Curious City
Episodes
WBEZ’s Beginnings With The Board Of Education
13 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
WBEZ, where Curious City gets produced, actually began as a radio station that broadcast educational programs for kids. In this week’s episode Monic...
Can Anyone Propose Legislation To City Council?
06 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Little-known fact: in Chicago, you don’t need to be an elected official to propose legislation to City Council. But does this process really work? H...
Who Tolls The Bells In Chicago?
29 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you hear church bells ring in the Chicago-area, it’s likely they’re automated. Some bell systems are pneumatic or electronic. Others pipe digit...
Art, Protest And The Trial Of The Chicago 8
22 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In 1969, Chicago was home to one of history’s most high-profile trials. Known as the Trial of the Chicago 8 — and sometimes the Trial of the Chica...
Chicago's Hillbilly Heaven
14 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Why tens of thousands of Southern migrants made the Uptown neighborhood home, only to leave a short time later. And WBEZ's Natalie Moore tells us abou...
How Bagels Got To Chicago And Where To Eat Them
08 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Curious City reporter Monica Eng and editor Alexandra Salomon try to help one listener who claims NY has better bagels find some good ones in Chicago....
Three Historic Chicago Hoaxes And Pranks
01 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Chicago historian Paul Durica shares famous ruses, hoaxes and stunts pulled by (and on) local media.
The Environmental Impacts Of The Chicago River Reversal
25 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We dug into the Curious City archives and pulled out one of our favorites, a story about the Chicago River. Chicago’s bold maneuver to reverse the C...
COVID-19, One Year Later
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve reached the one-year anniversary of Chicago’s stay-at-home order. From schools going virtual to plastic shields lining the grocery store che...
A History Of Chicago Music Venues With Musician Andrew Bird
11 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Curious City podcast we revisit a live show reporter Monica Eng hosted in early 2020 with Do312Chicago and singer-songwriter Andrew B...
Who Was Billy Sunday?
04 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Curious City podcast we dig back into the archives to share one of our favorite stories about the song made famous by Frank Sinatra, ...
Why The Sweet Steak Is The “Most Chicago” Sandwich
25 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Though little known on the North Side of Chicago, the sweet steak has been attracting long lines of fans to South Side eateries for 50 years now. The ...
To Chicago, With Love: What Do Transplants Love About The City?
18 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One Curious Citizen wanted to know what people who moved to Chicago love about the city. From fireflies to the way people walk, we hear what transplan...
What’s Up With All Those Billboard Ads For Lawyers?
11 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Curious City took a road trip and counted almost a hundred billboard ads for lawyers along I-90/94 on the border between Illinois and Indiana. Audio ...
From Plastic Bags To Hot Potatoes: Hacks For Staying Warm This Winter
04 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Chicago winters can be long and brutal. Curious City’s Monica Eng spoke with postal workers and other Chicagoans who spend a lot of time outdoors ab...
Why You Should Skip Delivery Apps And Other Ways To Support Local Businesses
28 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A listener wanted to know some practical things he could do to support struggling businesses. Monica Eng shares tips from industry experts on how to s...
Why Are There So Many Thai Restaurants In Chicago?
21 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we hear why Chicago has so many Thai restaurants and a renowned Thai chef offers up some tips for how to get the full experience of Thai cui...
Did All Chicagoans Support The Civil War?
14 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode we revisit a question we first answered in 2018. What was Chicago’s response to the Civil War? Chicagoans support for the w...
Why The 1992 Loop Flood Is The Most Chicago Story Ever
07 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On April 13, 1992, Chicago was struck by a man-made natural disaster. The Great Chicago Flood of 1992 occurred completely underground and, fortunately...
Here Are The Winners Of The 2020 Haiku Contest
31 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the last day of 2020, which means we’re revealing the winners of our 2020 Haiku Contest. Plus, hear an interview from our friends at Reset, W...
A Different Perspective On Our Story About The Walnut Room
22 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In a response to our recent episode about the Walnut Room, listener Joyce Miller Bean shares her family’s experience of racism and discrimination wh...
What’s Up With All The Geese In Chicago?
17 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Maybe you find them annoying or maybe not, but one thing is certain: Chicago’s got a lot of geese. So this week we’re taking on your geese questio...
How A Department Store Became Part Of Chicago’s Christmas Traditions
10 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
From the Walnut Room restaurant to its window displays, Marshall Field’s figured out how to draw in the crowds during the holiday.
The Radical Existence Of Lucy Parsons, The ‘Goddess Of Anarchy’
03 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, reporter Arionne Nettles tells us the story of Lucy Parsons, a Chicago labor activist and anarchist known for her fiery speeches and ...
A Most Unusual School Year: Part II
26 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In Part II of our special series on education during COVID-19, reporters Susie An and Kate McGee share stories of two high school juniors going throug...
