Public libraries are city treasures
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.
Listen — 14:33
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Curious City
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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
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Nicky’s And The Big Baby: A South Side Burger Mystery
Dozens of unconnected fast food joints serve up the same popular Chicago cheeseburger under the same name. Where did it all begin?
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Listen — 18:24Scouring Chicago alleys for scrap metal is a tough way to earn a living
With trucks piled high with pipes and old refrigerators, scrap metal collectors help put discarded waste back into the supply chain.
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Listen — 26:12The Man And The Music Behind The Baseball Ballad “Go Cubs Go”
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.
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Listen — 23:13Organizing a race in Chicago requires fees, permits and patience
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?
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Listen — 18:26Grow tomatoes, not carrots and other tips for keeping lead out of your garden produce
Chicago soil can contain high levels of lead and other heavy metals. Check out this guide to making gardening safer.
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Elected judges are rarely voted out of office. Here’s why.
In Cook County, elected judges are seldom voted out of office — even when they have controversial records.
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Listen — 25:42Chicago’s Polish Constitution Day Parade is back. This year, it has a new theme.
For over a century, the Polish community has celebrated Polish unity at the annual parade. This year, they’re showing support for Ukraine.
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Listen — 17:53Illinois’ crows are making a comeback. And there’s a surprising connection to our health.
West Nile virus infections soared in Illinois in the early 2000s, including among crows. Tracking the birds can help keep humans safe.
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Listen — 18:54In the 1980s, activists fought to make public transportation more accessible
The battle in Chicago helped give momentum to a nationwide fight for legislation to protect people with disabilities.
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Listen — 21:13
