Today in Chicago History

Edmonton Oilers star Wayne Gretzky (99) serves as a screen for Keith Lowe's shot, which streaked past Chicago Blackhawks goalie Tony Esposito (35) during the first period Oct. 10, 1979, at Chicago Stadium. Gretzky was credited with an assist on the goal. The Hawks won 4-2. (Edward Wagner Jr./baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Wayne Gretzky makes NHL debut at Chicago Stadium

By Kori Rumore

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

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

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...

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...

The Chicago Bears' locker room was a scene of joy as owner/coach George Halas, far left, led players, staff members and well-wishers in a rousing cheer after the team’s 33-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers at Wrigley Field on Dec. 14, 1941, in a playoff for the Western Division National League title. (baiduhai historical photo)

Vintage baiduhai: Bears faced the Green Bay Packers in playoffs for the first time 85 years ago

By Kori Rumore

January 8, 2026 at 2:51 p.m.

When the Chicago Bears last beat the Green Bay Packers in the postseason 85 years...

Red carnations are left in the snow outside the Brown's Chicken massacre site in Palatine on Jan. 10, 1993. (Nancy Stone/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Brown’s Chicken murders — 5 employees, 2 owners found dead inside Palatine restaurant

By Kori Rumore

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

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

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta, to his left, wave to a crowd after moving into an apartment at 1550 S. Hamlin Ave. in Chicago in 1966. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. selects ‘typical ghetto apartment’ on the West Side

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Chicago Bears kicker Cody Parkey (1) walks off after missing a potential game-winning field goal in the final seconds on Jan. 6, 2019, in an NFC Wild Card playoff game at Soldier Field. The Bears lost to the Eagles, 16-15. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Cody Parkey kicks ‘double doink’ that costs Bears chance to advance in playoffs

By Kori Rumore

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

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

George Halas is with his daughter, Virginia McCaskey, at a Bears-Packers game in Milwaukee on Aug. 19, 1968. (Ed Feeney/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: It’s a girl! First child born to Bears owner George Halas.

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Chicago mayoral candidates Brandon Johnson, left, and Paul Vallas, right, sit down for a mayoral forum at Fox's WFLD-Ch. 32 Chicago studios on March 22, 2023. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Fox’s WFLD-Ch. 32 begins broadcasting

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Ald. Edward Burke leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago after turning himself in Jan. 3, 2019. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Feds charge longtime Ald. Edward Burke with extortion

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Oprah Winfrey, the new host of "AM Chicago," on State Street in 1984. (Ovie Carter/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Oprah Winfrey debuts on ‘AM Chicago’

By Kori Rumore

January 2, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Jan. 2, according...

The artistry of Jack Frost is on a window pane at a home in the 7000 block of South Carpenter Street, framing the bungalows across the street in a snowy scene on the morning of Feb. 26, 1950. (baiduhai historical photo)

Vintage baiduhai: Our favorite picks from the archives in 2025

By Kori Rumore

January 1, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

Marianne Mather and Kori Rumore look back at their favorite finds in the Tribune's archives...