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Community Affairs Programming

View a selection of community affairs programs I produced for Weigel Broadcasting, including 26 North Halsted.

WCIU, The U •

26 N. Halsted |Illinois America 250 Commission

Host George Blaise is joined by Gabrielle Lyon, Executive Director of Illinois Humanities and Chair of the Illinois America 250 Commission and Sara Phalen, Director of the West Chicago City Museum. They discuss the mission of Illinois America 250 and how initiatives like Illinois Voices 250 and Passport to Illinois invite communities statewide to share stories and explore Illinois’s history ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.
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On The Block

The links below showcase shows and segments I produced for On The Block, a collaboration between Block Club Chicago and WCIU-TV Chicago that aired from 2022 to 2025.

WCIU, The U •

'On The Block': Episode 343

After nearly three years, 118 episodes, and several awards - including an Emmy - ‘On The Block’ is saying goodbye. When this show started, we promised you news like you have never seen it before, and boy did we deliver. Interviews with state and local officials, iconic Chicago actors, and award-winning musicians. Plus, stories from the neighborhoods and the people making a difference in your community. Today, we're taking a look back at our favorite moments, as we highlight the importance of local journalism.
WCIU, The U •

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.
WCIU, The U •

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.
WCIU, The U •

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.
WCIU, The U •

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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