Michael Liptrot
@michaeljliptrot.bsky.social
Reporter with @blockclubchi.bsky.social, Perfectly Imperfect ✞, Neo Soul Enthusiast michael@blockclubchi.org
Reposted by Michael Liptrot
Chicago Tonight | The Week in Review: Judge Temporarily Blocks Troops in Chicago; Government Shutdown Leads to Delays, with @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social @vimiller.bsky.social @aliceyin.bsky.social & host @ndblumberg.bsky.social news.wttw.com/2025/10/10/w...
Week in Review: Judge Temporarily Blocks Troops in Chicago; Government Shutdown Leads to Delays
Federal courts block the deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago. And a judge bans ICE from using tear gas against protesters and reporters.
news.wttw.com
October 13, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Chicago Tonight | The Week in Review: Judge Temporarily Blocks Troops in Chicago; Government Shutdown Leads to Delays, with @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social @vimiller.bsky.social @aliceyin.bsky.social & host @ndblumberg.bsky.social news.wttw.com/2025/10/10/w...
Reposted by Michael Liptrot
Riot Fest Closes With ‘Riot Fest Day’ Mayoral Proclamation, Green Day And Chicago-Area Bands
via @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social / @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/22/r...
via @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social / @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/22/r...
September 22, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Riot Fest Closes With ‘Riot Fest Day’ Mayoral Proclamation, Green Day And Chicago-Area Bands
via @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social / @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/22/r...
via @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social / @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/22/r...
As CPS cuts after-school art programs, a local nonprofit has stepped up to provide a West Side elementary school with programming that combines art, social-emotional learning and violence prevention.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/15/w...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/15/w...
West Side Elementary School Expands After-School Arts Programs Through Local Nonprofit
New grant-funded programs starting this week at Nash Elementary School of Fine & Performing Arts include graffiti and African dance.
blockclubchicago.org
September 15, 2025 at 5:35 PM
As CPS cuts after-school art programs, a local nonprofit has stepped up to provide a West Side elementary school with programming that combines art, social-emotional learning and violence prevention.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/15/w...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/15/w...
Reposted by Michael Liptrot
Southwest Siders Plead For Help After Latest Round Of Flooding: 'It's A Disaster'
City leaders are calling for state & fed funding so they can prevent flooding on the SW Side — an issue rooted in decades of disinvestment.
w/ @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/08/20/s...
City leaders are calling for state & fed funding so they can prevent flooding on the SW Side — an issue rooted in decades of disinvestment.
w/ @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/08/20/s...
August 20, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Southwest Siders Plead For Help After Latest Round Of Flooding: 'It's A Disaster'
City leaders are calling for state & fed funding so they can prevent flooding on the SW Side — an issue rooted in decades of disinvestment.
w/ @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/08/20/s...
City leaders are calling for state & fed funding so they can prevent flooding on the SW Side — an issue rooted in decades of disinvestment.
w/ @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/08/20/s...
Reposted by Michael Liptrot
Impact for Equity Director of Housing @danielkayhertz.bsky.social recently spoke to @blockclubchi.bsky.social's @arielparrella.bsky.social and @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social about the costs of building affordable housing: blockclubchicago.org/2025/07/28/w...
Why Is It So Expensive To Build Affordable Housing In Chicago?
One recent West Side development clocked in at $884,000 per unit. While the city says it's working to address red tape that drives up expenses, advocates say more must be done to rein in "crazy" costs...
blockclubchicago.org
July 28, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Impact for Equity Director of Housing @danielkayhertz.bsky.social recently spoke to @blockclubchi.bsky.social's @arielparrella.bsky.social and @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social about the costs of building affordable housing: blockclubchicago.org/2025/07/28/w...
Why Is It So Expensive To Build Affordable Housing In Chicago?
For @blockclubchi.bsky.social with @arielparrella.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/07/28/w...
For @blockclubchi.bsky.social with @arielparrella.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/07/28/w...
Why Is It So Expensive To Build Affordable Housing In Chicago?
One recent West Side development clocked in at $884,000 per unit. While the city says it's working to address red tape that drives up expenses, advocates say more must be done to rein in "crazy" costs...
blockclubchicago.org
July 28, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Why Is It So Expensive To Build Affordable Housing In Chicago?
For @blockclubchi.bsky.social with @arielparrella.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/07/28/w...
For @blockclubchi.bsky.social with @arielparrella.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/07/28/w...
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Jussie Smollett Claims Netflix Doc Footage Will Show Attack Wasn’t Staged
I spent the Monday with Smollett as he toured organizations he donated to as part of his settlement with the city. blockclubchicago.org/2025/07/22/j...
