WCIU, The U • 7th December 2023

Rosemont Lights Up with the 'Sparkle Light Festival'

To light up your holiday cheer, Rosemont's 'Sparkle Light Festival' has arrived to do just that. 'On The Block' Producer Jasmine Cooper has all the details.

WCIU, The U • 30th November 2023

Harry Potter Magic At Play

Wands at the ready! There's a brand new and interactive experience in downtown Chicago for wizards and witches of all ages. We take a trip to the magical wizarding world of Hogwarts for this enchanting Newsroom Favorite.

CW26 • 26th October 2023

Celebrating 150 Years of the Chicago Public Library

The Chicago Public Library is one of the city's oldest institutions, and after 150 years, it still has exciting changes ahead. Host Brandon Pope took a trip to the Loop's Harold Washington branch to explore how CPL stays relevant to modern community needs.

Check out the Library's podcast by clicking here.

CW26 • 12th October 2023

Water Taxi Back On Chicago River Since Pandemic

Shut down during the pandemic, the Chicago Water Taxi has returned to the river as commuters slowly make their way back to the office. Block Club Chicago's Mack Liederman hitched a ride.

Check out the full article here.

CW26 • 12th October 2023

Activists Demand Work Permits For All Immigrants

Immigration advocates want the feds to help longtime undocumented immigrants access work permits as they expand opportunities for newly arrived migrants. Block Club Chicago's Madison Savedra chatted with Brandon Pope about their demands.

Click here to read the full article.

CW26 • 28th September 2023

Clayton Harris III, Running for State's Attorney

Clayton Harris III is a lifelong Democrat running to bring safety and justice to Cook County as our next State's Attorney for March 2024.

CW26 • 28th September 2023

The Voice Of The CTA

It’s been 25 years since a Milwaukee man strolled into a Chicago studio to record the thousands of directions, delays and warnings that still move the nation’s third-largest city. Lee Crooks, “The Voice of the CTA” who tells “L” and bus riders what stop is coming and on which side the doors open, doesn’t have much to say about the fact that most people still don’t know the name behind the recordings.

CW26 • 14th September 2023

White Sox Hat and Hip Hop Culture

"Fitted In Black" a White Sox documentary based on how the White Sox Hat influences and holds strong ties to hip hop, culture, and more. Sports writer, Shakeia Taylor, Deputy Senior Content Editor at the Chicago Tribune, expands on how she connected the famous White Sox logo to various parts of music, fashion, and Chicago.

CW26 • 31st August 2023

'On The Block': Episode 229

When Chicago first started housing migrants in police stations as emergency overflow shelters over the winter, officials expected it’d be a temporary solution. But nine months later, men, women and children are still sleeping on police station floors in what volunteers have called “inhumane” conditions. Plus, the final credits have rolled at The New 400 Theaters, the oldest-running movie house in the city.

CW26 • 17th August 2023

Chicago Accessibility Issues

Chicago is generally considered to be a very accessible city, but for people with a disability, it’s not that easy to get around. Dr. Yochai Eisenberg is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago and affiliated researcher at the Great Lakes ADA Center, and he joins us to explain why. Justin Cooper, disability advocate will also join us to talk about what he has experienced first-hand.

CW26 • 3rd August 2023

Red Clay Dance Company Amplifies Voices Of The African Diaspora

African dance has come to Englewood thanks to the Red Clay Dance Company. It's a place where the arts are more than just freedom of expression. Brandon Pope caught up with the founder to learn about the programs and why activism is the drumbeat behind them.

CW26 • 20th July 2023

The History of Lower Wacker Drive

Lower Wacker Drive, where a leisurely Uber trip goes to die. It's a concrete jungle and a Chicago cultural icon. So how did this underground passageway come to be? Jon Hansen chatted with Northwestern professor and Chicago roadway expert Bill Savage.

CW26 • 20th July 2023

'On The Block': Episode 225

After nearly 20 years, a popular Hyde Park festival is calling it quits. We chat with Silver Room Block Party founder Eric Williams about the legacy it leaves behind. We hit the road to learn about the history of one of Chicago’s most iconic and confusing streets. Guests interviewed include Northwestern professor Bill Savage. Plus, the dance teacher using movement to share African history with her class. Guests interviewed include choreographer Vershawn Sanders-Ward. Additional news stories covered include Metra’s UP North rebuild, 606 Trail extension, Trangender representation in media.

CW26 • 29th June 2023

Illinois Stock Car History

We interview Wayne Lensing, director of the Historic Auto Attractions Museum, about the history of stock cars in IL and NASCAR races that were held at Soldier Field.

CW26 • 29th June 2023

'On The Block': Episode 223

The casino operator is still waiting for its gaming license, but they plan to open the River North gaming hall by the end of the summer. Plus, we head to Sim Racing in Algonquin to test out their racing simulators and learn how drivers use them to practice tough courses ahead of races.

WCIU, The U • 15th June 2023

Malibu Barbie Cafe Pop-Up

Mattel and Bucket Listers have teamed up to launch pop-up cafes in Chicago and New York City so people can dine like a doll in life-size fashion. The pop-up at 324 S. Racine Ave. in the West Loop will run June 7-Sept. 15.

CW26 • 15th June 2023

‘Public’ Search For Chicago’s Next Top Cop

The interim commission — led by seven Chicagoans picked by Mayor Lori Lightfoot — has 120 days from Brown’s March resignation to conduct a nationwide search, said its president, Anthony Driver. The commission will select three finalists by July 14 to present to Mayor Brandon Johnson, who can make a pick or throw out the list and ask for a new one, Driver said.

CW26 • 15th June 2023

Engine 21

The story of Engine 21 holds a special place in Chicago's history as a symbol of progress and resilience. Brandon Pope shares how their dedication and bravery paved the way for greater opportunities and advancements for Black firefighters.

CW26 • 15th June 2023

Polished Pebbles

Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program supports mentoring opportunities for local Black and Latinx girls. Founder and Executive Director, Kelly Fair, shares more about how the group teaches Black and Latinx girls 7-17 years old communication skills for home, school and careers.

CW26 • 15th June 2023

'On The Block': Episode 221

Migrants and volunteers said food is scarce, access to clothing and medical help is extremely limited. Plus, Chicago church leaders say developing a more inclusive community attracts more parishioners and helps LGBTQ+ people heal from trauma.

CW26 • 25th May 2023

'On The Block': Episode 219

Plans for a thriving South Side, we talk with Ald. Nicole Lee, the first Chinese-American to represent the 11th Ward. Plus, After School Matters and the opportunities for teens this summer.

CW26 • 11th May 2023

'On The Block': Episode 217

Community organizations across Chicago need more supplies and helping hands to provide the latest wave of migrants with basic needs, medical care and legal help. Plus, Avery R. Young, Chicago’s first poet laureate, wants to create more opportunities for Chicagoans to get involved in the arts.

CW26 • 27th April 2023

'On The Block': Episode 215

Foxx has been backed by progressive activists who saw her leadership as a turning point for the prosecutor's office. But she's also faced intense criticism as crime has surged in Chicago. The I AM ABEL FOUNDATION helps Chicago kids get in STEM careers in medicine by providing mentorships. Plus, Heartland Alliance, a social services nonprofit that manages the affordable and LGBTQ-friendly senior living facility, said the security guards were removed amid quadrupling service costs.

CW26 • 13th April 2023

'On The Block': Episode 213

Officials promised to feature Chicago small businesses and use local workers for the 2024 convention, which is expected to be a $150 million economic boon for the city. Plus, residents can get an updated look at what the city has in mind for Pilsen’s largest vacant lot after months of community meetings and surveys.