Articles

  • 2 weeks ago | blockclubchicago.org | Melissa Espana

    CHICAGO — Wands — and wallets — at the ready: The Harry Potter Shop is now open Downtown. Actor Tom Felton, famous for his role as Draco Malfoy in the Potter movie series, stopped by the Magnificent Mile this week to celebrate the opening of the Harry Potter Shop at 676 N. Michigan Ave. While the series’ first book was published close to 30 years ago, hype over the wizard series is still strong, with a new HBO series on the way and the fandom continuing to grow among younger generations.

  • 3 weeks ago | blockclubchicago.org | Melissa Espana

    CHICAGO — Last month, it was green. Now, the Chicago River is serving up something even stranger: giant jelly beans. As part of an April Fools’ Day stunt, giant Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans floated beneath the Michigan Avenue Bridge on Tuesday morning, giving passersby a sneak peek at the magic coming to Downtown when the Harry Potter Shop opens April 10. The beans bobbed along in the water, catching the attention of morning runners and Harry Potter fans who stopped to take photos.

  • Oct 10, 2024 | blockclubchicago.org | Melissa Espana

    CHICAGO — Accio spending spree: Harry Potter fans in Chicago are in for a magical treat this spring on the Mag Mile. Warner Bros. Discovery is opening a Harry Potter shop at 676 N. Michigan Ave. that will feature official merchandise, photo opportunities, interactive displays and original props from the films. “Our ambition is to bring some Harry Potter magic to Chicago with our uniquely themed shopping experience and unmatched selection of products,” according to a company news release.

  • Oct 9, 2024 | blockclubchicago.org | Melissa Espana

    CHICAGO — Portillo’s and New York’s Milk Bar are teaming up to bring chocolate lovers a limited-edition dessert: the Milk Bar x Portillo’s chocolate cake cookie. The cookie combines the flavors of Portillo’s chocolate cake with swirls and chunks of the chain’s fudge frosting, all baked into a Milk Bar chocolate cookie.

  • Jun 14, 2024 | blockclubchicago.org | Melissa Espana

    CHICAGO — After a night of hitting the bars, there’s one thing we all have in common: the intense need to eat something delicious — and filling. Whether it’s something cheesy, fried, spicy or piled high with toppings, those post-drink cravings can only be satisfied by the city’s late-night eats. We asked Block Club readers where they like to go when it’s late at night, they’re drunk and they desperately need something to eat.

Journalists covering the same region

Julia Rosier's journalist profile photo

Julia Rosier

Multimedia Journalist at WICS-TV (Springfield, IL)

Reporter at News 12 Westchester

Julia Rosier primarily covers news in Springfield, Illinois, United States and surrounding areas.

Dave Hinton

Editor at The News-Gazette (Champaign, IL)

Dave Hinton primarily covers news in the Central Illinois region, including cities like Terre Haute, Indiana and Champaign, Illinois, United States.

Colin Feeney's journalist profile photo

Colin Feeney

Sports Writer at River Bender

Colin Feeney primarily covers news in the southwestern region of Illinois, United States, including areas around Alton and Edwardsville.

Addi Weakley's journalist profile photo

Addi Weakley

Real Time Editor at KSHB-TV (Kansas City, MO)

Addi Weakley primarily covers news in Kansas City, Missouri, United States and surrounding areas.

Steven Spearie's journalist profile photo

Steven Spearie

Staff Writer at The State Journal-Register

Steven Spearie primarily covers news in Springfield, Illinois, United States and surrounding areas.

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Melissa España
Melissa España @MLEspana
15 Aug 24

RT @BlockClubCHI: @ONA Social Media Engagement: Proud City📱 Our Pride Month coverage used all major social platforms to engage a broad aud…

Melissa España
Melissa España @MLEspana
15 Aug 24

RT @BlockClubCHI: Block Club is a finalist for 3 @ONA awards this year!🎉 ▪️ Breaking News: Crises for Chicago’s Migrants ▪️ Social Media:…

Melissa España
Melissa España @MLEspana
23 Jun 24

RT @izmartinsen: Being a writer is having that 𝘰𝘯𝘦 song on repeat while you draft because it perfectly fits the vibe of your WIP