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Backstory with Larry Potash — News & Politics
Backstory with Larry Potash

Explore the BACKSTORY behind some of the most intriguing tales in history, culture, religion and science from Chicago and beyond.

Latest Episodes:

The Woman Who Legally Kidnapped Over 5,000 Children Oct 28, 2024

5,000 children wrongfully removed from their homes, sent to live with total strangers. And the worst part? It was all completely legal. In this Backstory piece, Larry Potash looks at the life and terrible legacy of one Georgia Tann, and some of the descendants that she left in her wake.

Backstory with Larry Potash airs Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on smart TVs on the free WGN+ app. For more, download the Backstory podcast wherever you get your podcasts, go to WGNtv.com/backstory, or follow Larry Potash on your favorite social media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The World’s First Super Spy Oct 28, 2024

Before Bond. Before Bourne. There was a real-life man named Thomas Miller Beach, AKA Major Henri Le Caron. His claim to fame? Arguably, he was the world’s first super spy, caught in a four-nation conflict in the 19th century. Larry Potash has the fascinating Backstory on the man who led a ragtag band of ex-soldiers to invade no less than the dominion of Canada.

Backstory with Larry Potash airs Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on smart TVs on the free WGN+ app. For more, download the Backstory podcast wherever you get your podcasts, go to WGNtv.com/backstory, or follow Larry Potash on your favorite social media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How Iconic Chicago Sports Statues Came to Life Oct 28, 2024

The Michael Jordan Statue. Some argue this sculpture of the G.O.A.T., unveiled in 1994, ushered in a golden era of monuments to our heroes on the field. Larry Potash has the backstory on it, as well as other Chicago sports legends immortalized in bronze, and asks the question, what if statues aren’t history, but archaeology?

Backstory with Larry Potash airs Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on smart TVs on the free WGN+ app. For more, download the Backstory podcast wherever you get your podcasts, go to WGNtv.com/backstory, or follow Larry Potash on your favorite social media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Billy Caldwell: A new look at a Chicago pioneer’s legacy Oct 21, 2024

A stroll through a neighborhood on the northwest side of Chicago leads a local woman to come across a stone that’s a part of history. Behind the stone? A story of one man caught in two worlds, pursuing peace and history. The man? Billy Caldwell. In this piece for Backstory, Larry Potash looks at his legacy through a modern-day lens.

Backstory with Larry Potash airs Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on smart TVs on the free WGN+ app. For more, download the Backstory podcast wherever you get your podcasts, go to WGNtv.com/backstory, or follow Larry Potash on your favorite social media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Backstory of the Guitar Oct 21, 2024

The guitar has always seemed like the “lead instrument” on stage. Its power chords pushed it to the front and center of radio airwaves. And yet, it seems to come and go from popular music. The one constant has been when it comes to making a guitar, nobody does it better than America. In this piece for Backstory, Larry Potash goes deep on six stringed instruments, those who make them and those who play them.

Backstory with Larry Potash airs Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on smart TVs on the free WGN+ app. For more, download the Backstory podcast wherever you get your podcasts, go to WGNtv.com/backstory, or follow Larry Potash on your favorite social media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Origin & Legacy of Sherlock Holmes Oct 14, 2024

Sherlock Holmes started out as a character in a British magazine in the late 19th century. Thus began over a century of pop culture fame, but, more importantly, it began a new way of looking at crime…and justice, as Larry Potash reports in this piece for Backstory.

Backstory with Larry Potash airs Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on smart TVs on the free WGN+ app. For more, download the Backstory podcast wherever you get your podcasts, go to WGNtv.com/backstory, or follow Larry Potash on your favorite social media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Rise of the Tattoo Oct 14, 2024

About one in three Americans now has a tattoo somewhere on their body. In this piece for Backstory, Larry Potash looks at the psychology at play inside of those who get tattooed. And asks, why are Americans in particular so eager to ink?

Backstory with Larry Potash airs Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on smart TVs on the free WGN+ app. For more, download the Backstory podcast wherever you get your podcasts, go to WGNtv.com/backstory, or follow Larry Potash on your favorite social media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Rise, Fall, and Reinvention of the American Mall Oct 07, 2024

Malls started out as a sort of town center 2.0, eventually becoming staples of suburban life. But with the rise of online shopping, what does the future hold for these icons of American consumerism. In this Backstory piece, Larry potash looks at the rise, fall, and reinvention of the American mall.