A Most Unusual School Year: Part I
19 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve spent the last couple of months reimagining the Curious City podcast and trying out some new ways to answer your questions. And now, the wait ...
Where Does Your Poop Go?
15 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In 2015, Satchel Lang was a curious five-year-old Chicagoan who didn’t want poop’s destiny to remain such a mystery. Now 11-years-old, we catch ba...
What My Family’s Great Migration Story Reveals About Chicago Blues
08 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the 20th century, millions of Black Americans who lived in southern states packed up and moved to northern cities — drawn by the promise of great...
What Chicago’s Architectural Clues Reveal About How We Lived
01 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve lived in or visited an older home or apartment building in Chicago, like question asker Biz Knapp, chances are it has an odd door or some ...
Chicago Residents Say Rats Are A Problem, So What Is The Solution?
25 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We’re back on the rat beat! Through WBEZ’s Citizens’ Agenda project, Chicagoans expressed concerns about the large number of rats in their neigh...
What Was It Like To Dance At The Warehouse Club In Chicago?
18 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
House music got its start in the early 1980s — and it originated right here in Chicago. Many people say The Warehouse, a prominent house music club,...
Carl Sandburg’s Chicago
11 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The famous poet and writer Carl Sandburg spent more than two decades in Chicago, from 1912 to 1930. In this archival episode from 2017, we explore how...
Here’s How Climate Change Is Impacting Lake Michigan
04 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Recent wildfires on the West Coast and Mayor Lightfoot’s plan to replace lead service lines in Chicago have brought the environment to the top of ou...
How Accountable Is The Mayor For Police Misconduct?
26 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
For the last couple of months, we’ve been bringing you stories from our archive as we experiment with some new formats. Now, we wanted to share one ...
What We Do — And Don’t — Know About Chicago’s Lead Water Problem
19 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Mayor announced a plan to replace the city’s extensive network of lead service lines. So what does that mean for Chicago residents and the water...
What A Murder In My Family Reveals About Chicago’s Chinese Gangs
13 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The inaugural citywide Curious City Scavenger Hunt: Chicago Eats Edition is coming to an end, so we’re capping off the past month of unlocking clues...
Why Did So Many Chicago Bars Disappear?
06 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
While our recent episodes have been taking you to different neighborhoods throughout the city, this week we’re visiting a Chicago neighborhood insti...
Displaced: When The Eisenhower Expressway Moved In, Who Was Forced Out?
30 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Ike was the city’s first superhighway. In this special presentation, people affected open up about how it scattered ethnic neighborhoods and cha...
Chicago’s Historic Japanese Neighborhood — And Why It Disappeared
23 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
While the Curious City Scavenger Hunt: Chicago Eats Edition continues to take you all across the city, we’re pulling stories from our archive that d...
The Chicago-Invented Delicacies That Help Define The City’s Food Scene
16 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With the “Curious City Scavenger Hunt: Chicago Eats Edition” now underway, we’re revisiting a story about foods created right here in Chicago.
Was There A Burial Mound In Chicago Shaped Like A Lizard?
09 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A listener noticed an odd detail on an old map. Curious City investigated whether it was the site of an ancient burial mound.
Sculpting History: Who Decides What Historical Markers Go Up In Chicago?
02 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As statues are removed in cities across the United States, we revisit a story about what it takes to get one put up in the first place.
The Story Behind “Go Cubs Go” And The Man Who Wrote It
25 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Folk singer Steve Goodman grew up going to Cubs games, and this diehard fan had a lifelong goal—to write a hit song about baseball.
How Often Should I Wash My Mask? And More Of Your Questions About Face Masks
19 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
From office use to wearing them outdoors, we clear up some of your lingering confusions about face masks.
Protest Art Has Covered Boarded Up Businesses — Will It Be Preserved?
12 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Plywood boards on storefronts became canvases during the protests over the killing of George Floyd. One Chicagoan wonders what will happen to the art ...
Why Are There So Many Music Venues In Uptown?
05 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A rising population, developing landscape and evolving entertainment all helped form a need for the Chicago music venues we know today.
As Chicago Reopens, Is It Time To Let My Parents Meet Their Grandchildren?
28 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As new parents to twins, Ricardo and Marcela Serment wonder if it could finally be time to invite some helping hands into their home.
Performers Speak Out About Racism In Chicago’s Improv And Comedy Scene
14 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we speak with comedians Ashley Ray, Josie Benedetti and artistic performer Angela Oliver about how systemic racism has impacted Chicag...
Reflections On A Week Of Protests And Unrest
06 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As Chicagoans respond to the death of George Floyd, WBEZ’s Natalie Moore, Monica Eng, Chip Mitchell and Sarah Karp take us through the moments that ...
What To Expect From Farmers Markets This Season
31 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Since the pandemic began, people have been concerned about food—how safe it is, how to get it, whether it would be available. We answered many of th...
