OTL: Episode #489- Ald. Waguespack on good government, Drones and civil liberties, The Doorman app

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicago’s 32nd Ward alderman Scott Waguespack about the quest for better government within the Chicago City Council;   Scrappers Film Group cinematographer Ben Kolak and Robo Aerial founder Christopher Morrison about Where Can I Fly My Drone?, the second episode of the “Rights Lab” web series that’s screening at Experimental Station; and   Doorman CEO/co-founder Zander Adell about eliminating package theft via a new app.   Meanwhile, we discuss Mike’s experience with the City of Chicago’s Graffiti Blasters program after his garage was tagged.   This week’s local music is provided by Forgotten Tropics.   OTL host Mike Stephen thanks the Graffiti Blasters for a job well done.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #487- O’Hare’s runway allocation, The history of Chicago’s water intake cribs, How to save the Sun-Times

Mike Stephen talks with:   Fair Allocation in Runways (FAiR) Coalition leadership team member Helen Rosenberg about the ongoing fight with Mayor Rahm Emanuel over O’Hare noise pollution;   Chicago History Museum senior curator Libby Mahoney about the background of Chicago’s water intake cribs in Lake Michigan; and   Newcity editor/publisher Brian Hieggelke about how to keep Chicago a two-newspaper town with his plan to save the Sun-Times.   Meanwhile, we get fired up about a RedEye columnist defending the fact that she’s never voted.   This week’s local music is provided by Badwater Sound.   OTL host Mike Stephen takes great pleasure in contributing to the O’Hare noise pollution over OTL producer Andy Hermann’s neighborhood.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #486- Chicago Gay Hockey, Coding While Black, The Secret History of local Bluesman Luther Allison

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicago Gay Hockey Association board members Andrew Sobotka and Brian Hull before a game at Johnny’s IceHouse West;   Coding While Black founder and president Dominic M. Liddell about the need for diversity in the tech community; and   Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) about unclassifiable guitar hero Luther Allison for this week’s “Winter Blues” edition of The Secret History of Chicago Music.   Meanwhile, we wonder if Chicago’s plastic bag ban is working.   This week’s local music is provided by Glamour Hotline.   OTL host Mike Stephen checks out the scene before strapping on his skates with the Chicago Gay Hockey Association.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #483- Ald. Arena talks Chicago finances, Diversity in the teacher workforce, Getting crafty with Handmade Market

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicago’s 45th Ward alderman John Arena about the city’s finances and why the Progressive Caucus is urging the Emanuel administration to reconsider its plans to pay interest rate swap termination penalties;   Jenner Academy of the Arts principal Robert Croston about school diversity and what it takes to produce more black teachers; and   Handmade Market organizer Heather Flett about what you can find at one of the longest-running craft markets in town.   Meanwhile, we defend our neighbors against RoadSnacks and their “10 Worst Chicago Suburbs” list.   This week’s local music is provided by the Ben Marshall Band.   OTL host Mike Stephen reps his beautiful yet economical hometown of Elmwood Park, Illinois.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.