I spent the Monday with Smollett as he toured organizations he donated to as part of his settlement with the city. blockclubchicago.org/2025/07/22/j...
Jussie Smollett Claims Netflix Doc Footage Will Show Attack Wasn't Staged: 'It'll Make Sense When Ya'll Watch It'
The actor announced the Netflix documentary while touring West and South side organizations to which he’s donated, telling Block Club the film will clear the hate crime hoax controversy that’s followe...
blockclubchicago.org
July 22, 2025 at 5:37 PM
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Jussie Smollett Claims Netflix Doc Footage Will Show Attack Wasn’t Staged
I spent the Monday with Smollett as he toured organizations he donated to as part of his settlement with the city. blockclubchicago.org/2025/07/22/j...
I spent the Monday with Smollett as he toured organizations he donated to as part of his settlement with the city. blockclubchicago.org/2025/07/22/j...
Had fun this morning recapping @blockclubchi.bsky.social’s top neighborhood stories of the week for Good Day Chicago on Fox 32 with Anthony Ponce!
www.fox32chicago.com/video/1667381
www.fox32chicago.com/video/1667381
Adult spelling bee takes over Wicker Park and other top stories from Block Club Chicago
Michael Liptrot from Block Club Chicago talks us through some of their most-read stories.
www.fox32chicago.com
July 1, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Had fun this morning recapping @blockclubchi.bsky.social’s top neighborhood stories of the week for Good Day Chicago on Fox 32 with Anthony Ponce!
www.fox32chicago.com/video/1667381
www.fox32chicago.com/video/1667381
Meet the West Side group leading this year’s Pride Parade. blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/12/e...
'Expect Vogue' At The Start Of This Year's Pride Parade As West Side Group Tapped To Lead
TaskForce Prevention & Community Services is the first-ever community group to lead the parade and plans to highlight their dedication to LGBTQ+ young people — and their Vogue School.
blockclubchicago.org
June 17, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Meet the West Side group leading this year’s Pride Parade. blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/12/e...
CPS officials told me they are working to include equity in the selection process for the district’s top student art showcase. Meanwhile, this Austin teacher is making sure her students are acknowledged regardless.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/05/28/a...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/05/28/a...
After Seeing West Side Kids Miss Out On Art Opportunities, Teacher Launches Gallery For Their Work
CPS will change how it selects art for exhibits after hearing from South and West side teachers about a lack of representation. The issue highlights years of racial disparity in access to quality arts...
blockclubchicago.org
May 28, 2025 at 3:07 PM
CPS officials told me they are working to include equity in the selection process for the district’s top student art showcase. Meanwhile, this Austin teacher is making sure her students are acknowledged regardless.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/05/28/a...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/05/28/a...
Big news at the intersection of community and local journalism on the South Side.
Build Coffee is inside Experimental Station, home to South Side Weekly, Hyde Park Herald and Invisible Institute, plus the cafe will now be co-owned by a co-founder of City Bureau.
Excited for this space.
Build Coffee is inside Experimental Station, home to South Side Weekly, Hyde Park Herald and Invisible Institute, plus the cafe will now be co-owned by a co-founder of City Bureau.
Excited for this space.
trina reynolds-tyler, Andrea Faye Hart and Eve L. Ewing, three "day-one" friends of Build Coffee, will take over the Woodlawn café and bookstore as "volunteer owners."
The trio says they want to be a model for running a "politically and community-oriented" shop. blockclubchicago.org/2025/05/05/e...
The trio says they want to be a model for running a "politically and community-oriented" shop. blockclubchicago.org/2025/05/05/e...
Eve L. Ewing And Friends Unite To Buy South Side Cafe Build Coffee
Author and scholar Eve L. Ewing, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist trina reynolds-tyler and media-based organizer Andrea Faye Hart will take over the shop in June. It will undergo a slight rebrand to ...
blockclubchicago.org
May 5, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Big news at the intersection of community and local journalism on the South Side.
Build Coffee is inside Experimental Station, home to South Side Weekly, Hyde Park Herald and Invisible Institute, plus the cafe will now be co-owned by a co-founder of City Bureau.
Excited for this space.
Build Coffee is inside Experimental Station, home to South Side Weekly, Hyde Park Herald and Invisible Institute, plus the cafe will now be co-owned by a co-founder of City Bureau.
Excited for this space.
Reposted by Michael Liptrot
George Ryan’s legacy, Gov. Pritzker’s call to action, Mayor Johnson’s Springfield wishlist and more with the fantastic Rachel Hinton @lkpwrites.bsky.social @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social & @heathercherone.bsky.social — 7pm on @wttw.bsky.social and streaming online!
