We get an environment update this week. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen gets an update on environmental policy in Illinois with Colleen Smith of the Illinois Environmental Council, learns about Edgewater’s local environmental work with Tricia Van Eck of the Edgewater Environmental Coalition, and discovers the Secret History of 1980s new wave rockers The Odd. And in the The OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin remind us that we need to get on board with fighting climate change right now! To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

This week we discuss the future of the North Lawndale neighborhood. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen learns how North Lawndale residents are improving their community with Reshorna Fitzpatrick of the Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church, talks to local singer-songwriter Dina Bach about her new music, and discovers the Secret History of the late, great Joe Cassidy. And the OTL Wrap Party segment is on vacation this week. Rest up, Wrap Party! To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Do you remember the proposed Crosstown Expressway? (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen remembers the proposed Crosstown Expressway from the 1970s with local writer Mary Wisniewski, learns about housing assistance in the wake of the pandemic with Anthony Simpkins, president & CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago tenor sax man Ari Brown. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin discuss discuss highway transportation and their favorite El lines. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

The Cook County Forest Preserve system is a local treasure. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen talks to Cook Co. Commissioner Larry Suffredin about the future of the county forest preserve, gets an update on local street vendors, and talks to Hillel Frankel of the trailblazing Chicago Ska band Heavy Manners. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin discuss tax increases and ska music. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.