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 6:36 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...

Great America's newest ride, the Tidal Wave, was inaugurated at the Gurnee amusement park, May 6, 1978. Hailed as the world's largest roller coaster, the 76-foot high vertical loop catapults riders at 55 miles an hour into a 142-foot incline that is banked at 70 degrees. (Walter Kale/baiduhai)

Vintage baiduhai: Major milestones in Six Flags Great America’s 50-year run

By Kori Rumore

May 21, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.

Here's a look back at major milestones in Six Flags Great America's five-decade history.

Richard Loeb, left, and Nathan Leopold Jr., 19, right, during the time of their trial for the murder of Bobby Franks in 1924. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Perfect murder’ of Bobby Franks by Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb

By Kori Rumore

May 21, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 21, according...

Chicago Cubs catcher Michael Barrett confronts A.J. Pierzynski before punching the White Sox catcher after a play at the plate on May 20, 2006. (Phil Velasquez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Cubs catcher Michael Barrett punches White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski

By Kori Rumore

May 20, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 20, according...

The Drovers' National Bank building, one of the tallest structures in the stockyards area and housing one of its most important financial institutions, was left in ruins by the fire in May 1934. It stood at 4201 S. Halsted St. The structures in the foreground contained living quarters for stockyard workers. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Union Stock Yards fire injures 50 firefighters and kills hundreds of cattle

By Kori Rumore

May 19, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 19, according...

With teammates and his wife, Sarah Wood, and children behind him, Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood formally announces his retirement at Wrigley Field on May 19, 2012. (Phil Velasquez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Cubs’ Kerry Wood leaves pitching mound at Wrigley Field for final time

By Kori Rumore

May 18, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 18, according...

Jessicalynn McVicker, of Antioch, and her son, Max, get face to face with Sue the Tyrannosaurus rex on Jan. 27, 2009, as McVicker's uncle Rick Albrecht takes photos. (Phil Velasquez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Sue the T. rex unveiled at the Field Museum

By Kori Rumore

May 22, 2026 at 7:46 p.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 17, according...

Michael Jordan trudges off the court after a playoff loss to Milwaukee in 1985. (Ed Wagner Jr./baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Michael Jordan named NBA Rookie of the Year

By Kori Rumore

May 16, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 16, according...

Rocky Marciano heads to a neutral corner after he knocked out Jersey Joe Walcott in 2 minutes and 25 seconds of the first round of the heavyweight championship bout at the Chicago Stadium on May 15, 1953. (Ed Smith/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Rocky Marciano KO’s Jersey Joe Walcott in first round of fight at Chicago Stadium

By Kori Rumore

May 15, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 15, according...

Former President Theodore Roosevelt second from left, on Oct. 4, 1912. (Library of Congress)

Vintage baiduhai: How a stack of speech notes saved Theodore Roosevelt’s life 114 years ago

By Kori Rumore

May 14, 2026 at 4:23 p.m.

A stack of folded-up speech notes — and intervention from a medical team in Chicago...

Looking south across the Michigan Avenue Bridge during formal ceremonies on opening day in 1920 with city officials riding in the first automobile across the span. (ACME photo)

Today in Chicago History: Floats, flowers and shots fired as Michigan Avenue Bridge opens

By Kori Rumore

May 14, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 14, according...