May 2, 2025 at 11:27 PM
George Ryan’s legacy, Gov. Pritzker’s call to action, Mayor Johnson’s Springfield wishlist and more with the fantastic Rachel Hinton @lkpwrites.bsky.social @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social & @heathercherone.bsky.social — 7pm on @wttw.bsky.social and streaming online!
Reposted by Michael Liptrot
West Side Students Learn How To Safely Interact With Dogs Thanks To Canines 4 Kindness
The program teaches kids how to interact w/pitbulls & other large dogs, + it is working to change the narrative around so-called aggressive breeds.
@michaeljliptrot.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/29/w...
The program teaches kids how to interact w/pitbulls & other large dogs, + it is working to change the narrative around so-called aggressive breeds.
@michaeljliptrot.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/29/w...
April 30, 2025 at 5:26 PM
West Side Students Learn How To Safely Interact With Dogs Thanks To Canines 4 Kindness
The program teaches kids how to interact w/pitbulls & other large dogs, + it is working to change the narrative around so-called aggressive breeds.
@michaeljliptrot.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/29/w...
The program teaches kids how to interact w/pitbulls & other large dogs, + it is working to change the narrative around so-called aggressive breeds.
@michaeljliptrot.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/29/w...
This morning I was proud to recap @blockclubchi.bsky.social’s top neighborhood stories of the week for Good Day Chicago on FOX 32 with Anita Blanton! www.fox32chicago.com/video/1632711
Lincoln Square extends car-free zone and other top stories from Block Club Chicago
Our friends over at Block Club Chicago are back this morning with details on three local stories people are talking about.
www.fox32chicago.com
April 30, 2025 at 12:27 AM
This morning I was proud to recap @blockclubchi.bsky.social’s top neighborhood stories of the week for Good Day Chicago on FOX 32 with Anita Blanton! www.fox32chicago.com/video/1632711
Reposted by Michael Liptrot
Rescued dogs & inspired kids.Thx @blockclubchi.bsky.social @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social @colinbphoto.bsky.social
West Side students are learning how to safely interact with dogs thanks to Canines 4 Kindness. buff.ly/VBhghHA
April 30, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Rescued dogs & inspired kids.Thx @blockclubchi.bsky.social @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social @colinbphoto.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Liptrot
STORY: Fire Capt. David Meyer Honored As 'Legendary Firefighter, A True Friend' At Funeral via @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social / @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/29/f...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/29/f...
April 29, 2025 at 7:17 PM
STORY: Fire Capt. David Meyer Honored As 'Legendary Firefighter, A True Friend' At Funeral via @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social / @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/29/f...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/29/f...
Reposted by Michael Liptrot
The funeral for fallen Chicago Fire Department Captain David Meyer at Saint John Brebeuf Parish in Niles, Ill. this morning.
#OnAssignment for @blockclubchi.bsky.social with @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social
#OnAssignment for @blockclubchi.bsky.social with @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social
April 29, 2025 at 4:47 PM
The funeral for fallen Chicago Fire Department Captain David Meyer at Saint John Brebeuf Parish in Niles, Ill. this morning.
#OnAssignment for @blockclubchi.bsky.social with @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social
#OnAssignment for @blockclubchi.bsky.social with @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social
Riot Fest is staying in Douglass Park, inking a multi-year deal with the Chicago Park District that triples investments in the park. blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/09/r...
Riot Fest Staying In Douglass Park After Organizers Agree To Increase Park Payments
The multi-year agreement keeps the festival in North Lawndale through 2027, with an option to extend the deal through 2029, organizers said in a release.
blockclubchicago.org
April 9, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Riot Fest is staying in Douglass Park, inking a multi-year deal with the Chicago Park District that triples investments in the park. blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/09/r...
Reposted by Michael Liptrot
What happened this week? Well, a lot! Get caught up on @wttw.bsky.social at 7 tonight and streaming online with the fantastic @beckyvevea.bsky.social @vimiller.bsky.social @bloomberg.com’s Shruti Singh & @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social
April 4, 2025 at 11:21 PM
What happened this week? Well, a lot! Get caught up on @wttw.bsky.social at 7 tonight and streaming online with the fantastic @beckyvevea.bsky.social @vimiller.bsky.social @bloomberg.com’s Shruti Singh & @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Liptrot
West Side Teen Went Viral For Salon In Her School Bathroom — And Now Wants To Turn It Into A Business
A fantastic story with @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social / @blockclubchi.bsky.social!
blockclubchicago.org/2025/03/21/w...
A fantastic story with @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social / @blockclubchi.bsky.social!
blockclubchicago.org/2025/03/21/w...
