How A Polio Epidemic Led To The Creation Of WBEZ
WBEZ didn’t always report the news. In fact, it started out broadcasting educational shows for kids.
Listen — 24:14
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Curious City
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About
WBEZ’s Curious City series is an ongoing news experiment at WBEZ, online and on the radio dial around Chicago at 91.5 FM. Its mission is to include the public in editorial decision-making, make journalism more transparent and strengthen multimedia coverage about Chicago, the surrounding region and its people (past or present).
Curious City airs on Thursdays during All Things Considered on WBEZ
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A 1990s Mural At The 18th Street Station Will Be Restored By A Pilsen Artist
The murals came out of a long tradition of community-based art in Chicago, which began with the Chicano movement in the 1960s.
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A Citizen’s Guide To Proposing Legislation in Chicago
In Chicago, you don’t have to be an elected official to submit legislation to City Council. But like most things in this city, it helps to know someone.
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Listen — 17:59Do Chicagoans Need To Conserve Water? Experts Say Yes.
Climate change, cost and rules about Chicago’s water usage are just a few of the reasons experts say Chicagoans should conserve water.
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Listen — 3:56Who Tolls The Bells In Chicago?
Plenty of area church bells are automated, but some are still hand-rung. Here’s a profile of five, each with its own distinct sound and community.
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Listen — 19:01The Story Behind The ‘You Can’t Jail The Revolution’ Poster
We trace the history of the iconic phrase and raised fist gesture on a protest poster from the 1969 trial of the ‘Chicago 8.’
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Listen — 23:42Despite A Promise, Chicago Has Made No Progress On Removal Of Lead Pipes
Last year, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a plan to remove Chicago’s toxic lead pipes. But so far, not a single pipe has been replaced.
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Listen — 21:15Yes, Chicago Has Good Bagels. Here’s Where To Find Them.
In fact, there are more than a dozen better-than-decent examples of the Jewish baked art form — schmear or no schmear.
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Listen — 25:42April Fools Edition: Three Historic Chicago Hoaxes And Pranks
Chicago history buff Paul Durica shares famous ruses, hoaxes and stunts pulled by (and on) local media.
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Listen — 21:07
