Today in Chicago History

Pope John Paul II in Grant Park in Chicago in October 1979. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Pope John Paul II conducts sermon by the shore in Grant Park

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Sue Hendrickson is with Peter Larson and dog Gypsy with the T. rex skull during excavation in August 1990. (Sue Hendrickson)

Today in Chicago History: Sue the T. rex heads to the Field Museum after $8 million auction purchase

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Nancy Faust, organist for the Chicago White Sox, plays at Comiskey Park on June 5, 1971. (Don Casper/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: White Sox organist Nancy Faust plays her last tune at US Cellular Field after 41 seasons

By Kori Rumore

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

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

White Sox reliever Fraser Ellard sits in the dugout after being pulled from the game in the seventh inning against the Tigers on Sept. 27, 2024, at Comerica Park in Detroit. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: White Sox reach record-breaking 121st loss

By Kori Rumore

September 27, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Sept. 27, according...

Chicagoans turned out by the thousands, including Mayor Jane Byrne, at Daley Plaza on Oct. 1, 1981, to honor the Chicago Sting, who beat the New York Cosmos 1-0 to claim the North American Soccer League championship on Sept. 26, 1981, in Toronto. (James Mayo/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Sting beat New York Cosmos to win North American Soccer League title in Toronto

By Kori Rumore

September 26, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Sept. 26 according...

Jockey Constantino Roman celebrates aboard Sister Ruler after winning the final race of the day at Arlington Park on Sept. 25, 2021. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Spectators place final bets at Arlington Park

By Kori Rumore

September 25, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Sept. 25, according...

Runners endure the 80-degree heat at Oak Street and Lake Michigan in the second annual Mayor Daley Marathon on Sept. 24, 1978. (James Mayo/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Mayor Daley Marathon runners hit hard by 80-degree heat

By Kori Rumore

September 24, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Sept. 24, according...

Ziggy the elephant is outside at Brookfield Zoo on Aug. 28, 1971. (William Vendetta/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Brookfield Zoo’s Ziggy the elephant goes outdoors for first time in 29 years

By Kori Rumore

September 23, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Sept. 23, according...

Patrons at "The Pump" yell and scream as the White Sox win their first pennant in 40 years on Sept. 22, 1959. The Pump was a tavern and restaurant at 3712 S. Halsted St. in Chicago. (Al Phillips/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Go-Go’ White Sox clinch American League pennant

By Kori Rumore

September 22, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Sept. 22, according...

Chicago Bears general manager Jim Finks, right, and head coach Jack Pardee, second from right, review the first-round draft picks at the LaSalle Hotel headquarters on Jan. 28, 1975. Finks and Pardee are pointing at their No. 1 draft choice in 1975, Walter Payton. (Phil Mascione/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Walter Payton held to zero net yards in his NFL debut for the Bears

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Bishop Blase Cupich of Spokane, Washington, right, addresses the media after being introduced by Cardinal Francis George, left, as the new archbishop designate for Chicago at a news conference at Archbishop Quigley Center on Sept. 20, 2014. (Abel Uribe/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Pope Francis names Blase Cupich to lead Archdiocese of Chicago

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Dick Butkus (51) leads the defensive charge which turned into a 17-15 triumph over the Pittsburgh Steelers during the Chicago Bears' first game at Soldier Field on Sept. 19, 1971. (Ray Gora/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: After five decades at Wrigley Field, Bears play first home game at Soldier Field

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Valerie Percy, 20, daughter of Charles H. Percy, washes a car on Aug. 22, 1964, at a service station at Harlem and North avenues in Oak Park to raise money for West Suburbans Teens for Percy. The funds were to be used for a group-sponsored rally on behalf of her father, who was the Republican candidate for Illinois governor at the time. (William Vendetta/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Valerie Percy — daughter of US Senate candidate — killed in Kenilworth home

By Kori Rumore

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

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