Property taxes in Wicker Park are high! (Photo: Mike Stephen/WGN Radio)

Mike Stephen discusses the issue of increasing property taxes in Wicker Park with Hannah Alani of Block Club Chicago, talks to Executive Pastor Reshorna Fitzpatrick of Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church about how residents of North Lawndale are improving life in that community, and discovers the Secret History of Andrew “Big Voice” Odom. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin reflect on the good work of the North Lawndale community and wonder how their NCAA brackets will turn out. The local music this week comes from Syl. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged

Electric transportation. (Photo courtesy of Collin Seaman/WGN Radio).

Mike Stephen discusses Illinois’ grade for electric transportation with Bryan Howard of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, learns about the importance of local architectural journalism with architectural historian Elizabeth Blasius, and talks to Colleen Smith, deputy director of the Illinois Environmental Council, about a proposed ordinance aimed at curbing air pollution in Chicago. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin stress the need for immediate environmental protections, wonder if Mars will be a vacation destination in the future, and say some prayers for The Tamale Guy. The local music this week comes from Motel Breakfast. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged

Vashon Jordan Jr. documents local protests. (Photo Credit: Vashon Jordan Jr. Used with permission.)

Mike Stephen talks to Vashon Jordan Jr., the photographer behind the book Chicago Protests: A Joyful Revolution, checks in with Craig Morrall of the Nisei Lounge to see how that bar has survived the pandemic, and learns the Secret History of blues pianist Willie Mabon. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin emphasize the importance of Vashon’s work, spicy hot wings, and exploring your community. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged

The Green Lady.

Mike Stephen learns about the mystery of the 1963 murder of Ald. Ben Lewis with Mick Dumke of ProPublica Illinois, discusses how The Green Lady bar continues to build community with bar owner Melani Hoffman, and talks to artist Josh Moulton about how local art is supporting struggling business in Chicago. And in the OTL Wrap Party, Mike and Producer Collin reflect on the importance of journalism and taverns. To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our Apple Podcasts Page, Spotify, or our RSS feed.

Posted 6 years ago Tagged