Farmers Like Me Are Seeing Crop Prices Drop — But We're Resilient
27 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As the state and the city take new steps to reopen life during COVID-19, we're releasing our last episode of Life Interrupted, a weekly series about d...
I Survived Tuberculosis In The 1950s, So I’m No Stranger To Quarantine
24 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
At the beginning of the 20th Century, a global public health crisis hit Chicago—a widespread outbreak of tuberculosis. The highly contagious respira...
I Thought Ramadan Would Be Depressing This Year — But It's Been A Blessing
20 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode of Life Interrupted: Deanna Othman looks forward to sharing meals with friends and family during Ramadan. Now, she’s relying...
Why Is Chicago Still Seeing So Many New Cases Of COVID-19?
17 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Illinois stay-at-home order was supposed to slow the spread of COVID-19. So one Curious Citizen wonders how so many people are still getting ...
I'm Bringing A Baby Into The World In the Middle Of A Pandemic
13 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode of Life Interrupted: A first pregancy is normally filled with a lot of excitment but also a lot of anxiety. So what's it like to br...
Has The Stay-At-Home Order Improved Chicago’s Air Quality?
10 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With less traffic on the roads and some businesses shut, one Curious Citizen wonders if the air we’re breathing is any cleaner.
Our Daughter Is A Nurse On The Front Lines Of The Coronavirus Pandemic
06 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Life Interrupted is a new weekly series from Curious City about daily life in Chicago during the pandemic. In today's episode, as their daughter treat...
Who Created The Cook County Forest Preserves?
03 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Around the turn of the century, the great American wilderness was disappearing. That’s when an architect named Dwight Perkins devised an ambitious p...
I Started Sewing Clothes For My Barbies — Now I’m Sewing Face Masks
29 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Life Interrupted is a new weekly series from Curious City about daily life in Chicago during the pandemic. In today's episode, Lucy Keating first lear...
Looking For Quarantine Recipes? Try This Chicago-Invented Dish
26 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Two Albany Park chefs turned a Chinese-Korean chicken dish into a signature Chicago food. Listen to the history, then go to wbez.org/curiouscity for r...
Your Stories Of Love And Dating During COVID-19
19 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you’re single or in a decades-long relationship, it’s likely coronavirus has had an impact on your love life. With Illinois’ “stay-at-...
This Synagogue's Story Mirrors The History Of Jewish Migration Across Chicago
11 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As many Chicagoans celebrate Passover, we’re sharing a story about the history of Chicago’s Jewish community through one congregation.
Pets And COVID-19: What You Need To Know
05 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Chicagoans have become familiar with how COVID-19 is spread from person to person and what types of safety measures they should be taking during this ...
How To Safely Enjoy The Outdoors During COVID-19
28 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Governor Pritzker’s “stay-at-home” order has left lots of Chicagoans wondering how they can safely enjoy the outdoors during the CO...
How To Eat Safely During The Coronavirus Crisis: Tips, Resources, FAQs
19 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
WBEZ is answering lots of your other frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 outbreak in Illinois here. Life in Chicago has changed dramatica...
Chicago’s Got 1 Thai Restaurant For About Every 33 Thai People: How Come?
15 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Fourteen-year-old Evan Robinson is a Chicago foodie — you might have even seen him on Master Chef Junior. Over the years, when he’s gone to see hi...
'South Side Stories': The Legend Of Harold’s
08 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This curated episode from WBEZ and Comedy Central’s South Side Stories explores why every Harold’s chicken tastes different.
Chicago’s ‘Dibs’ Tradition Can Get Dirty, And Even Dangerous
01 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Police records show that dibs disputes have led to everything from broken mirrors to life-threatening acts of retaliation.
Who Wrote The Song About The Cow That Started The Great Chicago Fire?
23 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It’s sung everywhere from summer camps to soccer games. We dig into the song’s contested origins, and how it became such a hit.
From Chop Suey Houses To Saloons: What Was Chicago’s Foodie Scene Like In The Early 20th Century?
16 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
From raw celery to “milk toast,” we explore the biggest food fads of the era — and the restaurants that served them.
Red Line To Your Heart: What Makes Chicago's Dating Scene Distinct?
09 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We explore a phenomenon called “cuffing” and the (short) lengths Chicagoans will go for love.
Little Eddie's Field Trip: The Union Stock Yards Through the Eyes of an Eighth Grader
02 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Back in the 1940s, Chicago school kids took local field trips that would be unthinkable today.
Are Chicagoans True Midwesterners?
26 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Chicago is geographically in the Midwest. But many people believe that being “Midwestern” is something else entirely.
Chicago Winter Warmth Tips: From Extra Gloves To Hot Potatoes
19 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
From mail carriers to photographers, we asked people who spend a lot of time in the cold how they stay warm.