Backstory with Larry Potash airs Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on smart TVs on the free WGN+ app. For more, download the Backstory podcast wherever you get your podcasts, go to WGNtv.com/backstory, or follow Larry Potash on your favorite social media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Powerful Allure of Nostalgia Oct 07, 2024

Nostalgia is a powerful force that permeates every class and demographic. What exactly is its allure? And what is its danger? In this Backstory piece, Larry Potash delves into how nostalgia has infused our present-day lives, and what it means for the larger cultural picture.

Backstory with Larry Potash airs Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on smart TVs on the free WGN+ app. For more, download the Backstory podcast wherever you get your podcasts, go to WGNtv.com/backstory, or follow Larry Potash on your favorite social media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Scots in America Apr 22, 2024

America's founding fathers go beyond the English. About half of the signers of the Declaration of Independence have Scottish roots. And they remained an influence on America from that moment forward.

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The Backstory of Whiskey Apr 22, 2024

There are more than 750 whiskey and bourbon distillery businesses in the United States. They are growing at a pace of about 15% every year. Dark spirits have made a comeback, in no small part, because of its backstory.

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The Evolution of Maps Apr 15, 2024

For centuries, maps have shown us how to get from point A to point B. But they’re much more than that. They’re a record of what people care about. How do you preserve these stories when maps are no longer on paper? In this Backstory piece, Larry Potash introduces us to a Chicago family who have been in the map business for 5 generations. Backstory with Larry Potash airs Sunday nights at 6:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on WGN, or stream it anytime on the WGN+ app on your smart TV with Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vintage Baseball Apr 15, 2024

Baseball pre-dates the other main sports in America. And while it’s often referred to as the American Pastime, its origins are steeped in myth. In this Backstory piece, Larry Potash introduces us to a group of people playing the game as it once was.

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Mr. Sound Effects Apr 08, 2024

Martin Scorsese. Leonardo DiCaprio. Nick White. You have probably heard of the first two, but the third has a fascinating story to tell. In this Backstory piece, Larry Potash introduces us to a man who creates vintage sound effects, and does it so well he talked his way into a major Hollywood film.

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From Reefer Madness to Big Business, Cannabis’ Comeback St Apr 08, 2024

For thousands of years, the cannabis plant was a crucial crop in helping civilizations evolve, used for products from clothing to medicine. But then in the early 20th century, the American government demonized it. Is weed a wonder drug or dangerous habit? In this piece, Larry Potash explores the backstory of cannabis’ comeback.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Hidden Meanings Embedded all over ‘It’s a Wonderful Life' Oct 23, 2023

It's a Wonderful Life isn't a hit at the box office in 1946. But decades later it becomes a Christmas classic. In this segment for Backstory, Larry Potash unearths the hidden meanings contained in the sets, props, and more. You may never see it the same way again. Backstory airs Sunday nights at 6:30 & 11 on WGN, or stream it anytime on the WGN+ app on your smart TV with Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Deadliest Maritime Disaster in U.S. History Oct 23, 2023

It was the deadliest maritime disaster in the history of the United States, the sinking of the S.S. Sultana right after the end of the Civil War. And yet, no one was ever convicted of a crime, despite evidence of gross negligence. Larry Potash profiles a man with a personal connection to the tragedy, and a remarkable discovery he's made about his ancestor. Backstory airs Sunday nights at 6:30 & 11 on WGN, or stream it anytime on the WGN+ app on your smart TV with Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Chicago Movie Pioneer Who Revolutionized an Entire Industry Oct 16, 2023

Hollywood is the global capital of making movies, but it might not have been if it wasn’t for a man in Chicago. Larry Potash gives us the backstory on one William Selig, a visionary who took the concept of silent films to a new level, and revolutionized an entire industry. Backstory airs Sunday nights at 6:30 & 11 on WGN, or stream it anytime on the WGN+ app on your smart TV with Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

THE MAN WHO TOOK ON LAKE MICHIGAN Oct 09, 2023

In 1961 Chicagoan Ted Erikson is a 33 year-old chemist who swims as a hobby. What possessed him to attempt to become one of the first to swim across Lake Michigan? Larry Potash digs into this little-known story through the eyes of Ted’s widow. Backstory airs Sunday nights at 6:30 & 11 on WGN, or stream it anytime on the WGN+ app on your smart TV with Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

