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...

Mark Carlson, of Iowa City, Iowa, celebrates with his best friend, Rich Honquest, of Chicago, lower right, at the NHL Stadium Series game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Pittsburgh Penguins at Soldier Field in Chicago on March 1, 2014. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Blackhawks beat Penguins 5-1 at snowy, sold-out Soldier Field

By Kori Rumore

March 1, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

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

A Chicago police officer stands guard on Feb. 28, 2005, outside the home of U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow in the Edgewater area. (Charles Cherney/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Judge Joan Lefkow finds husband and mother shot dead in the basement of her home

By Kori Rumore

February 28, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Feb. 28, according...

Coffee and the morning paper: Jane Byrne savors her victory after the Feb. 27, 1979, Democratic primary, defeating Mayor Michael Bilandic. Byrne was the city's first female mayor. (Carl Hugare/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Jane Byrne beats Mayor Michael Bilandic in the Democratic primary

By Kori Rumore

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

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

The Chicago Bears practice at Wrigley Field on Oct. 25, 1967. It was the last season George Halas, fifth from left, coached the team. (Phil Mascione/baiduhai)

Vintage baiduhai: From Staley Field to Halas Hall, a tour of the Bears’ practice and office facilities

By Kori Rumore

February 26, 2026 at 5:46 p.m.

The Chicago Bears haven't always had their headquarters and training fields in the same place....

The infamous ball that was deflected by a fan during Game 6 of the 2003 National League Championship Series against the Florida Marlins on Oct. 14, 2003, at Wrigley Field was destroyed on Feb. 26, 2004, outside Harry Caray's Restaurant in River North. Admiring the wreckage are, from left, Oscar-winning special-effects expert Michael Lantieri, Dutchie Caray and Grant DePorter. (Scott Strazzante/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Bartman ball’ obliterated for charity at Harry Caray’s restaurant

By Kori Rumore

February 26, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

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

Looking a little like something from a galaxy far, far away, Wrigley Field is bathed in light for its first night baseball game on Aug. 8, 1988, as traffic hurries by on Clark and Addison streets. The game, however, was canceled due to rain and fans had to wait until Aug. 9, 1988, for the first completed night game. (Frank Hanes/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Eight night games approved by City Council for the Cubs at Wrigley Field

By Kori Rumore

June 12, 2026 at 11:40 a.m.

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

The Statue of the Republic, at 65 feet tall, stood across from the domed Administration Building at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. (baiduhai archive)

Today in Chicago History: The 1893 World’s Fair awarded to the city

By Kori Rumore

February 24, 2026 at 5:50 a.m.

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

Jockey Irad Ortiz, riding Dacita, on their way to winning first place in the Beverly D race, during Arlington Million day at Arlington Park on Aug. 12, 2017. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Arlington Heights horse racetrack put up for sale

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Students on the new University of Illinois at Chicago Circle campus, circa 1965. (Chicago’s American)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Circle campus’ at University of Illinois opens

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Drew Peterson is escorted out of the Will County Courthouse in Joliet after his arraignment was postponed on May 8, 2009. Peterson is being charged with the murder of his third wife, Kathleen Savio. (Zbigniew Bzdak/baiduhai )

Today in Chicago History: Drew Peterson — ‘I did not kill Kathleen!’ — sentenced to 38 years in prison

By Kori Rumore

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

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