dress again. Now, her daughter will get to wear it to her own prom. Host - Jon Hansen Reporters - Iridian Fierro, Francia Garcia Hernandez Read More About The Prom Dress Story Here Read More About The Pet Store Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Cl…

After years of unanswered 311 complaints and fines ignored, the city is considering a pilot program to clear sidewalks. For inspiration, Chicago can look to Toronto, Syracuse where the cities do the plowing. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Casey Toner Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is…

Chicago Public Schools plans to do away with a decade-old system in which school funding was largely based on student enrollment. Instead, starting next year, each school will get a set number of staff and additional funding based on need. Host - Jon Hansen Reporters - Reema Amin, Becky Vevea - Chalkbeat Chicago Read More Here Want to donate to our…

Host - Jon Hansen Guests - Quinn Myers, Max Bever Read More Here It's been nearly a week since Election Day, and we still don't know who won the Democratic State's Attorney primary. In the meantime, some incorrect information disseminated from the Chicago Board of Elections caused confusion and calls of election fraud. Block Club's Quinn Myers with…

We get a behind the scenes tour of the archives of the Museum of Science and Industry, with curator Dr. Voula Saridakis, and find out what exactly her job is and how she ended up working at MSI. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Dr. Voula Saridakis Part 1 Of Our MSI Podcast, learning the history of the 1893 building. Want to donate to our non-profit newsro…

Nothing is the same at the apartment building where Mary Buford raised her family. The once-neglected courtyards on the side of the building are flush with grass and a rainbow of florals. In her first visit back in decades, Buford was quietly impressed at what has become of the complex. She’ll be the first to tell you that living in the former Mich…

The Democratic Primary for Cook County State's Attorney is close, 'Bring Chicago Home' is done, and Quinn Myers reports live from an uber between campaign headquarters to break it all down. Oh, and barely anyone voted - Max Bever from the Board of Elections explains! Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers All Things Elections Here Want to donate …

The Asylum Seeker Emergency Rental Assistance Program has helped 4,600 households move into apartments. But some could soon lose their homes if they can’t find work. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - 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 news organizati…

While most associate Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with dyeing the river green and the Downtown parade, the city’s neighborhoods have storied parades of their own. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Linze Rice 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 organi…

The Chicago Teachers Union will push for teacher raises, plus more funding for special education, mental health services and sports programs as teachers negotiate the union’s first contract with Mayor Brandon Johnson -- who worked as a teacher and organizer for years. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mina Bloom Read More Here Watch Stacy Davis Gates' F…

For more than four decades, unhoused Chicagoans have called a small strip of land along the Dan Ryan Expressway in the South Loop home. While neighbors have gotten used to seeing tents, a tiny wooden home went up last week -- the first put up by volunteers with the Orange Tent Project, a local nonprofit that’s already drawn the ire of the city and …

A few years ago, Jim Bachor was hit by a “tsunami” of projects when he began filling city potholes with small mosaics. He’s since filled more than 100 potholes in Chicago with images of everything from hot sauce packets to tiny replicas of famous paintings to the Chicago flag. He just opened a gallery in Uptown. Host - Jon Hansen Reporters - Iridia…

Block Club Chicago's Quinn Myers interviews Eileen O'Neill Burke, on why she thinks she should be Cook County's next State's Attorney. 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…

Block Club Chicago's Quinn Myers interviews Eileen O'Neill Burke, on why she thinks she should be Cook County's next State's Attorney.Eileen O'Neill Burke, Jon Hansen, Quinn Myers

Block Club Chicago's Quinn Myers interviews Clayton Harris III, on why he thinks he should be Cook County's next State's Attorney. 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 nei…

Block Club Chicago's Quinn Myers interviews Clayton Harris III, on why he thinks he should be Cook County's next State's Attorney.Clayton Harris III, Jon Hansen, Quinn Myers

St. Ferdinand Parish operates what may be the area’s only fish fry drive-thru, and it’s been a hit with Northwest Siders for decades. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Karie Angell Luc Read More About The Drive-Thru Every Neighborhood Friday Fish Fry Mapped For Lent Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a…

The Bring Chicago Home referendum remains in limbo as the city and Chicago Board of Election Commissioners appeal a judge’s order to throw out all votes cast on the question. Quinn Myers explains, and discusses what else is on the ballot. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE W…

South Side steelworkers were promised economic stability as a reward for grueling and dangerous work. But many who survived were forced to start over when the industry collapsed. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Maxwell Evans 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…

