Curious City

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When And Why did The West Ridge Neighborhood Become Such An Orthodox Jewish Enclave? Aug 03, 2023

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Chicago’s West Ridge neighborhood has had a large, vibrant Jewish population since the late 1940’s. But at some point, the people living there became more and more religiously observant. We’ll find out when and why that change took place, and hear about the practices that make the community unique.

What Does "Chicagoland" Mean, And Where Did It Come From? Jul 27, 2023

Show notes

The origins of “Chicagoland” can be traced back to nearly 100 years ago. Back then, it encompassed an area that went beyond the suburbs.

Chicago’s Steak And Lemonade Combo, And Those Structures On The Lake Jul 19, 2023

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The beef sandwich and slushy drink combo are sold together all across the South and West sides of Chicago. Reporter Monica Eng tracks down the guy who put the two together. Then, she answers a question about what those mysterious structures out on Lake Michigan actually do.

The Whos And Whys Behind Chicago's So-Called Teen Takeovers Jul 13, 2023

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It's summertime in Chicago, and once again massive teen gatherings are making headlines. We find out who is organizing these large meetups and why they're happening.

Love It Or Hate It; Malört Is Chicago’s Drink Jul 06, 2023

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The bitter liquor has been around for about a century, but Malört’s rise to Chicago icon status is a more recent story.

Four Dances Invented in Chicago, Plus a Traditional One Chicagoans Keep Alive Jun 29, 2023

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We waltz with the musicians and dancers who popularized dances in Chicago, and we feel the beat with the people who keep La Danza Ateca alive in Pilsen.

What Happens To Unidentified Or Unclaimed Bodies in Cook County? Jun 22, 2023

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When someone dies in Cook County and there’s no one to identify or claim the body, a small army of people from the public and private sectors work to find out who the person is, if they have any relatives or friends, and ultimately give them a dignified burial.

Chi-Town Is A Pie Town, But We Search Out The Best Single-Slice Pizza In The City Jun 15, 2023

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A New York transplant loves everything about Chicago, but misses the easy access to a big slice of pizza on a paper plate. Our city’s tavern style and deep dish don’t lend themselves to the “slice to go” concept, but slice shops have gained traction over the last few years. We go on a hunt for the city’s best slice, and even get initiated into an underground pizza club.

Why Is The Only North American Baháʼí Temple In Wilmette? Jun 08, 2023

Show notes

The huge, gleaming Baháʼí House of Worship for North America definitely stands out from its suburban lakefront surroundings. It’s the oldest Baháʼí temple in the world, and it’s also known as the holiest. But why is it in Wilmette, Illinois? That answer involves a trip to the temple, a celebrity run-in, and some good old-fashioned research.

Chicago’s Infamous Dojo Wars Part 2: The Fall of Count Dante, the Deadliest Man Alive Jun 01, 2023

Show notes

In the 1960s, Chicago was becoming known as a center for Karate teaching and international tournaments, and the main person behind this movement was John Keehan. In the last of this two part series, we delve into Keehan’s devolution into a persona he created, Count Dante. He was at the center of Chicago’s “Dojo Wars,” which would end up taking a dark turn.

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