Today in Chicago History

Earl “Hymie” Weiss, shown circa 1925, became a top bootlegger and gangster in the Prohibition era before getting assassinated while walking on State Street. (Chicago Herald and Examiner)

Vintage baiduhai: The violent life and ambush death of gang leader Earl ‘Hymie’ Weiss

By Kori Rumore

October 8, 2026 at 3:23 p.m.

Here's a look back at Weiss's life and death, with rarely seen photos and stories...

Kelvin Kiptum celebrates his Chicago Marathon world record victory, 2:00:35, with Bank of America Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski, left, in Chicago’s Grant Park on Oct. 8, 2023. (Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum sets a world record in the Chicago Marathon

By Kori Rumore

October 8, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Oct. 8, according...

Chicago Bears halfback Walter Payton acknowledges the cheers of the crowd after his record-setting afternoon in a 20-7 win against the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 7, 1984, at Soldier Field. (Bob Fila/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Walter Payton becomes the NFL’s all-time leader rusher

By Kori Rumore

October 7, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Oct. 7, according...

Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane celebrates his game-winning goal in the second overtime on June 8, 2013, during Game 5 of the Western Conference finals at the United Center. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Patrick Kane’s goal in 2nd OT wins Western Conference title for Blackhawks

By Kori Rumore

June 8, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 8, according...

A gorilla takes in the view of Lincoln Park Zoo and the surrounding city on April 6, 2000, from a perch in the outdoor area of the Lester Fisher Great Ape House, which opened in 1976. (Nancy Stone/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Great apes at Lincoln Park Zoo enjoy a new habitat — with no bars

By Kori Rumore

June 7, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 7, according...

A jogger runs on The 606 trail near Milwaukee and Bloomingdale avenues in Chicago as the sun rises on Oct. 2, 2015. (José M. Osorio/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: 606 trail opens for walkers, joggers, scooters, strollers, skateboards and more

By Kori Rumore

June 6, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 6, according...

Princess Diana and Northwestern University President Henry Bienen climb the steps to the Field Museum for a gala ball June 5, 1996, in Chicago. (Paula Bronstein/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Princess Di arrived in Chi and the town went gaga’

By Kori Rumore

June 5, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 5, according...

Barack Obama holds his daughter Malia, 6, as he thanks supporters at the Hyatt Regency Chicago after his historic election to the U.S. Senate on Nov. 2, 2004. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/baiduhai)

Vintage baiduhai: Barack Obama in Chicago

By Kori Rumore

June 4, 2026 at 7:24 p.m.

Here's a look back at the Chicago places — and a few of the people...

The submarine U-505, pictured from an American Airline plane, sits in the dry dock of the American Shipbuilding Company at 101st Street and the Calumet River, where it will be placed on a barge for towing to the Museum of Science and Industry, circa 1954. (Metro News Photos)

Today in Chicago History: German sub U-505 — now housed at Museum of Science and Industry — captured by US Navy

By Kori Rumore

June 4, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 4, according...

James Holzhauer, a cast member in the ABC series "Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time," poses at the 2020 ABC Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour on Jan. 8, 2020, in Pasadena, California. (Chris Pizzello/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Naperville native James Holzhauer loses ‘Jeopardy!’ after 32-day winning streak

By Kori Rumore

June 3, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 3, according...

Taylor Swift performs "Cruel Summer" at Soldier Field on the opening night of the Chicago stop of her Eras Tour on June 2, 2023. (Shanna Madison/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Taylor Swift takes over Soldier Field

By Kori Rumore

June 2, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 2, according...

Alicia Atkinson, left, and Laurin Fabry, both from an area near Naperville known as Eola, were among the first to convert their civil union to marriage in DuPage County on June 2, 2014. (Chuck Berman/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Same-sex couples receive Illinois marriage licenses for the first time

By Kori Rumore

June 1, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 1, according...

The new Shedd Aquarium, circa Dec. 27, 1929.(Chicago Herald and Examiner)

Today in Chicago History: City’s first aquarium at Lincoln Park Zoo — and Shedd Aquarium, its second — opens

By Kori Rumore

May 31, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 31, according...