Sign in

Melody Mercado

@themelodymercado.bsky.social
1.7K followers 589 following 26 posts

Reporter covering Downtown for Block Club Chicago • Former TV turned newspaper turned digital reporter • Boricua 🇵🇷• Send news tips to melody@blockclubchi.org

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Columbia Journalism Review @columjournreview.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Local elected officials across the political spectrum seem less likely than ever to talk to journalists. Block Club Chicago's @themelodymercado.bsky.social and @greenwell.bsky.social discuss the ever-changing relationship between Mayor Brandon Johnson and the press podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
275
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Alex V. Hernandez @avhndz.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
Talked about my @blockclubchi.bsky.social story on the recent student walk-out with WBBM’s Rob Hart, Bloomberg News’ Shruti Singh and the Chicago Tribune‘s Talia Soglin on @wttw.bsky.social’s “Chicago Tonight.” www.youtube.com/live/7vDwJzU...
youtube.com
Week in Review: CPS Student Walkout; Bears Stadium Search
YouTube video by WTTW
1193
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Alex V. Hernandez @avhndz.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Know of a participating indie business missing from @blockclubchi.bsky.social list? Email newsroom@blockclubchi.org.
083
Melody Mercado @themelodymercado.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
An update on West Loop Restaurant Gino And Marty’s The owners are being sued by the Illinois DOL for unpaid wages...so far, a preliminary investigation shows at least 9 employees are owed a combined $26k blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/30/g...
blockclubchicago.org
Gino And Marty’s Owners Sued By Illinois Labor Department Over Unpaid Wages
State officials allege owners and managers of the West Loop restaurant failed to pay workers earned wages, tips, minimum wage and overtime, leaving at least nine employees owed more than $20,000.
232
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Colin Boyle @colinbphoto.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
The frigid temperatures aren’t chilling the news here in Chicago. See what @blockclubchi.bsky.social reporters captured while covering the city’s neighborhoods this week. This Week In Photos: Chicagoans Brace For Dangerous Cold, Bears Season Ends And Much More blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/23/t...
1126
Melody Mercado @themelodymercado.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Raising Cane's set a record, paying about $100 a square foot to be in Fulton Market. Reformation just signed at $140 a square foot. Randolph Street has turned into "national logo soup." What does this mean for the local businesses trying to stay alive? blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/14/h...
blockclubchicago.org
How Chains Are Changing Fulton Market, Once The Hot Spot For Indie Restaurants, Retailers
Raising Cane's record-setting Randolph Street lease and other chains are driving up rents and fueling fears that Fulton Market’s local character is being priced out.
5148
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Alex V. Hernandez @avhndz.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
by @themelodymercado.bsky.social. Raising Cane’s record-setting Randolph Street lease and other chains are driving up rents and fueling fears that Fulton Market’s local character is being priced out. blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/14/h... via @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org
How Chains Are Changing Fulton Market, Once The Hot Spot For Indie Restaurants, Retailers
Raising Cane's record-setting Randolph Street lease and other chains are driving up rents and fueling fears that Fulton Market’s local character is being priced out.
012
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Ariel Parrella @arielparrella.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
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
blockclubchi.co
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.
0154
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Alex V. Hernandez @avhndz.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
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
blockclubchicago.org
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 ...
62812
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
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
news.wttw.com
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.
064
Melody Mercado @themelodymercado.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
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...
blockclubchicago.org
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...
042
Melody Mercado @themelodymercado.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
“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.”
110
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
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...
news.wttw.com
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?
021
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Ariel Parrella @arielparrella.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
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
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.
1115
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Molly DeVore @mollydevore.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
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...
blockclubchicago.org
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.
3142
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Alex V. Hernandez @avhndz.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
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
blockclubchicago.org
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.
042
Melody Mercado @themelodymercado.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
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...
blockclubchicago.org
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.
132
Melody Mercado @themelodymercado.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
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
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.
0183
Melody Mercado @themelodymercado.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
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...
blockclubchicago.org
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...
22111
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
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...
news.wttw.com
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.
021
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Colin Boyle @colinbphoto.bsky.social · 16/01/2025
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...
053
Melody Mercado @themelodymercado.bsky.social · 05/01/2025
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
000
Melody Mercado @themelodymercado.bsky.social · 24/12/2024
Merry Xmas to me with a 255 lb squat. 💞🌸
030
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Ariel Parrella @arielparrella.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
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.
05325
Melody Mercado @themelodymercado.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
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…
blockclubchicago.org
173
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Colin Boyle @colinbphoto.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
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...
0184
Melody Mercado @themelodymercado.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
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...
blockclubchicago.org
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,"...
1104
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Shootyourmark @shootyourmark.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
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-...
thetriibe.com
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.
1021876
Melody Mercado @themelodymercado.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
New concept at Italian Village Restaurant opens THIS week 👀 blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/02/s...
blockclubchicago.org
Sotto Brings Elevated Flavors To The Basement Of Italian Village
The restaurant will open Thursday in the basement of the famous, family-owned Loop business, offering a full dinner menu.
031
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
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
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 ...
053
Melody Mercado @themelodymercado.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
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.”
042
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Morgan Elise J @morganelisej.thetriibe.com · 23/11/2024
Hi there, please add me and… @tiffany.thetriibe.com @tonia.thetriibe.com @corli.thetriibe.com @romej.thetriibe.com @bpopetv.bsky.social @araceligomezaldana.bsky.social @themelodymercado.bsky.social @imleor.bsky.social
1132
Melody Mercado @themelodymercado.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
I'll be on WTTW's Week in Review tonight at 5:30. Tune in to hear us discuss the week's most pressing stories.
0104
Reposted by Melody Mercado
Block Club Chicago @blockclubchi.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
New to Bluesky? We've got you covered! ⭐ Follow Block Club's team on here to stay in the know about all things Chicago. We'll keep adding to the list as more members of our team join. go.bsky.app/BpnBAMv
1224058
Melody Mercado @themelodymercado.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Also - thank you to everyone who has continued to follow my work from X to Bluesky.
040
Melody Mercado @themelodymercado.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
The police department has spent $22.6 million in overtime this year working street festivals/events — only about $2 million has been reimbursed to the city by event organizers. “If you don’t ante up, you shouldn’t get the chance to re-up next year.” blockclubchicago.org/2024/11/18/c...
blockclubchicago.org
City Is Owed Nearly $20 Million In Police Overtime This Year From Special Event Organizers
The police department has spent $22.6 million in overtime this year for officers working special events — only about $2 million of which has been reimbursed to the city.
112