Curious City

Latest Episodes:

The Making Of Polish Chicago Sep 18, 2016

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This Curious City special mini-documentary answers how the Polish became one of Chicago’s largest and most influential ethnic groups. And, come to think of it, is there anything to the claim that the city has the most Poles outside of Warsaw?

The Painters Who Give Chicago's Grocery Signs The Human Touch Sep 11, 2016

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Craftsmanship and economics combine to keep the city's tradition of distinctive hand-painted signs alive in the digital age.

How Chicago Beaches Get and Keep That Nice Fine Sand Sep 04, 2016

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Here’s why you shouldn’t that "sand between your toes" experience for granted!

Displaced: When The Eisenhower Expressway Moved In, Who Was Forced Out? Aug 28, 2016

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The Ike was the city’s first superhighway. In this special presentation, people affected open up about how it scattered ethnic neighborhoods and changed many lives forever.

Why The 1992 Loop Flood Is The Most Chicago Story Ever Aug 21, 2016

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How clout, corruption, and construction without permits led to half the Loop being evacuated.

(1:09) Chicago Loop

Why Is Gambling Banned On The CTA? Aug 14, 2016

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Commuters are regularly hit with the announcement “Gambling is prohibited on CTA trains.” We find the reason behind the rule and look for those who inspired it.

Zeppelin Poseurs: Why Chicago's Airship Dreams Never Took Off Aug 08, 2016

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In the 1920s, the city was head over heels for airships. So why did it let this once-futuristic technology float away?

A Tale of Resale: How Big Chains’ Produce Ends Up in Local Grocery Stores Jul 31, 2016

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When one Chicagoan found brand-name Brussels sprouts at a bargain produce market, she had to wonder: How did these get here? And why are they so cheap?

Why Chicago Lightning Bugs Light Up One Neighborhood But Not the Next Jul 25, 2016

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A listener’s nostalgia for catching lightning bugs as a kid lead her to wonder: Are there any left these days? Our experts say they’re around, just really, really fickle.

The Heart Of The City: Finding Chicago’s Geographic Center Jul 18, 2016

Show notes

It smells like garbage and gym shoes, but, surprisingly, the city’s geographic center says a lot about Chicago’s soul.

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