Melody Mercado
@themelodymercado.bsky.social
Reporter covering Downtown for Block Club Chicago • Former TV turned newspaper turned digital reporter • Boricua 🇵🇷• Send news tips to melody@blockclubchi.org
Reposted by Melody Mercado
An all-ages social club aimed at preserving the game of dominoes, a Puerto Rican cultural tradition, is set to open this summer with classes and tournaments in Humboldt Park's Paseo Borikén. blockclubchi.co/43W5ZMv
Pe Erre Domino Club Coming to Humboldt Park's Paseo Boricua
An all-ages social club aimed at preserving the game of dominoes, a Puerto Rican cultural tradition, is set to open this summer with classes and tournaments.
blockclubchi.co
May 27, 2025 at 5:36 PM
An all-ages social club aimed at preserving the game of dominoes, a Puerto Rican cultural tradition, is set to open this summer with classes and tournaments in Humboldt Park's Paseo Borikén. blockclubchi.co/43W5ZMv
Reposted by Melody Mercado
A local progressive political group is threatening legal action against an alderman who falsely tried to link them to Elias Rodriguez, the man accused of fatally shooting two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, D.C. blockclubchicago.org/2025/05/23/p... via @blockclubchi.bsky.social
Political Group Wants Alderman To Apologize For Falsely Linking It To DC Shooting Suspect
Ald. Ray Lopez and Iris Martinez, Cook County Circuit Court clerk, were among those who shared posts falsely linking Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez and other progressive politicians to alleged gunman ...
blockclubchicago.org
May 23, 2025 at 3:22 PM
A local progressive political group is threatening legal action against an alderman who falsely tried to link them to Elias Rodriguez, the man accused of fatally shooting two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, D.C. blockclubchicago.org/2025/05/23/p... via @blockclubchi.bsky.social
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Chicago Tonight | Week in Review: City Council Blocks Jan. 6 Rioters From City Jobs; Police Misconduct Budget Almost Exhausted, with @sdaniels27.bsky.social @heathercherone.bsky.social @elviamalagon.bsky.social @themelodymercado.bsky.social & host @brandisfriedman.bsky.social
Week in Review: City Council Blocks Jan. 6 Rioters From City Jobs; Police Misconduct Budget Almost Exhausted
Former President Joe Biden returns to the national stage — calling out the Trump administration’s actions on Social Security. And alderpeople are blocking Jan. 6 rioters from working with the city.
news.wttw.com
April 21, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Chicago Tonight | Week in Review: City Council Blocks Jan. 6 Rioters From City Jobs; Police Misconduct Budget Almost Exhausted, with @sdaniels27.bsky.social @heathercherone.bsky.social @elviamalagon.bsky.social @themelodymercado.bsky.social & host @brandisfriedman.bsky.social
Water Tower Place 'Past Its Prime' As A Mall— But Mag Mile Recovery In Full Swing, Backers Say
Vacancy dropped on Mag Mile from 33% to 26% with new spots like Aritzia, Alo Yoga & Hershey Experience.
Coming soon: Harry Potter Shop, Mango & Uniqlo.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/07/w...
Vacancy dropped on Mag Mile from 33% to 26% with new spots like Aritzia, Alo Yoga & Hershey Experience.
Coming soon: Harry Potter Shop, Mango & Uniqlo.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/07/w...
Water Tower Place 'Past Its Prime' As A Mall— But Mag Mile Recovery In Full Swing, Backers Say
The upper floors of the Michigan Avenue mall — which has seen many vacancies in recent years — will be converted into office and medical space, while the first three floors will remain retail, city of...
blockclubchicago.org
April 7, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Water Tower Place 'Past Its Prime' As A Mall— But Mag Mile Recovery In Full Swing, Backers Say
Vacancy dropped on Mag Mile from 33% to 26% with new spots like Aritzia, Alo Yoga & Hershey Experience.
Coming soon: Harry Potter Shop, Mango & Uniqlo.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/07/w...
Vacancy dropped on Mag Mile from 33% to 26% with new spots like Aritzia, Alo Yoga & Hershey Experience.
Coming soon: Harry Potter Shop, Mango & Uniqlo.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/07/w...
“If you had an arranged marriage and then you, like, stumble into first love at 60 years old, that’s hilarious and a lot,” Puja said. “I feel like it’s enough to just navigate falling in love when you’re young … and then there’s this other idea [that’s] it’s never too late.”
Chicago's Next Romantic Comedy To Explore Finding Love Later In Life
“Lakshmi,” local Indian filmmaker Puja’s latest project, is set in the city and inspired by her widowed “aunty.”
This was a beautiful story to witness with @themelodymercado.bsky.social!
blockclubchicago.org/2025/03/20/c...
“Lakshmi,” local Indian filmmaker Puja’s latest project, is set in the city and inspired by her widowed “aunty.”
This was a beautiful story to witness with @themelodymercado.bsky.social!
blockclubchicago.org/2025/03/20/c...
March 21, 2025 at 4:12 PM
“If you had an arranged marriage and then you, like, stumble into first love at 60 years old, that’s hilarious and a lot,” Puja said. “I feel like it’s enough to just navigate falling in love when you’re young … and then there’s this other idea [that’s] it’s never too late.”
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Week in Review: Pritzker Says Education Department Cuts Could Cost State $3B; Downtown Shooting Revives Curfew Talk with @mitchtrout.bsky.social @themelodymercado.bsky.social Rufus Williams, Nader Issa and host @amandavinicky.bsky.social news.wttw.com/2025/03/14/w...
Week in Review: Pritzker Says Education Department Cuts Could Cost State $3B; Downtown Shooting Revives Curfew Talk
What Trump’s Education Department overhaul could mean for Illinois students. And could an earlier downtown curfew cut crime?
news.wttw.com
March 17, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Week in Review: Pritzker Says Education Department Cuts Could Cost State $3B; Downtown Shooting Revives Curfew Talk with @mitchtrout.bsky.social @themelodymercado.bsky.social Rufus Williams, Nader Issa and host @amandavinicky.bsky.social news.wttw.com/2025/03/14/w...
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Ready or not, here we go again. The next phase of work on Milwaukee Avenue b/w Diversey/Kimball and Logan, and the Logan Square traffic circle's new traffic pattern and closure, kicks off this week, which has nearby business owners nervous amid an already slow season.
blockclubchi.co/4h8Yfez
blockclubchi.co/4h8Yfez
Logan Square Business Owners Ask For Support As Another Construction Season Begins
Traffic will be rerouted as work starts this week on the inner ring of the traffic circle and on the south side of Milwaukee between Diversey/Kimball and Logan Boulevard.
blockclubchi.co
March 3, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Ready or not, here we go again. The next phase of work on Milwaukee Avenue b/w Diversey/Kimball and Logan, and the Logan Square traffic circle's new traffic pattern and closure, kicks off this week, which has nearby business owners nervous amid an already slow season.
blockclubchi.co/4h8Yfez
blockclubchi.co/4h8Yfez
Reposted by Melody Mercado
In the latest Godzilla comic book, the King of the Monsters descends upon Chicago and hits all the classic spots, literally
The Blue Line, Lollapalooza and Indiana all take a beating in “Godzilla Vs. Chicago”
blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/27/g...
The Blue Line, Lollapalooza and Indiana all take a beating in “Godzilla Vs. Chicago”
blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/27/g...
Godzilla Descends On Chicago In New Comic Book, With Nods To Dibs, Svengoolie And Dave Matthews' Bus
Released Wednesday, "Godzilla Vs. Chicago" features two Portage Park artists. The Seventh Corner Gallery is hosting an art show celebrating the release on Friday.
blockclubchicago.org
February 27, 2025 at 4:39 PM
In the latest Godzilla comic book, the King of the Monsters descends upon Chicago and hits all the classic spots, literally
The Blue Line, Lollapalooza and Indiana all take a beating in “Godzilla Vs. Chicago”
blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/27/g...
The Blue Line, Lollapalooza and Indiana all take a beating in “Godzilla Vs. Chicago”
blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/27/g...
