OTL: Episode #277- The statewide lobby loophole, Discovering a local watering hole, The Red Line Project

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “it’s you, Babe’s” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to Andy Hermann about discovering a local watering hole, learns how many IL lawmakers are also lobbyists, and discusses community journalism with the founder of The Red Line Project.   John Sullivan— Asst. Director of the Medill Watchdog Initiative and faculty member at Northwestern University Illinois lawmakers are allowed to be lobbyists on the side.  Is this a conflict of interest?  We discuss this topic with John and he breaks down his research of statewide lobbying.   Andrew W. C. Hermann IV– Former producer and co-founder of OTL Radio Mike and Andy had a night out in Jefferson Park last week and discovered a great local bar.  We hear an audio recap of their adventure.  (Listen for a Hobo reference from OTL #5)   Babe’s on Milwaukee Ave. in Jefferson Park.   Mike Reilley— Founder of The Red Line Project and Online Journalism Instructor at DePaul’s College of Communication We learn about this site that covers the happenings in the areas near the Red Line El stops.   OTL #277 local music provided by Go Time!…

OTL: Episode #276- ChicagoLobbyists.org, Discussing the local comedy scene, Chicago Pipeline e-newsletter

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “Chicago pipeline to your heart” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the creators of ChicagoLobbyists.org, learns about a Chicago comedy blog, and chats with the editor of the Chicago Pipeline, an e-newsletter about Wicker Park and Bucktown.   Paul Baker, Derek Eder, and Chad Pry— Part of the creative team behind ChicagoLobbyists.org We learn about this website that’s intended to improve transparency of interactions between the City of Chicago and lobbyists and their clients.   James Kamp– Editor and founder of the Comedy of Chicago blog This blog spotlights different topics within the local comedy scene.  James tells us why he started this blog and why you should check it out.     Alisa Hauser— Editor and publisher of the Chicago Pipeline This weekly e-newsletter covers Wicker Park and Bucktown.  Alisa gives us the lowdown on reporting the happenings in her community.   OTL #276 local music provided by Warm Ones…

OTL: Episode #262- Mick Dumke on crime and basketball, Do security cameras make Chicago safer?

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “I’m watching you” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen looks at the link between local crime and neighborhood b-ball hoops with The Reader’s Mick Dumke and then discusses the results of a study that examined if city police cameras reduce crime.   Mick Dumke— Senior Writer at the Chicago Reader Do local basketball courts breed crime?  Mick answers that question and discusses his latest analysis of the Chicago City Council.   OTL Turns 5 This Week!– Happy birthday to us!  Thanks for listening to this show over the years!!     Nancy La Vigne, Ph.D.— Director of the Justice Policy Center at The Urban Institute Nancy and her research team studied the use of public surveillance cameras in Chicago.  She tells us what they discovered.  You can check out the study here.   OTL #262 local music provided by Sunny Shadows…

OTL: Episode #251- The Paper Machete Show, TIF Talk, a NY Director on Chicago’s Theatre Scene

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “paper machete” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen chats with the host of a weekly salon in a saloon, does some TIF Talk, and discusses Chicago theatre with a New Yorker.   Christopher Piatt— Host and Curator of The Paper Machete Show We learn about this free weekly live magazine and podcast the covers pop culture, current events, and American manners at The Horseshoe on Lincoln every Saturday at 3 p.m.   TIF Talk– A new OTL segment TIF Districts are pretty controversial in Chicago.  This occasional segment looks at TIFs from different angles.  This week, we hear a listener’s reaction to a TIF discussion on a past show with Ald. James Cappleman (46th). What we imagine exists inside a TIF fund. Wes Grantom— Director of The Steadfast We hear about the development of this new play and get Wes’ reflections on the Chicago theatre scene as a director in New York.  His show is based off of a painting (pictured below) by artist Steve Alpert.   OTL #251 local music provided by Black Bear Combo…