OTL: Episode #85

(podcasting “from” in a top-secret area just behind the City Council chambers in City Hall) (broadcasting on the 100-watt aldermanic prerogative radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann run through some news updates, they learn about an independent caucus in Chicago’s City Council, they attempt to stuff a “Best of Chicago” ballot box, and then they learn about the 60th anniversary of Israel. OTL Newsroom Updates; bidding farewell to Melissa from WLUW’s own Full on Friday, Mike’s towed-car saga continues and his letter is posted at TheExpiredMeter, another end of an era — the Spindle in Berwyn came down Adam Doster – In These Times senior editor, Progress Illinois reporter/blogger; on “Chicago’s Independent Caucus: A Year Later“ OTL: The Best of Chicago; vote early and vote often (by May 19!)… Outside the Loop RADIO for Chicago’s best podcast Debby Oshri-Pintel – executive director, Hadassah Chicago Chapter; on celebrating the 60th anniversary of Israel (segue music this week from Balkans)

OTL: Episode #84

(podcasting “from” in the Chess Pavilion near North Avenue Beach) (broadcasting on the 100-watt checkmate radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen updates Andy Hermann about his letter to Ald. Vi Daley, they discuss the latest in local politics, they learn about a chess team in Chicago, and then they get the scoop on a comedy troupe’s anniversary and television pilot. Mike still seeks justice; The Parking Ticket Geek (TheExpiredMeter) offers advice for Mike’s towed-car woes, still no word back yet from 43rd Ward Ald. Vi Daley’s office Mick Dumke – political writer, Chicago Reader; on his recent “Clout City” blog posts about city settlements and blue cart recycling Sevan Muradian – co-manager, Chicago Blaze; on joining the US Chess League, and the Illinois Chess Association Justin Kaufmann – member, Schadenfreude; on the comedy ensemble’s 10th anniversary and their IL-Informed pilot on WTTW (segue music this week from Even in Blackouts)

OTL: Episode #81

(podcasting “from” in the parking lot of the abandoned Pizza Hut next to La Pasadita Mexican Restaurant on Division and Ashland) (broadcasting on the 100-watt civil union WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann talk infrastructure in Chicago, they learn about civil unions in Illinois, they discuss an upcoming record fair and award a cheesy FM DJ award, and then they visit an online newspaper covering the city. Chicago needs some help; Popular Mechanics names “The 10 Pieces of U.S. Infrastructure We Must Fix Now” Chris Jessup – organizer, Civil Unions Illinois; on House Bill 1826, legislation to extend basic legal protections to committed couples in Illinois OTL News and DJ Awards; this weekend is the CHIRP Record Fair and Other Delights, Mike awards (the legendary) Dick Biondi an “OTL Cheesy FM DJ Award” Geoff Dougherty – editor, Chi-Town Daily News; on citizen journalism in Chicago (segue music this week from the Blue Ribbon Glee Club)

OTL: Episode #80

(podcasting “from” in the really pretty garden, right next door to the Art Institute) (broadcasting on the 100-watt fightin’-the-man radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann get updated on the Children’s Museum and Grant Park, they learn about a proposed 49-story building for downtown Evanston, and then they hear all the latest info on the Chicago Independent Radio Project. OTL is Still Workin’ Hard; Andy’s flu returns, Mike’s still worn out from Opening Day Peggy Figiel – member, Save Grant Park; on the Children’s Museum trying to move into public land Bill Smith – publisher/editor, Evanston Now; on the proposed Fountain Square Tower in downtown Evanston Jenny Lizak – Vice President, Chicago Independent Radio Project (CHIRP); on the status of building a low-power FM radio station in Chicago (segue music this week from Elephant Gun)