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.

How can Chicago improve its handling of waste? (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the new study about Chicago’s garbage with Chicago Sun-Times reporter Brett Chase, explores a critique of CPD union leadership with Chicago Justice Project executive director Tracy Siska, and digs into the OTL archives to rediscover the Museum of Classic Chicago Television with founder Rick Klein. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin discuss calling alderpeople and extoll the virtues of pedicabs.

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.

Looking up at the Tribune Tower and pondering the future of media diversity. (Photo credit: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen chats about diversity in local journalism with Brandon Pope, the new president of the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, learns about a new bill that strengthens civics education for incarcerated youth from Ami Gandhi, senior counsel at the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, and gets the lowdown on Tautologic‘s new album from singer & keyboardist Ethan Sellers. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show and discuss the importance of mentorship and rickshaws. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.