This week we explore compliance with a law regulating punishment in local schools. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen talks to Chalkbeat Chicago reporter Samantha Smylie about Chicago Public Schools’ compliance with a state law dealing with punishment in schools, learns about the next chapter of the historic Pickwick Theater in Park Ridge from Mike Jeffers, founder of Chicago Jazz Magazine and venue & programming consultant, and gets the lowdown on a local organization that empowers youth with media and storytelling skills called True Star Media from production team member Christopher Lockridge. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Mike Stephen discusses a new life for shuttered schools.

Mike Stephen learns about a project to give new life to shuttered Chicago schools called Creative Grounds, discusses the impact of local community organizing, and gets the Secret History of the late jazz drummer Alvin Fielder.  This week’s local music is brought to you by The Artist Formerly Known as Vince. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen chews through the CPS funding data with Jessica Kursman of UIC’s Voorhees Center, explores the impact of discipline policies in Illinois public schools with Kalin Belsha of the Chicago Reporter, and tips his hat to the late local music legend Val Camilletti of Val’s Halla Records in Oak Park.  The local music this week is powered by Rum Velvet. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.