Curious City

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The Windy Kitty: How Chicago Became A Haven For Feral Cats Feb 29, 2024

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Chicago is home to thousands of feral cats. But who’s looking after them? We look at the pros and cons of keeping feral cat colonies.

For Street Artist Joos, All The City's A Gallery Feb 22, 2024

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Around Chicago, there are ribbons of paint on utility boxes that look like little doodles. But there’s much more to these paint splotches. The street artist and graffiti writer behind this and much larger work says painting has been a lifesaver.

Chicago's Key Role In The Creation Of Black History Month Feb 15, 2024

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This week, hear about historian Carter G. Woodson’s important Chicago ties, and how he came up with the idea for a “Negro History Week,” which later turned into the Black History Month we celebrate today.

What Was The American Negro Exposition Of 1940? Feb 08, 2024

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Fed up with how Black Americans were portrayed at world’s fairs, Black organizers created the “first real Negro World’s Fair” in Chicago in 1940. As Arionne Nettles reports, this exposition paved the way for Black institutions. Nettles’ debut book, "We Are The Culture: Black Chicago’s Influence on Everything," is out on April 16, 2024.

Chicago Is Where Black Cinema Took Root Feb 01, 2024

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In 1913 Chicagoan William Foster became the first Black director to make a film with an all Black cast. Yet most people have never heard of him. Join Arionne Nettles as she tells Foster's story, the story of Black filmmaking in Chicago, when our city was the pre-Hollywood movie capital of the world. It's the first of 3 Curious City podcasts in a row celebrating Black History Month 2024!

What’s The Impact Of Storefront Churches On A Community? Jan 25, 2024

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Storefront churches have been around since the early 1900s when African-Americans migrated up north from the South. Many are in operation in South and West side neighborhoods like Austin. We talk to residents about the impact these churches have on the community.

Bumper-to-Bumper With Some Questions About Chicago Traffic Jan 18, 2024

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There’s never a shortage of complaints about Chicago traffic, but experts swear it could be worse. We investigate the science behind lane closures and red lights, and then take a look at the chaos of creating a traffic report.

What It’s Like To Drive A Snow Plow Jan 11, 2024

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There’s a lot that goes into keeping the city streets clear of ice and snow. A snowplow driver shows us the ropes. And did you know Chicago used to ship out its plowed snow? We’ll revisit a story one joyful Floridian will never forget.

The Curious City Team Answers Five Wintery Questions Jan 04, 2024

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The weather outside is frightful, but our answers to 5 Chicago winter-related questions are delightful.

The History Of The Walnut Room And Why It’s Not Nostalgic For Everyone Dec 28, 2023

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The Walnut Room in the Macy’s department store downtown has been a longstanding holiday tradition in Chicago. While it is a source of Christmas nostalgia for many, it brings back painful memories of discrimination for others.

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