THE PIONEERING CUBS OWNER WHO LOST IT ALL Oct 09, 2023

Eight seasons, four pennants, two World Series titles. Not bad for a Cubs owner. Charlies Murphy has been called “the George Steinbrenner” of the early 20th century. In this piece for Backstory, Larry Potash digs into the innovations he pioneered, how he became the most hated man in baseball, and the scandal that brought him down. Backstory airs Sunday nights at 6:30 & 11 on WGN, or stream it anytime on the WGN+ app on your smart TV with Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

THE "SECRET SIX" WHO HELPED BRING DOWN CAPONE Oct 09, 2023

Elliott Ness and the Untouchables, along with Treasury agent Frank Wilson, were instrumental in taking down Al Capone.

However, there was another force working behind the scenes, a group of Chicago businessmen, the so-called “Secret Six.”

In this segment for Backstory, Larry Potash talked to a man who has a personal connection, as well as insights to the secrets. Backstory airs Sunday nights at 6:30 & 11 on WGN, or stream it anytime on the WGN+ app on your smart TV with Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

THE SMALL TOWN PASTOR WHO HELPED SAVE THE WORLD Apr 24, 2023

How would World War II have turned out if the Nazis had successfully developed Nuclear weapons? And what does a small town in downstate Illinois have to do with preventing that from happening? Larry Potash digs deep into the crucial role a pastor from a small town in Illinois, and others, played in a long-lost World War II operation.

Backstory airs Saturday nights at 7 and Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on the WGN+ app, available on Amazon, Roku, Apple TV, and any smart TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

THE BACKSTORY OF COMIC BOOKS & THEIR UNCERTAIN FUTURE Apr 24, 2023

From their humble beginnings as simple newspaper strips, to their heyday in mid-20th century America, to their current status as movie franchise generator, the history of comic books is long and fascinating. Larry Potash looks at their glorious past, as well as their uncertain future in this Backstory segment.

Backstory airs Saturday nights at 7 and Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on the WGN+ app, available on Amazon, Roku, Apple TV, and any smart TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AN ODE TO WIFFLE BALL Apr 17, 2023

In this piece from Backstory, Larry Potash gives us an ode to that sport of backyards and schoolyards, wiffle ball, seen through the eyes of a Chicago family that’s been playing each other for 30 years.

Backstory airs Saturday nights at 7 and Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on the WGN+ app, available on Amazon, Roku, Apple TV, and any smart TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

THE BREAKAWAY MORMON SECT LOST TO HISTORY Apr 17, 2023

The Mormon religion was a movement that took its followers from east to west in the middle of the 19th century, including a strong presence in Illinois before ending up in the Utah territory. But a power vacuum caused a split, leaving two men leading two groups. One built his movement into a major force. The other has seemingly disappeared from history. Was its leader a holy man or a con artist? Larry Potash digs deep in this Backstory segment.

Backstory airs Saturday nights at 7 and Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on the WGN+ app, available on Amazon, Roku, Apple TV, and any smart TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcast

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

THE HEALTH HUSTLER OF THE OZARKS Apr 10, 2023

People come from all over to the historic Crescent Hotel in Arkansas for its ghost tours, but the backstory of this national landmark is much scarier. Larry Potash traveled to the Ozarks to bring us a story of a macabre con man, and the legacy he left behind.

Backstory airs Saturday nights at 7 and Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on the WGN+ app, available on Amazon, Roku, Apple TV, and any smart TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

RECORD-BREAKING: THE BACKSTORY OF VINYL’S COMEBACK Apr 10, 2023

When it comes to technology, usually people want the latest and greatest. So why are vinyl records making a comeback? For some people, it never went away. Larry Potash goes deep into the modern revivial of wax tracks in this piece for Backstory.

Backstory airs Saturday nights at 7 and Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on the WGN+ app, available on Amazon, Roku, Apple TV, and any smart TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Most Controversial Finish in Sports History Oct 31, 2022

Before the 1972 Olympics, the U.S. Men’s basketball team was considered the favorite to win gold. Some say they did. Only thanks to one of the most controversial finishes in sports history, they came home without the gold. Larry Potash digs into “3 seconds in Munich” in this Backstory piece.

Backstory airs Saturday nights at 7 and Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on the WGN+ app, available on Amazon, Roku, Apple TV, and any smart TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How Coffee Became King Oct 31, 2022

Caffeine is the most widely-used drug and for generations, people have consumed coffee to fuel creative ideas, and even revolutions. In this piece for Backstory, Larry Potash looks at how coffee starts, and how it’s evolved from muddy swill to gourmet beverage.

Backstory airs Saturday nights at 7 and Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on the WGN+ app, available on Amazon, Roku, Apple TV, and any smart TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bringing the past alive, one photo at a time Oct 24, 2022

Researching your family tree can help you understand where you’ve come from but it’s just a chart full of names. What about the faces that go along with those names? They can be hard to find. In this piece for Backstory, Larry Potash tells the story of one man’s mission to bring people closer to their ancestors.

Backstory airs Saturday nights at 7 and Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on the WGN+ app, available on Amazon, Roku, Apple TV, and any smart TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Grandma was a mobster; the inside story of 'The Black Widow' Oct 24, 2022

The history of the Chicago mob is largely dominated by men. Imagine growing up in Chicago and one day finding out your grandmother was a key player for The Outfit. In this segment for Backstory, Larry Potash meets the Nitto family, who’s ancestor, the late Annette Nitto, was a crucial figure in the Capone-era and beyond.

Backstory airs Saturday nights at 7 and Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on the WGN+ app, available on Amazon, Roku, Apple TV, and any smart TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Tulsa Massacre: One Century Later Oct 17, 2022

In 1921 the Greenwood district of Tulsa, Oklahoma was the site of a nothing less than a race massacre. African-Americans were murdered, their homes and business burned down. Why was this tale largely lost to history for both Blacks and whites? Larry Potash traveled to Oklahoma to meet a small group of people searching for justice, a century later.

Backstory airs Saturday nights at 7 and Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on the WGN+ app, available on Amazon, Roku, Apple TV, and any smart TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FBI Files of the Famous Oct 10, 2022

Throughout the 20th century the FBI amassed a large trove of surveillance on Americans famous, forgotten, and everyone in between, resulting in numerous Americans having an “FBI file.” In this segment for Backstory, Larry Potash takes a peek at what’s in some famous Chicagoans FBI files, and the scrutiny the agency is facing regarding past intelligence collection efforts. Backstory airs Saturday nights at 7 and Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on the WGN+ app, available on Amazon, Roku, Apple TV, and any smart TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Murder of the Osage Oct 10, 2022

For years, a reign of terror rips through a community of the Osage tribe, 50 miles north of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Native Americans died under suspicious circumstances. Larry Potash traveled to Oklahoma and uncovers the backstory of this tale of murder, greed, and oil Backstory airs Saturday nights at 7 and Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on the WGN+ app, available on Amazon, Roku, Apple TV, and any smart TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anita King - The Paramount Girl Apr 25, 2022

In 1913, a new highway connects one coast to the other, and it comes to connect a little-known aspiring address to adoring fans. Larry Potash has the backstory on Anita King, AKA the Paramount Girl, and her pioneering feet involving the Lincoln Highway. Backstory airs Saturday nights at 6 on WGN-TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Value of Baseball Cards Apr 25, 2022

In this Backstory piece, Larry Potash cracks open his baseball card collection and looks at the rise, fall, and rise again of these cardboard keepsakes. How did baseball cards get started as a thing? Where does the hobby stand in the digital age? And most importantly – is Larry’s collection of ‘70s baseball heroes worth anything? Backstory airs Saturday nights at 6 on WGN-TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Weird Instruments Apr 18, 2022

Chicagoan Joe Rauen’s approach to music is a little weird, because, well, the instruments he plays are weird. Learn what drove this Berklee-trained musician to embrace the odd, including a suitcase bass, a tennis racquet banjo, and an electric shovel guitar in this Backstory segment from Larry Potash. Backstory airs Saturday nights at 6 on WGN-TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Astronomy Apr 18, 2022

In this Backstory piece, Larry Potash looks at the search for answers to that age-old question: Are we alone? Meet some of the people looking for answers, learn about the technology letting us see more of the stars, and the problems that come along with progress. Backstory airs Saturday nights at 6 on WGN-TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Old Pictures Displayed on Buildings to Tell Chicago Neighborhood's Story Apr 11, 2022

