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gwenemarie.bsky.social
Gwen Ihnat
@gwenemarie.bsky.social
2.1K followers 280 following 17 posts
Arts & Culture Editor at Block Club Chicago. ex-WBBMNewsradio, AV Club/Takeout. Twins/puppy mom. Opinions my own. Chicago for life. she/her Pitch me at gwen@blockclubchi.org
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gwenemarie.bsky.social
My favorite story on the @blockclubchi.bsky.social site this morning:

A fascinating deep dive by @clintworthing.bsky.social into the fact vs fiction details of Netflix's current No. 1 movie:

blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/30/w...
What Would Happen If Chicago Got Nuked? A Nuclear Expert Talks About 'A House Of Dynamite'
The surprisingly prescient Kathryn Bigelow movie that just dropped on Netflix explores what happens when a presumably nuclear missile is headed toward the United States.
blockclubchicago.org
October 30, 2025 at 2:42 PM
gwenemarie.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/09/j...
Judge Partially Blocks Trump's National Guard Mobilization To Chicago
In explaining her decision, U.S. District Judge April Perry expressed doubt over Homeland Security's "credibility and assessment" of conditions in the Chicago area.
blockclubchicago.org
October 9, 2025 at 10:50 PM
gwenemarie.bsky.social
Aiming to become the next Michael Sneed. Related: I had a really fun time at the Goodman last night-

blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/16/c...
Celebs Turn Out For Goodman Theatre's 'Ashland Avenue' Premiere Starring Jenna Fischer
The play stars Fischer of "The Office" and was written by her husband, Lee Kirk. It runs through Oct. 12.
blockclubchicago.org
September 16, 2025 at 8:59 PM
gwenemarie.bsky.social
Excited for this latest MCU entry that's actually based in Chicago! ‪‪@zacharylee.bsky.social‬ talked to "Ironheart"'s creators and star for @blockclubchi.bsky.social ahead of the series debut Tuesday:

blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/23/i...
'Ironheart' Drops Tuesday On Disney+, Starring Chicago's Marvel Superhero
The series was filmed in the city and created with input from Chicago writer and academic Eve L. Ewing, who helped reinvent the Ironheart character.
blockclubchicago.org
June 23, 2025 at 3:17 PM
gwenemarie.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/04/i...
ICE Mass Arrests Spark Chaos In South Loop As Activists Fight To Disrupt Operation
At least 10 people were arrested at check-ins under an ICE monitoring program for immigrants, while an alderman said he was thrown to the ground by agents while protesting the arrests.
blockclubchicago.org
June 4, 2025 at 10:54 PM
gwenemarie.bsky.social
A Chicago pope! Visit @blockclubchi.bsky.social for the latest in crucial updates on the new local-born pontiff:

blockclubchicago.org/2025/05/08/d...
Da Pope: Chicago Loses Its Mind Over Homegrown Pontiff
Within minutes of the announcement, Chicagoans had Photoshopped the new pope holding an Italian beef sandwich and made at least 50 Malört jokes.
blockclubchicago.org
May 8, 2025 at 7:06 PM
gwenemarie.bsky.social
Looks like all those online debates (cars vs. no cars) in the neighborhood are about to wrap up. Vital Lincoln Square news courtesy of @avhndz.bsky.social and @blockclubchi.bsky.social :
blockclubchicago.org/2025/05/01/h...
Heart Of Lincoln Square Expected To Reopen To Cars Next Week
ComEd crews completed emergency repairs Wednesday, and previously scheduled construction should be done by late next week — but a Leland Avenue closure is coming, according to Ald. Matt Martin's offic...
blockclubchicago.org
May 1, 2025 at 10:16 PM
gwenemarie.bsky.social
Damn Riot Fest dragging me back in with Weird Al and the Didjits. Also extremely curious about the Hanson and Beach Boys sets.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/23/r...
Riot Fest 2025 Lineup Is Out With Headliners Weezer, Green Day And Blink-182
The 2025 fest, which will mark the 20th anniversary of the alternative music festival, will again take place in Douglass Park on Sept. 19-21.
blockclubchicago.org
April 23, 2025 at 3:26 PM
gwenemarie.bsky.social
Amazing photos and reporting on yesterday's march by @blockclubchi.bsky.social

blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/05/m...
Massive Crowds March Downtown Against Trump, Musk At 'Hands Off' Protest
An estimated 30,000 people joined the Chicago edition of the "Hands Off" day of action, which saw communities across the country protest President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's cuts to government and s...
blockclubchicago.org
April 6, 2025 at 1:48 PM
gwenemarie.bsky.social
Amazing to get to talk to @gregkot.bsky.social and @jimderogatis.bsky.social about reaching a major "Sound Opinions" milestone this week, congrats! On @blockclubchi.bsky.social today:

blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/23/s...
Sound Opinions Hits 1,000 Episodes As 'World's Only Rock 'N' Roll Talk Show'
The nationally syndicated, long-running program is helmed by veteran Chicago journalists Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis.
blockclubchicago.org
January 23, 2025 at 3:47 PM
gwenemarie.bsky.social
Well, that Surgeon General announcement about alcohol being a carcinogen sure makes this year's Dryuary challenge easier, since both my parents died of cancer. Here for any and all mocktail recipes, meditation apps and any other Sober Challenge tips- good luck all! #DryJanuary
January 4, 2025 at 4:48 PM
gwenemarie.bsky.social
Now we only need 40. Please subscribe and help us reach our end-of-year goal! Last day for your free neighborhood print-
blockclubchi.bsky.social Block Club Chicago @blockclubchi.bsky.social · Dec 31
HELP US REACH OUR GOAL: We're aiming for 1,100 new subscribers by midnight so we can serve you for years to come. We have just 63 subscribers to go.

Subscribe, upgrade or gift a subscription, and you'll get a free neighborhood print as a thank-you: https://buff.ly/3DEjU07
December 31, 2024 at 6:32 PM
gwenemarie.bsky.social
I love a holiday rom-com, so obv. I am super-excited about one filmed not in Toronto standing in for a nondescript small town, but in my very own neighborhood. Full story on @blockclubchi.bsky.social today:

blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/16/i...
In New Holiday Rom-com 'Christmas In Chicago,' Lincoln Square Is The Star
Local businesses — including Timeless Toys in the square — feature prominently in the to-be-released film by writer/director Mark Nathan.
blockclubchicago.org
December 16, 2024 at 3:06 PM
gwenemarie.bsky.social
Looking for some classic black-and-white holiday movies that you haven't already seen a million times? EW just re-circulated this list I wrote a few years ago, with a few new adds: If you're sick of "It's a Wonderful Life," I highly recommend "The Shop Around the Corner":

ew.com/best-classic...
The 15 best classic Christmas movies to watch this year
EW compiles the finest classic Christmas movies to enjoy this holiday season, from revered staples like "It's a Wonderful Life" to underrated picks such as 'I'll Be Seeing You.'
ew.com
December 15, 2024 at 12:37 AM
gwenemarie.bsky.social
Hello Blue Sky, what's up?
As Arts & Culture Editor of @blockclubchi.bsky.social, I'm looking for pitches on Chicago music, theater, exhibits, books, comics etc. — from every neighborhood. (Block Club Chicago is hyper-local, so city only.) Email pitches@blockclubchi.org or gwen@blockclubchi.org!
November 24, 2024 at 5:02 PM
gwenemarie.bsky.social
What's the connection between iconic dancer Gwen Verdon and Beyoncé's "Single Ladies"? Find out here on @blockclubchi.bsky.social

blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/14/h...
Hubbard Street Pays Homage to Bob Fosse And Gwen Verdon In Sold-Out Fall Dance Series
The series kicks off Friday at the Steppenwolf Theatre and runs through Nov. 24. Performances are sold out, but some standby tickets may become available.
blockclubchicago.org
November 14, 2024 at 5:01 PM
gwenemarie.bsky.social
Frustrated with dry turkey at your Thanksgiving dinner every year? Aimee Levitt is on the case with a variety of options and suggestions from the experts, from farm-raised turkeys to sending your bird out to be cooked! On Block Club Chicago today:
blockclubchicago.org/2023/11/14/h...
How To Cook The Perfect Turkey: Chicago Experts Weigh In
We talked to local butchers, chefs and turkey farmers to get unusual and helpful advice on selecting and preparing your turkey this year.
blockclubchicago.org
November 14, 2023 at 5:36 PM