OTL: Episode #541- Possible CPD reforms, Navigating Lake Street, The Platoon of Power Squadron series concludes

Mike Stephen talks with:   Chicago Justice Project executive director Tracy Siska about changes that need to be made within the Chicago Police Department;   Fulton Market Association executive director Roger Romanelli about fixing the treacherous stretch of Lake Street between Halsted and Ashland; and   The Platoon of Power Squadron creator/writer/director Jake Jarvi about about his long-running locally-produced web series that’s coming to an end.   Meanwhile, we discuss street musicians dodging a proposed ban on performing on Michigan Avenue, and we play a voicemail from #1 OTL fan Mrs. Stephen, who feels like she’s been double-crossed by Mr. Fix-It himself… Lou Manfredini.   This week’s local music is provided by The Red Plastic Buddha.   OTL host Mike Stephen poses with his mom’s prized Lou Manfredini poster. [not pictured: Mrs. Stephen]   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.

OTL: Episode #485- The future of Chicago Public Schools, Racism in the Chicago Police Department, What’s up with those blank billboards in Logan Square?

Mike Stephen talks with:   retired art teacher, union guy, and blogger Fred Klonsky about Governor Rauner and Mayor Emanuel teaming up to bust the Chicago Teachers Union and more;   journalist Evan F. Moore about his Chicago Reader interview with three African-American cops caught between black and blue; and   Logan Square Preservation president Andrew Schneider about an ongoing fight to remove eyesore billboards from the neighborhood.   Meanwhile, we pay tribute to Dan Turner, a personal friend and social justice activist; and we wish Mike’s mom a happy birthday!   This week’s local music is provided by Jodee Lewis.   OTL host Mike Stephen takes a selfie under a blacked-out billboard in Logan Square.   To subscribe to the OTL podcast, please visit our iTunes page or RSS feed.