The Block Club Chicago Podcast

Dec 12 2024 259 ep. 19 mins 181
The Block Club Chicago Podcast artwork

The important, emotional, inspiring stories affecting Chicagoans.

  News  Society & Culture
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How Lou Manfredini Became 'Mr. Fix-It' For Millions

Dec 12 2024 21 mins  
After nearly 30 years of answering listener’s home improvement questions on WGN Radio, Lou Manfredini said he doesn’t plan on signing off any time soon. “My wife says I’ll be on the radio until they turn it off,” the station’s longtime “Mr. Fix-It” said.

North Side Businesses Struggle Amid Burglary Surge

Dec 10 2024 20 mins  
The crime wave this year in commercially dense neighborhoods like Lakeview and Lincoln Park has taken a financial and emotional toll on restaurant owners. “At this point, it’s part of doing business in Chicago,” said one owner.

How You Can Save Local News

Dec 06 2024 20 mins  
Block Club Chicago is a non-profit newsroom, dedicated to quality journalism covering all of Chicago's neighborhoods. Today, we detail why we'd greatly appreciate if you became a subscriber.

Turns Out There Are 120 Chicago Neighborhoods

Dec 04 2024 26 mins  
Last winter, researchers at the University of Chicago distributed a survey that asked residents to define their neighborhood boundaries. The survey got more than 5,500 responses and identified more than 100 unique neighborhoods.

'You Had Me At Truffle' -- How Chicago's Small Businesses Thrive

Nov 27 2024 22 mins  
Today's episode is sponsored by Chase, and their 'Coaching For Impact' program that helps many small businesses in Chicago. One business is SydPlayEat, providing Chicagoans the easiest way to enjoy real truffles at home

Chicago’s Essential Dive Bars

Nov 25 2024 20 mins  
Block Club Chicago's Linze Rice went deep — like, really deep — into the history of some of the city’s most beloved and historic dive bars.

Chicago Owed Millions In Police Overtime -- But They Aren't Sending The Bill

Nov 21 2024 18 mins  
The police department has spent $22.6 million in overtime this year for officers working special events — only about $2 million of which has been reimbursed to the city.

The Mayor's Proposed Police Therapist Cuts Raising Alarm Bells

Nov 19 2024 20 mins  
More than 30 police employees have died by suicide in recent years. Police reform advocates fear moves like this could leave the city — already behind on its consent decree targets — in contempt of court.

Why Are Grocery Stores Leaving?

Nov 14 2024 20 mins  
A Far South Side grocery store closed abruptly Sunday, leaving West Pullman with minimal access to fresh food. It's part of a larger trend of stores leaving communities without fresh produce, and expanding already vast food deserts.

Father Of Slain Teen Writes Children’s Book To Honor Him

Nov 12 2024 23 mins  
Caleb Westbrooks, 15, was shot and killed in January 2022 in West Town. Corneal Westbrooks has written a children’s book to show people who his son was beyond the heartbreaking headlines.