Curious City
Episodes
Hosting the enemy: Our WWII POW camps
10 Dec 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Daring escapes, unexpected romance and more true stories from German prisoners held in our area.
Neon No More: Lincoln Avenue's Motel Row
31 Oct 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Here’s the evolution of the Lincoln Avenue motels, from sensible to seedy to retro spectacle.
Who's Behind Those Eyes?
09 Oct 2013
Contributed by Lukas
The Chicago International Film Festival’s logo has intrigued movie buffs for decades. But is that Charlie Chaplin? Liza Minelli? Here’s th...
Should We Use The 'L Word' For Jane Addams?
05 Sep 2013
Contributed by Lukas
The Progressive Era activist was many things: a Nobel Peace Prize winner, a social reformer, a feminist. But what about ... a lesbian? And, just why s...
Where Have All The Old-School Doughnut Shops Gone?
21 Aug 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Curious City finds the city’s best doughnut spot, while Dunkin’s former CEO spills the secret to the chain’s growth here.
The Sweet Spot At The Top Of Chicago
28 Jun 2013
Contributed by Lukas
The area’s so flat that every bunny hill seems a candidate. But it’s sweet (literally) to find the real deal.
Pregnancy Tests? Pigeon Poo? What Chicago Aldermen Really Do
11 Jun 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Sure, they pass laws and vote on city budgets. But there’s so much more. Think: Pregnancy tests and pigeon poo.
Working For Change On Chicago’s Sidewalks
06 Jun 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Curious City tracks down the average wages of panhandlers and street performers in Chicago.
Being A Breadwinner On $8.25 An Hour
21 May 2013
Contributed by Lukas
A listener who hustles to make ends meet wants us to think about people who hustle for even less.
So, What’s (Still) Made In The Chicago Area?
20 May 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Sure, we have fewer industrial giants in our area these days, but if you know where to look you can find the beating heart of industry.
Chicago Diners, Side Of Extra Crispy Stories
14 May 2013
Contributed by Lukas
You’d think food blogger Louisa Chu would be stuffed after this assignment. Nope. Pass her the syrup, she says. She wants to stay and hear more ...
The Story Of Dunning, A 'Tomb For The Living'
30 Apr 2013
Contributed by Lukas
In both life and death, the people who ended up at the notorious asylum and poor farm were some of Chicago’s least fortunate residents.
Did a WWII nuclear experiment make the U of C radioactive?
17 Apr 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Our Geiger counter couldn’t detect any radiation footprint from the site of the first sustained nuclear chain reaction. (Whew!) But, was safety ...
Laugh Your Troubles Away
19 Feb 2013
Contributed by Lukas
A Curious Citizen’s question becomes your ticket to our multimedia playground, where you can relive the sometimes joyful, sometimes disturbing, and ...
Hmmm ... If Only Our Curiosity Had An Anthem
13 Feb 2013
Contributed by Lukas
A Chicago transplant asked what — if anything — is unique to Chicago. Answers were slippery, but our songster grabbed the best and wrote a...
What Happened to Nike Missile Sites Around Chicago?
22 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Cold War Chicago was once peppered with nuclear missiles ready to thwart a Soviet attack.
Is Construction Work A Boon For Chicago's Urban Archaeologists?
16 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Curious Citizen Linda Rudy wondered when ground is broken for building or repairs, is anyone there to look for treasure? We catch up with local archae...
Who settles refugees on Chicago's North Side?
08 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Rogers Park resident Lowell Wyse noticed how diverse his neighborhood is, and wonders whether the city helps place international refugees there. If Ci...
How Much Of The Field Museum’s Collection Is Actually On Display?
03 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
The bulk of its objects are out of sight, but not necessarily out of mind. Start with our behind-the-scenes view, and stick around for a surprising in...
Why Ban Pickups from Lake Shore Drive? Where Can They Park in Chicago?
01 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
History suggests a Victorian-era prejudice against commercial traffic in Chicago parkways lurks behind a ban against pickup trucks on Lake Shore Drive...
How Has Chicago’s Coastline Changed Over The Decades?
11 Dec 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Curious citizen Miriam Reuter wondered how Chicago's coastline has changed over the decades. We learn that from nature to industry and back again ...
Where’s Chicago's Biodiversity Hotspot?
07 Nov 2012
Contributed by Lukas
The city's home to more wildlife than the usual suspects. (We're talking 'bout you, Mr. Squirrel.) Lace up your boots, folks. To find lizards, osprey ...
Chuh Kaw Go, What Do You Really Sound Like?
23 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
What is a Chicago accent and what do Chicagoans really sound like? Sound off with your phone and become part of the linguistic record.