A picture is worth a thousand words, and sometimes the frame completes the story. Frame Chicago was started over 40 years ago by an immigrant couple, who have provided the foundation to a thriving business their kids are now growing to new heights. Host - Iridian Fierro More on Frame Chicago HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HER…

Many Chicagoans, especially those living in Black and Latino neighborhoods, have similar experiences of being left to fend for themselves in times of crisis. Police leadership has blamed inadequate 911 responses on a shortage of officers and resources. But the Police Department’s own records suggest the problem isn’t the number of officers — it’s w…

Following an outreach program led by the Haymarket Center and Thresholds, social service agencies tapped by the CTA and the city’s Department of Family and Support Services as part of a $2 million agreement signed in late 2022. Host - Jon Hansen Reporters - Rachel Hinton and Nick Blumberg Editor - Iridian Fierro Read more - HERE Want to donate to o…

If you run into a coyote this month, remind it that humans are scary by making noise and waving your arms. Don’t leave out food for them, don’t let your dog run loose outside — and play talk radio. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Kayleigh Padar READ MORE HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(…

Mayor Brandon Johnson is following through on a campaign promise to get rid of a controversial gunshot detection technology — originally planning to end the program in September. But now, it may be ending sooner. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman Editor - Iridian Fierro Read the Story - HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLIC…

Whether a partner cheated, broke up an engagement or reneged on romantic promises, scorned lovers could sue for their heartache until 2016. Linze Rice details some of the more scandalous lawsuits, and how she stumbled on the story. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Linze Rice Editor - Iridian Fierro Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsro…

Laurin Mack relaunched Conrad Seipp Brewing Company in 2020, more than 150 years after her great-great-great-grandfather started the business in Chicago. The company’s beers will now be produced with Pilot Project Brewing. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers Read the Story - HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are…

Dollar stores across the city have repeatedly violated city health and building codes by selling expired infant formula and other medicine, overcharging customers, selling tobacco to underage people and interfering with inspections, a Block Club Chicago analysis has found. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Manny Ramos Read More - HERE Want to donate to our…

Violence prevention advocates say physically separating teens after a fight is not enough — schools need to provide counseling and mentors. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Crystal Paul 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 delivering …

Animals are flocking back to Chicago after years of polluted air and disgusting waterways. How did the cleanup happen so quickly? Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Chris Anchor 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 nonpart…

65,000 Americans turn 65-year-old every day. It can be hard for friends and families watch their loved ones struggle with tasks that used to be simple. Jimmy Zollo spent years working tech, but founded 'Joe & Bella' to help seniors stay stylish and make putting on clothes easier for themselves and their caregivers. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Jimmy Z…

City Council narrowly passed a symbolic resolution on Wednesday calling for a ceasefire in the war in Gaza. Alderpeople tied 23-23 in a final vote on the measure, forcing Mayor Brandon Johnson to cast a deciding tiebreaker in support. The vote came after a tense debate that saw the mayor clear the council gallery after repeated interruptions from s…

Chicagoans could soon be shoveling cicadas instead of snow. For the first time in 221 years, two broods of the noisy but harmless insects are set to emerge together by late spring or early summer, blanketing the ground and leaving a crunch under people’s shoes. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman Read More - HERE Want to donate to our non-p…

Irving Park neighbors have been captivated this week by what bird experts say is a bald eagle hunting for fish along the North Branch of the Chicago River. Alex V Hernandez explains why this is great news for Chicago's ecosystem. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Alex V Hernandex Read more - HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who…

Dollar store expansions could soon be curtailed under new regulations making their way through City Council. Quinn Myers explains. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - 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 delivering reliable, …

Englewood has no local, sit-down restaurants. Atavia Reed details how disinvestment has left an entire Chicago neighborhood with basically nowhere to eat. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Atavia Reed 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) nonprofit news…

Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Jewél Jackson from the Illinois Answers Project READ MORE HERE Editor - Iridian Fierro Chicago Public Schools has had early conversations with HopSkipDrive, a transportation network company designed specifically for students. Jewél Jackson from the Illinois Answers Project explains how it operates in other cities – and wha…

Host - Iridian Fierro Contributors - Brandon Pope, Leen Yassine, Ariel Parella, Trey Arline, Maxwell Evans Guest - J. Ivy Today's episode features: rollerstaking's West Side revival, 'Dry January' spots in Chicago, a scam involving lost luggage at O'Hare, and South Side native Grammy Winning poet J. Ivy! Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? C…