Cameras are watching! (Photo Credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen talks to freelance reporter Michael Murney about his piece that covers the Chicago Police Department’s Private Sector Camera Initiative, gets an update on Illinois’ environmental policy from Jen Walling of the Illinois Environmental Council, and learns about public participation in drawing Chicago ward maps from Adam Alonso, CEO of BUILD. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show and remind us to call our legislators regarding issues we care about. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 5 years ago Tagged

The Three Patriots Statue. (Photo public domain)

Mike Stephen learns the historical significance of the Three Patriots statue with Chicago Jewish Historical Society co-president Dr. Rachelle Gold, discusses vaccine equity in Chicago with The Triibe’s Matt Harvey, and chats about a new recycling contract for the city with Madison Hopkins of the Better Government Association. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show, discuss local recycling, and seek a special connection with Aldi. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged

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.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged

Mike Stephen and Steve Rhodes chat about journalism at the WLUW-FM studios back in 2007.

Mike Stephen gets the story on the Beachwood Reporter hiatus from editor & publisher Steve Rhodes (pictured above with Mike in the WLUW-FM studios in 2007), discusses the push to end money bail in Illinois with Sharone Mitchell, the director of the Illinois Justice Project, and learns about the possibility of Chicago privatizing its recycling collection with Cole Rosengren of Waste Dive. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin tip their hats to the aforementioned Mr. Rhodes and decide which NFL franchise they’d like to own (besides the Bears and the 49ers). The local pandemic tunez come from Hospital Bracelet. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page or RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged