After Haymarket: Anarchism on trial and a city in search of its soul

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WBEZ’s Curious City, April 29, 2014 — No one knows who threw the bomb near Haymarket Square on the night of May 4, 1886. It’s one of Chicago’s most vexing unsolved mysteries. But there’s little question that this violent act had huge repercussions — not only in Chicago but around the world… Read — and hear — my… Continue reading After Haymarket: Anarchism on trial and a city in search of its soul

Native numbers: How many Chicagoans were born in the city?

WBEZ’s Curious City, February 10, 2014 — Tracy Miller noticed something about Chicago when she moved here nine years ago. “I meet many people who say they are native Chicagoans,” she says. “It seems like there are more natives still residing here than in other cities I have lived in.” … Read — and hear… Continue reading Native numbers: How many Chicagoans were born in the city?

The story of Dunning, a ‘tomb for the living’

WBEZ’s Curious City, April 30, 2013 — For a long time, Chicagoans were scared of Dunning. The very name “Dunning” gave them chills. People were afraid they would end up in that place… Read — and hear — my story for WBEZ’s Curious City. Chicago Daily News photo

In search of Mrs. Luetgert’s ghost

The Huffington Post, October 31, 2011 — It isn’t easy pinning down the details of a ghost story. Rumors and urban legends circulate, but how often do you read a firsthand account from someone who says they actually saw one of those supposedly famous ghosts? Read my blog post at the Huffington Post.

Chicago, ‘Puppeteer’ City

The Huffington Post, July 6, 2010 — Did the word puppeteer originate in Chicago? The evidence suggests that it did, although it’s never easy to close the book on any etymological investigation. Read my blog post at the Huffington Post.