There's been an ongoing debate about what depictions are appropriate for the public square. For artist and urban planner Chris Devins, how he chose to showcase the history of Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood goes beyond historical figures. Larry Potash has the Backstory. Backstory airs Saturday nights at 6:30 on WGN-TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Enduring Legacy of the Playboy Clubs Apr 11, 2022

Lustron Homes Apr 04, 2022

Over 2,000 Lustron homes were constructed in America shortly after World War II, through 1950. What makes them special? Why was production stopped? And what drives this father-daughter team's obsession with these peculiar, historic homes? Backstory airs Saturday nights at 6:30 on WGN-TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

M.I.A./P.O.W. MOVEMENT Apr 04, 2022

In this Backstory piece, Larry Potash provides a short history of the M.I.A./P.O.W. movement through the viewpoint of a select few families who lost loved ones in Vietnam and WWII, and their struggle to find answers. Also, how Bears QB Jim McMahon gave a boost to the movement during Super Bowl XX. Backstory airs Saturday nights at 6pm on WGN-TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcast

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Conspiracy Theories Nov 29, 2021

Conspiracy theories have been spread around long before the internet made it easy. While some are harmless, there are those that have led to dangerous consequences. We look at how some people can believe these far-fetched ideas.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mysterious Manuscript Nov 29, 2021

A pile of decaying pages of colorful language make up a manuscript about mobsters from long ago. There's no author, but some clues may lead to the writer's identity.

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Glass Plate Photographer Nov 22, 2021

Chicago artist Carrie McCluskey uses a long-lost photographic technique to bring home a message with a chilling warning.

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Roller Skating Nov 22, 2021

Roller skating started out as a fad and eventually became a cultural movement. New skaters continue to be inspired even as more roller rinks disappear.

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Donut Day Nov 15, 2021

How the donut changed Americans' perspective on the Salvation Army, while feeding soldiers on the front lines. This is the Backstory.

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The Hidden Cemetery Nov 15, 2021

John Kettman made a discovery in a remote patch of farm field that ignited a mission to uncover a centuries-old mystery. This is the Backstory.

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Barbecue Stories Nov 08, 2021

Everyone has their own idea of what makes great barbecue. For one Chicago family, their mastery of “the pit” is as much about the stories behind the recipes, the beginnings of which date back to their ancestor’s enslavement. This is the Backstory.

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The Evolution of Bozo Nov 08, 2021

Bozo T. Clown... from its humble beginnings as a record company character, to its height as a cultural icon for generations of Chicagoans. This is the Backstory.

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Hidden History Apr 26, 2021

When Confederate soldiers came to Chicago, they did so as prisoners. Camp Douglas housed thousands of Union Army prisoners of war... and the camp had its share of controversy. This is the Backstory.

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The Great Train Robbery Apr 26, 2021

A hundred years ago, four brothers decided to rob a train car carrying millions in cash and bonds. It's considered one of the greatest train robberies of all time. This is the Backstory.

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The Myth of Race Apr 19, 2021

Race continues to be something that divides and disenfranchises people all over the world. Buy why? This is the Backstory.

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Human Guinea Pigs Apr 19, 2021

After World War II, hundreds of thousands of U.S. service members were unwittingly subjected to radiation tests by their own government. Today, many of them are still fighting for health care, and a proper acknowledgment of their sacrifice. This is the Backstory.

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Hero Street Apr 12, 2021

One street in a small western Illinois town has housed more U.S. service members than any other street in America. This is the Backstory.

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Texas Cowgirls Apr 12, 2021

In the early days of basketball, women were treated much differently on the court. Doctors said ladies should only play half court, as opposed to the full court games men played. And there weren't very many opportunities for women to play basketball after high school. Then a league of barnstormers entered the scene, and everything changed. This is the Backstory.

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Silent Enemy Apr 05, 2021

How a Navy veteran fought for years to honor the thousands of marginalized men and women who served in the US Armed Forces. This is the Backstory.

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Wind and Wheels Apr 05, 2021

The freedom we feel on a bicycle is difficult to replicate. And the history of the bike goes deeper than you might think. This is the Backstory.

