OTL: Episode #126

(podcasting from the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the I-think-I’ll-throw-my-hat-into-the-Fifth-Congressional-District-race-ring radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann talk about pedestrian deaths in Chicago, they discuss the Fifth Congressional District race, they learn how to track a local bar hero, and then they hear about the Chicago Olympic debate. OTL Public Service Announcement; pedestrian deaths in Chicago are up despite safety measures Ben Joravsky – staff writer, Chicago Reader; on the “The Race to Replace Rahm” — this week’s cover story on the Fifth Congressional District race in Illinois Clint McMahon – founder, Tamale Guy Tracker; using technology to celebrate a local Chicago bar hero Steve Frayne – A Balanced Discussion, hosted at Chicago2016.com; on discussion about the pros and cons of the Olympic Games potentially in Chicago (segue music this week from Leslie Hunt)

OTL: Episode #124

(podcasting from the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the 100-watt in vino veritas radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann talk marriage, they learn about the politics of wine, they discuss an online resource featuring info on elected representatives in Chicago, and then they chat about the state of local community journalism. Mike realizes that he’s really getting married; he’s registered and is even taking religious classes to make it all official Gretchen Neuman – spokesperson, Illinois Wine Consumers Coalition; on the passage of HB 429 into law, and what it means for wine enthusiasts in Illinois Brad Flora – founder, The Windy Citizen; on learning more about your elected officials at RepSheet Helen Karakoudas – managing editor, Wednesday Journal and Chicago Journal; on National Buy a Newspaper Day, and the current state of local community journalism (segue music this week from Sars Flannery)

OTL: Episode #123

Chicago: Out of Sight, Out of Mind (podcasting from the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the 100-watt preservation-worthy radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann present a special Chicago: Out of Sight, Out of Mind themed show — featuring preservation issues including Michael Reese Hospital, The Prodigal Son Bar & Grill, and Saint Boniface Church. Chicago is losing its landmarks; Mike misses the old Rainbo roller rink in Uptown Jacob Kaplan, Corinne Aquino, Serhii Chrucky – Forgotten Chicago; on Michael Reese Hospital and talk of a Chicago Olympic Village Jason Mathews – bacon enthusiast; lamenting the loss of The Prodigal Son Bar & Grill Jonathan Fine – executive director, Preservation Chicago; on the struggle to save Saint Boniface Church (segue music this week from The Eli Story)

OTL: Episode #122

(podcasting from the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the 100-watt unlympic radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann hate dibs, they hear about the Unlympics movement in Chicago, they discuss the passion that Uptown residents have for their neighborhood, and then they learn about an environmental event in a local suburb. OTL hates “dibs” in Chicago; just because you dig your car out of the snow doesn’t mean you should hold the space Anne Elizabeth Moore – secretary of the Unlympics organizing board; on questioning the idea of bringing the 2016 Olympic Games to Chicago Uptown residents are passionate about their neighborhood; activity and comments run hot at the Uptown Update blog (in reaction to OTL #121) Michael Belsky – Mayor, Highland Park; on Environment Illinois’ “Clean Energy, Bright Future: Rebuilding America through Green Infrastructure” event last week (segue music this week from KICKBUSH)