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.

It’s a historic day for Mike Stephen as he chats with Craig Pfannkuche of the Chicago and North Western Historical Society about the ambitions of Chicago’s first mayor, author Daniel Kay Hertz about his book The Battle of Lincoln Park, and pays a visit to Steve Krakow (aka Plastic Crimewave) to learn about the Secret History of prog-rockers Mugicians. Local music this week is powered by Aurora L’Orealis. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

Mike Stephen discusses community oversight of the police with Frank Chapman of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, visits an Irish immigrant who is a great craftsman and musician named Aidan O’Toole, and learns about a new media company called One Illinois and its mission to unite our state.  The local music this week comes from the local Celtic band Anish. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.