March 21, 2025 at 3:36 PM
West Side Teen Went Viral For Salon In Her School Bathroom — And Now Wants To Turn It Into A Business
A fantastic story with @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social / @blockclubchi.bsky.social!
blockclubchicago.org/2025/03/21/w...
A fantastic story with @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social / @blockclubchi.bsky.social!
blockclubchicago.org/2025/03/21/w...
Reposted by Michael Liptrot
Want to read about joy? Meet the grandmothers who are helping girls navigate the stress of middle school, via
@michaeljliptrot.bsky.social: tinyurl.com/4x2n3mue
@michaeljliptrot.bsky.social: tinyurl.com/4x2n3mue
On The West Side, Grandmothers Are Helping Girls Navigate The Stresses Of Middle School
The Grandparent Circle program connects students at four CPS schools with “wise women” mentors for journaling and book club conversations.
tinyurl.com
February 27, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Want to read about joy? Meet the grandmothers who are helping girls navigate the stress of middle school, via
@michaeljliptrot.bsky.social: tinyurl.com/4x2n3mue
@michaeljliptrot.bsky.social: tinyurl.com/4x2n3mue
Colin’s photography has elevated my reporting with pictures worth well over a thousand words. Excited to see you grow in this role!
A ~professional update~ that I forgot to share here...
5 years after I had my first assignment for @blockclubchi.bsky.social, and I'm now the Director of Photography! I'll be maintaining my roles as our photojournalist, while also assigning freelance photogs + much more!
HMU colin@blockclubchi.org
5 years after I had my first assignment for @blockclubchi.bsky.social, and I'm now the Director of Photography! I'll be maintaining my roles as our photojournalist, while also assigning freelance photogs + much more!
HMU colin@blockclubchi.org
February 21, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Colin’s photography has elevated my reporting with pictures worth well over a thousand words. Excited to see you grow in this role!
Recent Grammy award winner and Chicago native Matt B will be at the Dusable Black History Museum this Sunday for the museums’s 64th anniversary. I spoke with the artist about his upbringing on the South Side and journey to finding his African roots. blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/14/g...
Fresh Off Grammy Win, Matt B Returns Home To Headline DuSable Museum Anniversary Celebration
Ahead of his Sunday performance, Matt B talked with Block Club about how Black identity and his upbringing inspires his music. He won the Grammy for Best Global Music Album earlier this month.
blockclubchicago.org
February 14, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Recent Grammy award winner and Chicago native Matt B will be at the Dusable Black History Museum this Sunday for the museums’s 64th anniversary. I spoke with the artist about his upbringing on the South Side and journey to finding his African roots. blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/14/g...
Reposted by Michael Liptrot
Reports from Lower Lower Wacker Drive around 11 p.m. on Thursday, with @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social / @blockclubchi.bsky.social:
STORY: Chicago Conducts Annual Homeless Count As City Begins Combined Shelter System blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/24/c...
STORY: Chicago Conducts Annual Homeless Count As City Begins Combined Shelter System blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/24/c...
Chicago Conducts Annual Homeless Count As City Begins Combined Shelter System
Staff and volunteers hit the frigid streets Thursday night for the city's annual Point-in-Time count, a snapshot of people experiencing homelessness and living without shelter.
blockclubchicago.org
January 27, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Reports from Lower Lower Wacker Drive around 11 p.m. on Thursday, with @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social / @blockclubchi.bsky.social:
STORY: Chicago Conducts Annual Homeless Count As City Begins Combined Shelter System blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/24/c...
STORY: Chicago Conducts Annual Homeless Count As City Begins Combined Shelter System blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/24/c...
Reposted by Michael Liptrot
Chicago Tonight | The Week in Review @wttw.bsky.social: Michael Madigan Takes the Stand; Brandon Johnson Floats a Congestion Tax, w/ @quinnmyers.bsky.social @raylongchicago.bsky.social @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social @shiakapos.bsky.social & host @amandavinicky.bsky.social news.wttw.com/2025/01/10/w...
Week in Review: Madigan Takes the Stand; Johnson Floats a Congestion Tax
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan takes the stand in his own defense. And a battle over hemp regulation has the mayor and governor on opposing sides.
news.wttw.com
January 13, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Chicago Tonight | The Week in Review @wttw.bsky.social: Michael Madigan Takes the Stand; Brandon Johnson Floats a Congestion Tax, w/ @quinnmyers.bsky.social @raylongchicago.bsky.social @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social @shiakapos.bsky.social & host @amandavinicky.bsky.social news.wttw.com/2025/01/10/w...