Today in Chicago History

Before the fall: The ill-fated 1919 White Sox strike relaxed poses for a team picture. Eight Sox players were later charged with conspiracy to commit fraud after taking money to throw games. (National Baseball Library)

Today in Chicago History: White Sox lose best-of-nine 1919 World Series to Cincinnati Reds

By Kori Rumore

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

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

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...

Thousands line State Street to see the Apollo 11 astronauts and their families during a parade in their honor on Aug. 13, 1969, in Chicago. (baiduhai historical photo)

Vintage baiduhai: How the city welcomed home American astronauts

By Kori Rumore

April 16, 2026 at 8:51 p.m.

Parades, celebratory banquets and question-and-answer sessions with local students awaited space explorers who visited the...

Chicago Blackhawks Bobby Hull, left, and Jack Evans flank the Stanley Cup in their dressing room in Detroit after defeating the Detroit Red Wings to win the Cup on April 16, 1961. (AP)

Today in Chicago History: Blackhawks snowed in after winning third Stanley Cup in Detroit

By Kori Rumore

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

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

An undated photo of Ray Kroc's first McDonald's restaurant, in Des Plaines. (McDonald's)

Today in Chicago History: First McDonald’s franchise opens in Des Plaines

By Kori Rumore

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

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

White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodón (55) celebrates his no-hitter against Cleveland at Guaranteed Rate Field on April 14, 2021. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: White Sox pitchers throw no-hitters — 104 years apart

By Kori Rumore

April 14, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

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

Pumps used to remove floodwater from a basement are routed into a sewer at Chicago City Hall on April 15, 1992. (Eduardo Contreras/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Great Chicago Loop Flood paralyzes downtown

By Kori Rumore

April 13, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

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

Newly elected Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, center, with current Mayor Jane Byrne, left, and State's Attorney Richard M. Daley at a luncheon on April 13, 1983, at the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago. (Bob Fila/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Harold Washington elected city’s first Black mayor

By Kori Rumore

April 12, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

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

Bronko Nagurski, left, and Joe Stydahar of the Chicago Bears, circa 1936. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Bears select their 1st NFL draft pick, ‘Jumbo’ Joe Stydahar

By Kori Rumore

April 11, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

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

Led Zeppelin performs at Chicago Stadium in 1975. (Charles Osgood/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Led Zeppelin cancels sold-out show due to ‘food poisoning’

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Homes in the city of Fairdale are leveled on April 10, 2015, after a tornado ripped through the north-central Illinois area the night before. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Two people killed when EF-4 tornado obliterates tiny Fairdale

By Kori Rumore

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

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

A seagull flies below the partial solar eclipse at 2:52 p.m., as seen from Oak Street Beach, April 8, 2024, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Illinois experiences its last total solar eclipse for decades

By Kori Rumore

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

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