When it comes to police accountability, how much power does a Chicago mayor have?
WBEZ’s Patrick Smith explains how police accountability works in Chicago and how much power the mayor has in that process.
Listen — 23:01
Shows
Curious City
Get the podcast
Get the podcast
Follow
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. 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
Recent
![]()
Can the Altgeld Gardens Memorial Wall be saved?
Some residents say the wall serves as a “historic monument” to those who lived in the community. It’s in danger of being demolished.
![]()
Listen — 39:20What makes Chicago prime real estate for geese?
You’re not imagining it — the goose population in Chicago has been growing. Here’s what’s being done about it.
![]()
Listen — 14:46The Avalon Regal Theater was once a luxurious movie palace. Today, its future is uncertain.
The theater in South Shore has almost a century of cultural significance. Since 2003, it’s sat mostly empty. What will happen to it?
![]()
Listen — 28:22Snow plow drivers are the unsung heroes of Windy City winters
A Chicago snow plow driver who’s been on the job for 40 years tells us what it’s like to keep the roads clear of snow and ice.
![]()
Listen — 19:14What’s the story behind Cricket Hill, one of Chicago’s favorite kite-flying spots?
The artificial hill was created using dirt from a tunnel project in the 1940s. But its history and name go back longer than that.
![]()
Listen — 21:51Here’s a guide to Chicago’s historic Jewish synagogues
Author and Jewish historian Dr. Irving Cutler gives you a colorful account of Chicago’s Jewish history through the lens of seven synagogues.
![]()
Listen — 18:42We look at the past — and present — of tree-planting in Chicago
Chicago’s tree canopy has evolved over centuries. Today, “tree ambassadors” are helping plant more trees in neighborhoods that need them.
![]()
Listen — 19:09Curious City turns 10!
In honor of our 10th anniversary, we reflect on Curious City’s origins — and some of the lessons we’ve learned over the years.
![]()
Listen — 31:34Where do Chicago’s bats hang out?
Several varieties of furry fliers are likely closer than you think, from golf courses to forest preserves.
![]()
Listen — 17:37
