How can Chicago improve its handling of waste? (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the new study about Chicago’s garbage with Chicago Sun-Times reporter Brett Chase, explores a critique of CPD union leadership with Chicago Justice Project executive director Tracy Siska, and digs into the OTL archives to rediscover the Museum of Classic Chicago Television with founder Rick Klein. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin discuss calling alderpeople and extoll the virtues of pedicabs.

Do you remember the proposed Crosstown Expressway? (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen remembers the proposed Crosstown Expressway from the 1970s with local writer Mary Wisniewski, learns about housing assistance in the wake of the pandemic with Anthony Simpkins, president & CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago tenor sax man Ari Brown. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin discuss discuss highway transportation and their favorite El lines. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

OTL host Mike Stephen.

Mike Stephen discusses the significance of Juneteenth with Black Remembrance Project co-founder LaCreshia Birts, learns about one City Council committee’s inaction from Tracy Siska of the Chicago Justice Project, and discovers the Secret History of the local Reggae group Skanking Lizard. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show, reflect on Juneteenth, and get ready for Father’s Day. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Electric transportation. (Photo courtesy of Collin Seaman/WGN Radio).

Mike Stephen discusses Illinois’ grade for electric transportation with Bryan Howard of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, learns about the importance of local architectural journalism with architectural historian Elizabeth Blasius, and talks to Colleen Smith, deputy director of the Illinois Environmental Council, about a proposed ordinance aimed at curbing air pollution in Chicago. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin stress the need for immediate environmental protections, wonder if Mars will be a vacation destination in the future, and say some prayers for The Tamale Guy. The local music this week comes from Motel Breakfast. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.