'South Side Stories': The Legend Of Harold’s
This curated episode from WBEZ and Comedy Central’s South Side Stories explores why every Harold’s chicken tastes different.
Episodes
Curious City
Ask questions, vote and discover answers about Chicago, the region and its people. From WBEZ.
Episodes
Chicago’s ‘Dibs’ Tradition Can Get Dirty, And Even Dangerous
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?
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?
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?
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
Back in the 1940s, Chicago school kids took local field trips that would be unthinkable today.
Are Chicagoans True Midwesterners?
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
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?’
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?
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
We uncover the history and bask in the glow of a ubiquitous Chicago bar sign.
Why Is Gambling Banned On The CTA?
Commuters are regularly hit with the announcement “Gambling is prohibited on CTA trains.” We find the reason behind the rule and look for those who inspired it.
To Dibs Or Not To Dibs? The Essential Chicago Question
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
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?
"It’s fast, it’s furious and it’s over in about three and a half weeks."
City On Fire: Chicago Race Riot 1919
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
With trust in police at a historic low, the Chicago Police Department’s latest community policing initiative puts relationship building at its center.
Little Fingers And Screechy Sounds: Why Do So Many Kids Learn To Play The Recorder?
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
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
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
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
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
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
Over three decades, Aadam Jacobs obsessively documented Chicago’s indie rock scene. His collection includes the early work of Liz Phair, Smashing Pumpkins, Jeff Tweedy, New Order, Naked Raygun, Flaming Lips, Yo La Tengo and much more. Today, the future of his roughly 10,000 live recordings is unclear. We took a peek into Jacob's archive.
To Help Homeless Kids In Chicago, First You Have To Find Them
Population estimates vary drastically. And numbers matter, since they dictate funding for crucial resources like shelter beds, food and social services.
Climate Change Is Already Impacting Lake Michigan — Here’s How
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
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?
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
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
To explore the mysteries of Chicago’s rodents, Curious City took a rat safari, interviewed experts and turned your stories into a zine.