What’s The Deal With ‘Midwest Nice?’
12 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The common stereotype for Midwesterners is that we’re polite, friendly...and passive-aggressive. But is there any truth to that?
What Happens To The Lincoln Park Zoo Animals In The Winter?
04 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Do the animals go somewhere warm, like Florida? Does the zoo give them coats? We took a behind-the-scene tour of the zoo to find out.
Signs Of The Times: How Chicago Bars Got So Many Old Style Signs
29 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We uncover the history and bask in the glow of a ubiquitous Chicago bar sign.
Why Is Gambling Banned On The CTA?
22 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Commuters are regularly hit with the announcement “Gambling is prohibited on CTA trains.” We find the reason behind the rule and look for those wh...
To Dibs Or Not To Dibs? The Essential Chicago Question
15 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We answer your most pressing questions about Chicago’s controversial winter tradition.
How Do You Solve A Problem Like Lead Pipes? Lessons From Cities Getting It Done
08 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Rust Belt cities tackling their lead problems offer advice for Chicago on funding, public education and getting political buy-in.
Christmas Tree Lots: Who Are The Folks Who Keep The Season Bright?
01 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
"It’s fast, it’s furious and it’s over in about three and a half weeks."
City On Fire: Chicago Race Riot 1919
24 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Chicago’s "Red Summer" of 1919 comes alive in this radio drama from WBEZ's Natalie Moore. It’s history with a twist.
Chicago Police Hope To Build Trust With Experiment In Community Policing
17 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
With trust in police at a historic low, the Chicago Police Department’s latest community policing initiative puts relationship building at its cente...
Little Fingers And Screechy Sounds: Why Do So Many Kids Learn To Play The Recorder?
10 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The recorder often inflicts squeaky torture on parents. Music teacher Valerie DePriest explains why it became a staple in music education.
Ida B. Wells’ Lasting Impact On Chicago Politics And Power
03 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
She’s best known for her anti-lynching work in the South, but Wells spent nearly four decades advancing black equality in Chicago.
The Case Of The Chicago Mothman
27 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Following several recent reports of a strange winged creature around the Chicago area, we try to find out what the heck is going on.
DIY Bike Detective: Tips For Tracking Down Your Stolen Bicycle In Chicago
20 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Once you recover from the initial shock, experts recommend piecing together evidence, spreading the word, and hitting the street stat.
Floods, Carp, And Crap: The Environmental Impacts Of The Chicago River Reversal
13 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The effects of the groundbreaking engineering feat are still being felt today — as far as the Gulf of Mexico.
Half Day Road And The Origins Of A Semantic Slip-up
06 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A half day from ... what? Why this suburban myth is not even half true, and why the same mistake was made again 600 miles away.
Chicago’s Hidden Indie Rock Archive
29 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Over three decades, Aadam Jacobs obsessively documented Chicago’s indie rock scene. His collection includes the early work of Liz Phair, Smashing Pu...
To Help Homeless Kids In Chicago, First You Have To Find Them
22 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Population estimates vary drastically. And numbers matter, since they dictate funding for crucial resources like shelter beds, food and social service...
Climate Change Is Already Impacting Lake Michigan — Here’s How
15 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Erratic water levels, disappearing beaches — climate change is already affecting Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Here’s what else we can expect.
Drums, Fire And A Grilled Rabbit: The Birth Of Chicago’s Full Moon Jam
08 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Chicago’s Full Moon Jam is now a popular city-sanctioned attraction. But it began back in 2004 as a birthday party among friends.
The Cha-Cha Slide And More: Which Dances Were Invented In Chicago?
01 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Don your dancing shoes as we track down the Chicago band members, musicians, and dancers who helped create five iconic moves.Â
Having ‘The Talk’: Expert Guidance On Preparing Kids For Police Interactions
25 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A child psychiatrist, a public defender and a police officer weigh in on how to prepare kids for interacting with the police.
Rats! The Science And Stories Behind Chicago’s Most Unwanted Pests
18 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
To explore the mysteries of Chicago’s rodents, Curious City took a rat safari, interviewed experts and turned your stories into a zine.
Why Chicago’s Depression-Era School Murals Sparked Debates About Art And Politics For 80 Years
11 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Some were called Communist, while others have been called out for lack of diversity.
Nicky’s And The Big Baby Mystery Part II: We Found Nicky V.!
04 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Our recent search for the origins of a famous South burger hit a dead end — until the elusive Nicky Vagenas finally came forward.
Chicago’s Race Riots Of 1919 Contributed To The Segregation We See Today
28 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Choices made in the wake of the violence set a foundation for the racial inequality the city continues to grapple with.
Why Chicago Had Race Riots During The ‘Red Summer’ Of 1919
21 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Long-brewing racial tensions came to a head one hot summer day, when a black boy was drowned near a whites-only beach.