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...

Piping plovers Rose, left, sits on the nest as Monty comes to relieve her at Montrose Beach in Chicago on July 18, 2019. (José M. Osorio/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Monty the piping plover — partner to Rose — dies

By Kori Rumore

May 13, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 13, according...

Ernie Banks is greeted by Coach "Peanuts" Lowrey after hitting his 500th home run in the second inning against Atlanta at Wrigley Field on May 12, 1970. (Phil Mascione/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Ernie Banks — ‘Mr. Cub’ — hits his 500th home run

By Kori Rumore

May 12, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 12, according...

A photo diagram shows how the slayer of "Big Jim" Colosimo sprang from behind the cloakroom door of Colosimo's Cafe on May 11, 1920. The cross on the floor marks where Colosimo fell and died. The dotted lines trace the killer's possible escape routes. (baiduhai historical illustration)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Big’ Jim Colosimo gunned down inside his cafe

By Kori Rumore

May 11, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 11, according...

The Chicago Bulls’ Michael Jordan, wearing his old No. 23 jersey, gives directions from the court during a playoff game in Orlando on May 10, 1995. The Bulls, with Jordan scoring 38, defeated the Magic 104-94. (Chris O’Meara/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Michael Jordan wears No. 23 for the 1st time since his retirement

By Kori Rumore

May 10, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 10, according...

Owners Maurie and Flaurie Berman at Superdawg on July 19, 2011. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Superdawg Drive-In opened by Flaurie and Maurie Berman

By Kori Rumore

May 9, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 9, according...

Chicago White Sox Harold Baines, right, is greeted at home plate by Tom Paciorek after Baines belted a home run that ended the longest game, time-wise, on May 9, 1984, in Chicago as the Sox prevailed 7-6 over the Milwaukee Brewers. The game went 25 innings and took eight hours and six minutes. (Fred Jewell/AP)

Today in Chicago History: 8-hour game between White Sox and Brewers starts at Comiskey Park

By Kori Rumore

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

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

On a video feed, Pope Leo XIV speaks to people gathered at Rate Field before a Mass and celebration of the election of Leo, who was born and raised in the Chicago area. (Antonio Perez/baiduhai)

Vintage baiduhai: 5 things you might not know about 5 places connected to Pope Leo XIV

By Kori Rumore

May 8, 2026 at 9:58 a.m.

Though Pope Leo XIV's presence gives special meaning to some places around Chicago, many were...

The skull of Sue the T. rex is on the second floor of Chicago's Field Museum on Dec. 18, 2018, as part of the "Evolving Planet" exhibition. (José M. Osorio/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: The Sue who discovered ‘Sue’ the T. rex gets honorary degree from UIC

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood, center, hugs catcher Sandy Martinez as first baseman Mark Grace runs in to celebrate after the Cubs beat the Houston Astros 2-0 on May 6, 1998. With 20 strikeouts in the game, Wood tied Major League Baseball's strikeout record. (Heather Stone/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Cubs rookie Kerry Wood records 20 strikeouts to tie MLB record

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Outside the original Chicago Defender building in Chicago, newspaper founder Robert Sengstacke Abbott stands amid bundles of donations to be given out as charitable gifts, circa 1910s. (Robert Abbott Sengstacke/Getty)

Today in Chicago History: Chicago Defender — ‘the world’s greatest weekly’ — founded by Robert Sengstacke Abbott

By Kori Rumore

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

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