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Curious City

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  • If you love Chicago’s Garrett Popcorn, here’s the science behind the flavors

    Have you ever wondered why cheese and caramel popcorn pair so well together? We talked to a food scientist about why the “Chicago Mix” is so hard to resist.

    July 15, 2022 read more
    Listen — 4:23
  • From the Cha-Cha Slide to the Polka Hop, these dances were created in Chicago

    Don your dancing shoes as we track down the Chicago band members, musicians, and dancers who helped create five iconic moves.

    July 14, 2022 read more
    Listen — 19:11
  • Drawn by drums and incense, Pilsen residents are finding strength and joy through Aztec dance

    Every Thursday, a group of Aztec dancers practices in Harrison Park. Through dance, they say they find community and harmony with nature.

    July 7, 2022 read more
    Listen — 4:36
  • Traveling parties are part of a queer Chicago culture of partying as resistance

    Starting in the 1980s, Executive Sweet was a traveling party that focused on Black lesbians. Two of its longtime organizers say they aren’t finished yet.

    July 1, 2022 read more
    Listen — 22:38
  • Public libraries are city treasures

    How many books are in the Chicago Public Library? How many visitors come each day? Here are eight fun facts about how your library system works.

    June 24, 2022 read more
    Listen — 14:33
  • Nicky’s And The Big Baby: A South Side Burger Mystery

    Dozens of unconnected fast food joints serve up the same popular Chicago cheeseburger under the same name. Where did it all begin?

    June 16, 2022 read more
    Listen — 18:24
  • Scouring Chicago alleys for scrap metal is a tough way to earn a living

    With trucks piled high with pipes and old refrigerators, scrap metal collectors help put discarded waste back into the supply chain.

    June 10, 2022 read more
    Listen — 26:12
  • The Man And The Music Behind The Baseball Ballad “Go Cubs Go”

    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.

    June 2, 2022 read more
    Listen — 23:13
  • Organizing a race in Chicago requires fees, permits and patience

    Each year thousands of people take part in all kinds of walking and running events in Chicago. But what’s it like to put on an event like this?

    May 26, 2022 read more
    Listen — 18:26
  • Grow tomatoes, not carrots and other tips for keeping lead out of your garden produce

    Chicago soil can contain high levels of lead and other heavy metals. Check out this guide to making gardening safer.

    May 24, 2022 read more
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