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Construction is underway on several projects at Leland and Western avenues in Lincoln Square that will require northbound commuters who catch the bus at the Western Brown Line stop to adapt their route slightly. blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/28/w... via @blockclubchi.bsky.social
Western Brown Line Bus Stop Temporarily Relocating During Lincoln Square Construction
The northbound #49 and #X49 buses, which normally stop at the CTA station, will now stop farther south at the corner of Western and Eastwood avenues, officials said.
blockclubchicago.org
February 28, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Construction is underway on several projects at Leland and Western avenues in Lincoln Square that will require northbound commuters who catch the bus at the Western Brown Line stop to adapt their route slightly. blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/28/w... via @blockclubchi.bsky.social
Chaotic Committee Meeting Video Briefly Removed After 'Improper' Ask From Mayor's Office, Clerk Says
The Mayor's Office requested the removal of the first 8 mins of the video after the live broadcast aired a conversation between 2 unidentified people
blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/06/c...
The Mayor's Office requested the removal of the first 8 mins of the video after the live broadcast aired a conversation between 2 unidentified people
blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/06/c...
Chaotic Committee Meeting Video Briefly Removed After 'Improper' Ask From Mayor's Office, Clerk Says
A Mayor's Office request led to the brief removal of video from a heated public committee meeting Tuesday. The City Clerk said the recording was improperly removed and has since been restored.
blockclubchicago.org
February 6, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Chaotic Committee Meeting Video Briefly Removed After 'Improper' Ask From Mayor's Office, Clerk Says
The Mayor's Office requested the removal of the first 8 mins of the video after the live broadcast aired a conversation between 2 unidentified people
blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/06/c...
The Mayor's Office requested the removal of the first 8 mins of the video after the live broadcast aired a conversation between 2 unidentified people
blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/06/c...
Can The Google Effect Revive The Loop? Experts I spoke to say the revitalization of the Thompson Center + Revitalize LaSalle is starting to show signs of an upcoming economic boom for the Loop.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/27/c...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/27/c...
Can The Google Effect Revive The Loop? Experts Say Yes
Experts say the Loop is showing signs of a potential economic boom thanks to the tech giant's purchase of the Thompson Center and reinvestment in the area.
blockclubchicago.org
January 27, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Can The Google Effect Revive The Loop? Experts I spoke to say the revitalization of the Thompson Center + Revitalize LaSalle is starting to show signs of an upcoming economic boom for the Loop.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/27/c...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/27/c...
I spoke with two financial experts on Bally's “minority investment” offer plus dove into the 200+ page deal. Here’s what I learned.
Big takeaway: you aren’t guaranteed a return on investment
blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/24/b...
Big takeaway: you aren’t guaranteed a return on investment
blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/24/b...
Bally's Chicago Wants Women, Minorities To Invest In New Casino — But Is It A Safe Bet?
Bally's officials estimate its Chicago casino could generate up to $1.2 billion in revenue annually. But if the casino doesn't open or it folds, investors would lose all their money, according to inve...
blockclubchicago.org
January 24, 2025 at 3:09 PM
I spoke with two financial experts on Bally's “minority investment” offer plus dove into the 200+ page deal. Here’s what I learned.
Big takeaway: you aren’t guaranteed a return on investment
blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/24/b...
Big takeaway: you aren’t guaranteed a return on investment
blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/24/b...
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Chicago Tonight | The Week in Review: End of the Line for Dorval Carter at CTA; First Partially Elected School Board Sworn In, with @themelodymercado.bsky.social Laure Washington, @alexnitkin.bsky.social Megan Crepeau & host @amandavinicky.bsky.social news.wttw.com/2025/01/17/w...
Week in Review: End of the Line for Dorval Carter at CTA; First Partially Elected School Board Sworn In
Chicago gets its first elected school board members. And former House Speaker Michael Madigan explains his “making out like bandits” remark.
news.wttw.com
January 20, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Chicago Tonight | The Week in Review: End of the Line for Dorval Carter at CTA; First Partially Elected School Board Sworn In, with @themelodymercado.bsky.social Laure Washington, @alexnitkin.bsky.social Megan Crepeau & host @amandavinicky.bsky.social news.wttw.com/2025/01/17/w...
