WBEZ’s Curious City series is an ongoing news experiment at WBEZ, online and on the radio dial around Chicago at 91.5 FM. Our 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
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.
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.
Dozens of unconnected fast food joints serve up the same popular Chicago cheeseburger under the same name. Where did it all begin?
With trucks piled high with pipes and old refrigerators, scrap metal collectors help put discarded waste back into the supply chain.
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.
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?
Chicago soil can contain high levels of lead and other heavy metals. Check out this guide to making gardening safer.
In Cook County, elected judges are seldom voted out of office — even when they have controversial records.
For over a century, the Polish community has celebrated Polish unity at the annual parade. This year, they’re showing support for Ukraine.
West Nile virus infections soared in Illinois in the early 2000s, including among crows. Tracking the birds can help keep humans safe.
