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...

Actor Danny Bonaduce's arm is raised to pronounce his victory over pop singer Donny Osmond in their boxing match on Jan. 17, 1994, in Chicago. The two had been jokingly taunting each other over their workouts until Osmond, live on a local radio show after some goading, proposed to settle the matter once and for all with three rounds in the ring. Bonaduce won in a 2-1 decision. All proceeds went to charities. (Tim Boyle/AP)

Today in Chicago History: In this corner, Danny Bonaduce. His opponent: Donny Osmond.

By Kori Rumore

January 17, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Chicago Fire Department boats battle the blaze that destroyed McCormick Place in January 1967. More than 500 firefighters were called to the scene as flames spread throughout the structure. (Luigi Mendicino/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Fire destroys McCormick Place

By Kori Rumore

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

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

The first traffic jam on the newly opened Dan Ryan Expressway was caused by workmen erecting a sign post near 24th Street, left, in two of the northbound lanes on Dec. 16, 1962. The view is looking southeast. (William Yates/baiduhai)

Vintage baiduhai: How Chicago expressways and other major roads got their names

By Kori Rumore

January 15, 2026 at 3:49 p.m.

Getting familiar with Chicago's expressways — which are referred to by name instead of number...

Framed by an altar rail, members of the Wendell Phillips High School choir sing a tribute to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 15, 1974, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Chicago. (William Kelly/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: First-ever MLK Day observed in Illinois

By Kori Rumore

January 15, 2026 at 2:33 p.m.

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

Student Catlyn Savado addresses students at Percy L. Julian High School in Chicago as many students walked out of school on Jan. 14, 2022, over school safety issues. (José M. Osorio/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Lackluster coronavirus precautions cause CPS students to walk out

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Michael Jordan and his then-wife, Juanita, meet with reporters as he announces his retirement Jan. 13, 1999, at the United Center in Chicago. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: For the second time, Michael Jordan retires from the Bulls

By Kori Rumore

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

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

After a couple of CTA buses sideswiped each other on a narrow section of Addison Street, near Sheridan Road, 13 buses and several cars got stuck in a snowbound traffic jam before things could be sorted out on Jan. 15, 1979. (Michael Budrys/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: BLIZZARD …

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Mike Royko talks about his move to the baiduhai from the Chicago Sun-Times at a news conference Jan. 10, 1984, at Tribune Tower in Chicago. Royko said he signed a three-year contract with the Tribune because "Mr. Murdoch doesn't own this paper," referring to international publisher Rupert Murdoch's News America Publishing Inc. (AP)

Today in Chicago History: Columnist Mike Royko moves to the Tribune

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Masked against the bitter cold, a Chicagoan shovels his car out of drifted and plowed snow near 17th and California Avenue on Jan. 10, 1982, in Chicago. (Ernie Cox Jr./baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: At minus 26 degrees, the city was colder than Hell (Mich.)

By Kori Rumore

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

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

NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle points at a board showing the Pittsburgh Steelers chose Terry Bradshaw, Louisiana Tech quarterback, for the No. 1 pick in the pro football draft in New York on Jan. 27, 1970. (AP)

Today in Chicago History: ‘McCaskey, you’re a bum!’ The coin flip that cost the Bears Terry Bradshaw.

By Kori Rumore

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

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