Reposted by Melody Mercado
In 'Searching For Justice,' A Cast Impacted By The Prison System Explores Criminal Justice Reforms
The sold-out show by Mud Theatre Project, a nonprofit founded by a recently exonerated man, premieres tonight @ Steppenwolf.
via @ataviawrotethis.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/16/i...
The sold-out show by Mud Theatre Project, a nonprofit founded by a recently exonerated man, premieres tonight @ Steppenwolf.
via @ataviawrotethis.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/16/i...
January 16, 2025 at 4:37 PM
In 'Searching For Justice,' A Cast Impacted By The Prison System Explores Criminal Justice Reforms
The sold-out show by Mud Theatre Project, a nonprofit founded by a recently exonerated man, premieres tonight @ Steppenwolf.
via @ataviawrotethis.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/16/i...
The sold-out show by Mud Theatre Project, a nonprofit founded by a recently exonerated man, premieres tonight @ Steppenwolf.
via @ataviawrotethis.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/16/i...
I'll be OOO next week for a fiscal reporting workshop, where I'll be diving deep into topics like budgets, bonds, incentives, housing, and more. I'm excited to learn and hope to bring back some great ideas for 2025!
Until then send tips to - Newsroom@blockclubchi.org
Until then send tips to - Newsroom@blockclubchi.org
January 5, 2025 at 11:09 PM
I'll be OOO next week for a fiscal reporting workshop, where I'll be diving deep into topics like budgets, bonds, incentives, housing, and more. I'm excited to learn and hope to bring back some great ideas for 2025!
Until then send tips to - Newsroom@blockclubchi.org
Until then send tips to - Newsroom@blockclubchi.org
Merry Xmas to me with a 255 lb squat. 💞🌸
December 24, 2024 at 5:06 PM
Merry Xmas to me with a 255 lb squat. 💞🌸
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Update: The hospital saw my story and will not charge the boy and family for medical and therapy care. The fundraiser also reached its goal after this story went out in 12 hours! $ donated will go toward financial support during the holidays and to fix the car door riddled with bullet holes.
The family of an 11-year-old boy shot last week during a road rage incident on the border of Wicker Park and Humboldt Park is raising money to support his physical and emotional recovery — including for the other children who witnessed the shooting.
blockclubchi.co/3P01AAQ
blockclubchi.co/3P01AAQ
Family Of Boy Shot In Wicker Park Road Rage Incident Raising Money To Cover Medical Bills
The online fundraiser will help the family of 11-year-old Tayveon Jackson cover medical bills, access therapy and pay for some Christmas gifts, a family friend said.
blockclubchi.co
December 19, 2024 at 6:09 PM
Update: The hospital saw my story and will not charge the boy and family for medical and therapy care. The fundraiser also reached its goal after this story went out in 12 hours! $ donated will go toward financial support during the holidays and to fix the car door riddled with bullet holes.
Bally’s Apologizes After Demolition Debris Spills Into Chicago River
Due to its proximity to the Chicago River, the demolition of the Tribune’s publishing center was labeled “environmentally complex” earlier this year
Demo is paused for now
blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/19/bal…
Due to its proximity to the Chicago River, the demolition of the Tribune’s publishing center was labeled “environmentally complex” earlier this year
Demo is paused for now
blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/19/bal…
https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/19/bal…
December 19, 2024 at 5:13 PM
Bally’s Apologizes After Demolition Debris Spills Into Chicago River
Due to its proximity to the Chicago River, the demolition of the Tribune’s publishing center was labeled “environmentally complex” earlier this year
Demo is paused for now
blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/19/bal…
Due to its proximity to the Chicago River, the demolition of the Tribune’s publishing center was labeled “environmentally complex” earlier this year
Demo is paused for now
blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/19/bal…
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Shedd Aquarium's Wonder Of Water Replaces 53-Year-Old Exhibit — And Gives Lake Life Some Love
It replaces the Caribbean Reef in the rotunda, showcases salt- & freshwater ecosystems in two 28,000gal tanks.
@themelodymercado.bsky.social/@blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/09/s...
It replaces the Caribbean Reef in the rotunda, showcases salt- & freshwater ecosystems in two 28,000gal tanks.
@themelodymercado.bsky.social/@blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/09/s...
