Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on:

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.

28 Vacant Lots To Be Turned Into Affordable Homes In Back Of The Yards: Local nonprofits plan to build affordable single-family homes on city-owned lots in the neighborhood. Construction is expected to start in the coming weeks.

Rat Birth Control Pilot Coming To Lincoln Park As Neighbors Try Humane New Approach: With support from the Chicago Bird Alliance and Lincoln Park Zoo, the pilot aims to reduce the rat population without poison — and protect owls and other wildlife harmed by traditional rodenticides.