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Chicago's First Crime King Mar 29, 2021

Before Capone, there was another crime king of Chicago. Michael Cassius McDonald arrived in the city as a teenager, and scammed his way to becoming one of Chicago's most influential crime bosses. This is the Backstory.

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Power of the Pen Mar 29, 2021

Few mediums wield the power of the political cartoon. But as newspapers shrink, so do the number of cartoonists working today. A half century ago, Chicago Sun Times Cartoonist Bill Mauldin spoke truth to power with his cartoons. This is the Backstory.

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The American Dream Mar 22, 2021

In the early days of the automotive industry, few independent automakers were able to compete with the Big Three. But that didn't stop Charles Nash from trying. This is the Backstory.

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Social Lubricant Mar 22, 2021

For many years, American beer was boring, and rather bland. More recently, craft beer has exploded in popularity... bringing with it more flavor, rich storytelling, and more opportunity for diverse brewers. This is the Backstory.

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Forces of Nature Mar 15, 2021

A colorful and bustling prairie outside Chicago becomes the site of a manufacturing facility for ammunition during World War II. Then, on June 5, 1942 at 2:45 in the morning, tragedy strikes. This is the Backstory.

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The Reverse Underground Railroad Mar 08, 2021

Illinois was a free state before the Civil War. But one man found a loophole that allowed him to own slaves. Then he started to kidnap freed slaves, and sell them back to people in slave states. A relic of this operation remains in Equality, Illinois. This is the Backstory.

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Boy's Best Friend Mar 08, 2021

The bond between man and dog has been written about for millenia. But one man's story is just a little bit different. When he lost his dog, he got a new one from Russia, by way of the White House. This is the Backstory.

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Backstory Shorts: A Presidential Fitness Test Mar 05, 2021

When he noticed that older Naval officers were out of shape, this U.S. President mandated new physical endurance tests. When folks in the Navy grumbled about the new directive, he decided to lead by example with an historic stunt. This is the Backstory.

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Backstory Shorts: The Forgotten Leader Mar 03, 2021

A hero of his era, he fought enemies at home and abroad. But those weren't his only achievements. This is the Backstory.

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The Intercontinental Oct 11, 2020

They only used it for five years, but the people who built the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Chicago designed it like no other building in the world. This is the Backstory.

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Lincoln's Rise to Power Oct 11, 2020

Abraham Lincoln's personal history fueled his disdain for slavery. And his unlikely alliance with a group of immigrants helped propel him to the White House. This is the Backstory.

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The Second City Sinners Oct 04, 2020

A political assassination, domestic terror, and the women of murderess row. Three lost stories of Chicago history. This is the Backstory.

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The Klan Detective Oct 04, 2020

Was he a good guy? Or a bad guy? Hiram C. Whitley was a man of dubious moral character. But that's what it took to infiltrate the KKK in the 1860's. This is the Backstory.

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The Bootlegger Sep 27, 2020

He was a bootlegger. And at one point, he was bigger than Al Capone. Later, he was purportedly the inspiration for the title character in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby." But you probably don't know his name. This is the Backstory.

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The Trickster Sep 27, 2020

In the era of social media, some people can't take a joke. Political correctness has made it so that many of today's comics won't perform at colleges. But are we missing the point? One of the original stand-ups shows us how we just might be. This is the Backstory.

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The Mystery of the Turtle Tunnels Sep 21, 2020

A building in El Paso, Texas is the site of a century old mystery. On the side of the building: a mural of a turtle. Was it a symbol? In the building's basement: walled off tunnels. Who were they for? Where did they go? This is the Backstory.

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How the Negro League Legacy Lives On Sep 21, 2020

The Negro Leagues turn 100 this year. While many of the players never reached Major League notoriety, several people are working to shine a light on their legacy. This is the Backstory.

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Backstory Shorts: The Referee Sep 14, 2020

It was a big boxing match, and it ended in controversy. The referee was accused of cheating the true winner. Who was the ref? You probably know his name. This is the Backstory.

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Backstory Shorts: The Crazy Balloonatic Sep 07, 2020

A 19th century daredevil was obsessed with balloons. He wanted to travel far and away... But one stunt ended in tragedy. And the details are still shrouded in mystery. This is the Backstory.