December 9, 2024 at 7:43 PM
Shedd Aquarium's Wonder Of Water Replaces 53-Year-Old Exhibit — And Gives Lake Life Some Love
It replaces the Caribbean Reef in the rotunda, showcases salt- & freshwater ecosystems in two 28,000gal tanks.
@themelodymercado.bsky.social/@blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/09/s...
It replaces the Caribbean Reef in the rotunda, showcases salt- & freshwater ecosystems in two 28,000gal tanks.
@themelodymercado.bsky.social/@blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/09/s...
West Loop Grocer's Owners Staying At Store Around The Clock After 3 Burglary Attempts In 1 Week
“Of course, we’re scared, but I can’t just be home and think everything is going to be alright,” one owner said.
blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/05/w...
“Of course, we’re scared, but I can’t just be home and think everything is going to be alright,” one owner said.
blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/05/w...
West Loop Grocer's Owners Staying At Store Around The Clock After 3 Burglary Attempts In 1 Week
The husband-and-wife owners of Go Grocer have even staked out their store to prevent further break-ins. "Of course, we're scared, but I can't just be home and think everything is going to be alright,"...
blockclubchicago.org
December 5, 2024 at 4:59 PM
West Loop Grocer's Owners Staying At Store Around The Clock After 3 Burglary Attempts In 1 Week
“Of course, we’re scared, but I can’t just be home and think everything is going to be alright,” one owner said.
blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/05/w...
“Of course, we’re scared, but I can’t just be home and think everything is going to be alright,” one owner said.
blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/05/w...
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Hey folks! My interview with the legendary Lupe Fiasco is out with @thetriibe.com. We had an incredible conversation about him and his father being honored by the city of Chicago, west side rap, violence in Chicago hip hop and more! Give it a read!
#hiphopsky #media
thetriibe.com/2024/12/how-...
#hiphopsky #media
thetriibe.com/2024/12/how-...
How Lupe Fiasco became immortalized as Chicago’s rap sensei • The TRiiBE
The TRiiBE caught up with the Grammy Award winner as he reflects on his late father’s legacy, his love of martial arts, and violence in rap.
thetriibe.com
December 3, 2024 at 5:35 PM
Hey folks! My interview with the legendary Lupe Fiasco is out with @thetriibe.com. We had an incredible conversation about him and his father being honored by the city of Chicago, west side rap, violence in Chicago hip hop and more! Give it a read!
#hiphopsky #media
thetriibe.com/2024/12/how-...
#hiphopsky #media
thetriibe.com/2024/12/how-...
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Chicago Tonight | The Week in Review: Johnson Proposes $150 Million Tax Hike; Solis Takes the Stand, with @themelodymercado.bsky.social @jake-sheridan.bsky.social @robhartmedia.bsky.social Reema Amin and host @ndblumberg.bsky.social
news.wttw.com/2024/11/22/w...
news.wttw.com/2024/11/22/w...
Week in Review: Johnson Proposes $150M Tax Hike; Solis Takes the Stand
Mayor Johnson says alderpeople should stop throwing tantrums and start negotiating the budget seriously. And disgraced former Ald. Danny Solis takes the stand in Michael Madigan’s historic corruption ...
news.wttw.com
November 25, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Chicago Tonight | The Week in Review: Johnson Proposes $150 Million Tax Hike; Solis Takes the Stand, with @themelodymercado.bsky.social @jake-sheridan.bsky.social @robhartmedia.bsky.social Reema Amin and host @ndblumberg.bsky.social
news.wttw.com/2024/11/22/w...
news.wttw.com/2024/11/22/w...
Inbox: former Press Secretary Ronnie Reese was placed on administrative leave in October and then discharged Nov. 5
Paperwork indicates he was “discharged for failure to meet professional standards.”
Paperwork indicates he was “discharged for failure to meet professional standards.”
November 25, 2024 at 11:20 PM
Inbox: former Press Secretary Ronnie Reese was placed on administrative leave in October and then discharged Nov. 5
Paperwork indicates he was “discharged for failure to meet professional standards.”
Paperwork indicates he was “discharged for failure to meet professional standards.”