What is the future of Chicago bars after the pandemic?

Mike Stephen discusses the future of bars and taverns in Chicago with @ChicagoBars, talks to local journalist Alison Flowers about the new Chicago Police Torture Archive, and discovers the Secret History of 20th century bluesman Johnny Shines. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin recap the show and remember that Valentine’s Day is this weekend. The local pandemic tunez come from Beach Bunny. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page or RSS feed.

Why is there a digital divide in Chicago?

Mike Stephen discusses a new study examining the digital divide in Chicago with University of Chicago professors Dr. Nick Feamster and Dr. Nicole Marwell, learns why the online news site One Illinois is shutting down from editor and local journalist Ted Cox, and explores another year of population loss in Illinois with Erin Aleman, executive director of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin reflect on the state of the business of journalism. The local pandemic tunez come from Black Bolts. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page or RSS feed.

Are food delivery apps ruining restaurants?

Mike Stephen discusses the impact of food delivery apps on local restaurants with Phillip Foss, co-owner of EL Ideas and Boxcar Barbecue, previews the FOIAFest with Chicago Headline Club president Madhu Krishnamurthy, and learns the Secret History of local blues shufflers The Aces. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin reflect on using food delivery apps. The local pandemic tunez come from Harry James Brenner. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page or RSS feed.

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.