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Fading Ads of Chicago: How one man is documenting advertisements from a bygone era Mar 16, 2020

Advertisements painted on old brick buildings still linger in Chicago, but they're slowly disappearing. That's why Joe Marlin is documenting these fading ads of Chicago... This is the Backstory.

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Revolutionary Revisionism: How Revolutionary War stories have shifted over time Mar 16, 2020

A historian gets a rare look inside the Royal Archive to read King George's writings about the Revolutionary War, and Larry takes a trip to his hometown of Boston to walk in the footsteps of history. This is the Backstory.

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How Ian Fleming's time working for British intelligence informed the creation of James Bond Mar 09, 2020

Ian Fleming worked in British intelligence before he created James Bond... so how much of the world's greatest fictional secret agent was Fleming himself? Find out, on Backstory.

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Chicago photographer painstakingly recreates photos from a century ago Mar 09, 2020

He's found several photographs from more than a century ago, and now Mark Hersch is painstakingly recreating these images, and giving them new life — one frame at a time. This is the Backstory.

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Fast Eddie: The man who helped convict Al Capone, and more... Mar 02, 2020

He was the man who helped the Feds nail Al Capone on tax evasion charges. But his legacy is greater than that. Find out how, on Backstory.

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It's not awful — it's offal Mar 02, 2020

Considered a useless byproduct by many, offal cuisine is gaining in popularity. Larry Potash gives us the past, present, and future of this culinary tradition through the eyes of some very talented local chefs. This is the Backstory.

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How Lipizzans made their way from Europe to Chicago’s North Side Feb 24, 2020

Lipizzans are some of the most beautiful horses in the world, but how did they become ensconced on Chicago’s North Shore? Find out, on Backstory...

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Chicago and the largest slavery reparations settlement in US history Feb 24, 2020

The first-ever successful lawsuit brought by a slave was filed by Henrietta Wood. Her ordeal would take her from Kentucky to Mississippi to Cincinnati where she would finally win her freedom and a $2,500 settlement. This is the backstory...

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True origins of 'The Exorcist' and Salem's witches Oct 28, 2019

In 1629, the Salem witch trials led to the execution of 20 people as witch hunt frenzy reached the U.S. That might sounds like ancient history, but only a few decades ago a case documented by the Catholic church inspired "The Exorcist." But what really happened? Get the Backstory on these iconic tales of witches and demons.

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Mysticism's American origins; Fact-checking the supernatural Oct 21, 2019

How two sisters' stories of speaking to ghosts in the 19th century sparked a move towards mysticism in the U.S. — and profiting from it. Larry Potash returns to his hometown to explore its tales of spiritualism and abolitionism. And how a group of experts is offering real money for proof of the supernatural.

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NASA sells space; missiles in your backyard Oct 14, 2019

NASA's revolutionary sales pitch worked to enlist the American public in the space race in the '60s, but that race also stoked Cold War fears, whose remnants are still hidden across Chicagoland.

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How a Rolling Stones fan chronicled their career from the inside Oct 07, 2019

In 1978, Bill German turned 16 years old, and like many kids his age was a major Rolling Stones fan.

He didn’t want to be a rock star, or simply go to their concerts. German wanted to chronicle their careers, and make a living doing so.

How does an innocent, straight-A student from an orthodox Jewish school in Brooklyn, New York, end up chasing the world’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll band around the world? It turns out his adventure had as many ups and downs as the Stones themselves.

In this piece from Backstory, Larry Potash tells us how Bill German’s excellent adventure played out.

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A mother's unsolved killing during N. Ireland's "Troubles" Jul 16, 2019

During Northern Ireland's "Troubles," a gang of masked people dragged Gene McConville away from her 10 kids.

"Watch the children until I come back," she yelled to her oldest son.

But they never saw her again, and were abandoned after her assumed death. Years later, McConville's body was found with a single gunshot wound to the head.

While the murder remains unsolved, an author says he used a secret archive to finally identify her killer.

Read or watch the full story online

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How one shot saved pinball's future Jul 01, 2019

When pinball was illegal, he was called upon to prove it's more than a game of chance. That's when one shot changed it all. Watch this full story online.

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How one man escaped a Nazi death march — twice Jun 24, 2019

Jack Hersch said it was a tradition every Passover for his father, David, to tell his sons about how he escaped the Nazis.

"He would talk about the death march - put on a 34-mile march, he made it sound like he was going to get a cup of coffee around the corner," Jack Hersch said.

