On The Block

Please click on the following links to see the shows I produced so far On The Block for Weigel Broadcasting. 

Food Inequities Continue on Chicago's South & West Sides

Over the last 2 years, at least 6 grocery stores have closed on Chicago’s South and West sides, making it hard for residents of neighborhoods like Englewood to access fresh and affordable groceries. According to the US Department of Agriculture, more than 63% of West Englewood residents live more than half a mile from the nearest grocery store. It's an issue Block Club's Atavia Reed has covered this topic extensively across the South side. She and Anton Seals Jr. of Grow Greater Englewood joined us to chat about it.

Why the Judiciary Section of Your Ballot Matters

It may appear intimidating, but that long list of judges at the back of your ballot is one of the most important parts of the election. Many voters leave them blank, which is a big mistake. These are the people with the power to shape the laws in the city and state. That's why Injustice Watch created a guide to help navigate these pivotal races. Community Engagement Manager Charles Preston joined ‘On The Block’ to share how its voter guide can help.

Should Chicagoans Pay for New Sox, Bears Stadiums?

Two Chicago teams. Two proposed stadiums. And a lot of back and forth over who will pay. The Bears are looking for more than $2 billion in public funds for a new enclosed stadium on the lakefront. While the White Sox want $1 billion to build in the South Loop. Nothing's set in stone, but there are already mixed reactions to the proposals. We discussed the pros and cons with Laurence Holmes of 670 The Score, Justin Marlowe with the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, and Mary Lu Seidel with Friends of the Parks.

Activists Fighting Protest Restrictions at Union Park for DNC

The March on DNC Coalition organizers are fighting restrictions on sound and staging the city put in place at Union Park near the United Center. We speak with a panel of experts about protesters' rights according to the First Amendment. Guests include political consultant Delmarie Cobb, social equity strategist and CEO of Justice Informed, Xavier Ramey, and Block Club Chicago reporter, Melody Mercado.
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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.

'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.

'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.
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