Then a mysterious photo led Jack to wonder if there was more the story — and go in search of answers.

Watch the full story online

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How DeLorean rose to icon status, then fell Jun 19, 2019

While many remember the DeLorean thanks to its appearance in “Back to the Future,” but the story of its iconic creator John DeLorean is just as interesting.

You can also watch Backstory online.

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How the real-life 'BlacKkKlansman' infiltrated the KKK Jun 10, 2019

How does a black detective go undercover to investigate the Ku Klux Klan? Ron Stallworth shares the amazing true story of how he accidentally used his own name, and talked his way into becoming a card-carrying Klan member.

Want to see the video? Watch this on "Backstory" online.

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The capture of German sub U-505 Jun 03, 2019

Meet the man who accomplished the impossible: capturing a German sub at sea, helping to turn the tide of WWII.

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Thief stole millions, hid out in Chicago as toy store owner Apr 03, 2019

For decades, Phil Cresta was the best thief on the East Coast. He stole millions and nobody knew who did it. After fleeing the law and the mob, he was found living under a fake name as a Chicago toy store owner. Not even his wife knew of his past— until he confessed to it all.

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Inside an Ivy League secret society Mar 21, 2019

Secret societies are a common concern of conspiracy theories and Hollywood blockbusters, and at Ivy League schools, secret societies are the elite among the elite.

While the legends surrounding them often obscure the truth, a member of the Delphic Club at Harvard opens up about his unlikely recruitment, and how the myths surrounding such groups compare with the reality.

Larry Potash has the Backstory.

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How Chicago's first basketball champs lost their title Mar 12, 2019

The Chicago American Gears were the city's first basketball champions — until their trophy was taken away, and a team with the makings of a dynasty was forced to disband.

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How Eliot Ness took on Al Capone in Chicago, and a serial killer in Cleveland Mar 07, 2019

Legendary G-Man Eliot Ness is remembered for taking down Al Capone in Chicago, but as pop culture grew the legend around him, it begs the question: what really happened?

In a historical society in Cleveland, meticulous scrapbooks Ness kept track his career as he took on the mob, jaywalkers, and a serial killer called the Torso Murderer.

Larry Potash digs into the Backstory on what parts of Ness' legend are invented by Hollywood, and what really happened.

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The truth of Al Capone and Eliot Ness, the investigator who helped bring him down Mar 05, 2019

You've probably heard of how legendary mobster Al Capone's criminal empire was disrupted by investigator Eliot Ness and his group of "Untouchables." But what really happened in Chicago, and what was invented by Hollywood?

Max Allan Collins, author of the 2002 Chicago mob story "Road to Perdition," and A. Brad Schwartz, a Princeton historian, talked to relatives, re-examined evidence, and sifted through newly-released federal files to separate fact from fiction.

Just when you thought there was nothing new to say about Capone and Ness, what they found surprised them.

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Growing up with the mob next door Feb 28, 2019

Brothers Michael and Jeffrey Gentile say their childhood was a cross between The Wonder Years and The Sopranos. While he never got into a life of crime, their dad's friends included some of Chicago's most infamous mobsters.

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The Myth of Mickey Feb 26, 2019

Mickey Mouse may be the biggest paradox in pop culture: people love him, but know nothing about him.

You may have heard Mickey was first drawn by Walt Disney 90 years ago as he rode a train, desperate to save his company and inspired by pet mice he had years ago. Well, that’s a myth.

This is the true Backstory of Mickey Mouse, and how a simple, whistling cartoon grew into a global icon.

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The “Code Smasher” Elizebeth Smith Friedman Feb 18, 2019

Recruited by an eccentric millionaire to search for hidden messages in Shakespeare’s works, Elizebeth Smith Friedman became a pioneering code breaker who took on the Nazis and the mob. Her story has been buried by secrecy and sexism for nearly a century - until now.

Watch this full story on the Backstory TV show.

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Death of the "Furnace Girl" Elfrieda Knaak Feb 07, 2019

On the morning of Oct. 30, 1928, Elfrieda Knaak was discovered in the furnace room of Lake Bluff's Village Hall, naked and with her hands and feet burned to the bone. Her death was ruled a suicide, but how could a woman stick her own legs, arms and head in a furnace?

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