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...

As the new era for legal marijuana in Illinois begins, friends share a joint of legally purchased marijuana at a home in Calumet City on Jan. 1, 2020. Marijuana was purchased at the Mission Dispensary store in Chicago. (Antonio Perez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Recreational marijuana sold legally for the first time in Illinois

By Kori Rumore

January 1, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Officials keep their eyes on the ball as it sails toward the uprights during the "Fog Bowl," game played at Soldier Field on Dec. 31, 1988 between the Chicago Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles. (Bob Langer/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Bears win ‘Fog Bowl’ at Soldier Field — but did anyone really see it?

By Kori Rumore

December 31, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Dec. 31, according...

Charred seats show where the fire killed more than 600 people in less than 15 minutes at the Iroquois Theatre in Chicago in 1903. (baiduhai archive)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Fireproof’ Iroquois Theatre set ablaze when light ignites curtain — more than 600 killed

By Kori Rumore

December 30, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Dec. 30, according...

David Schoo, second from left, and his wife, Sharon, second from right, are flanked by authorities following their arrest on Dec. 29, 1992, at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport on charges of felony child abandonment. The Schoos were returning from their trip to Mexico. (Michael Meinhardt/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Parents arrested for leaving daughters ‘home alone’ while they took Mexico trip

By Kori Rumore

December 29, 2025 at 2:33 p.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Dec. 29, according...

A view of the Montgomery Ward plant at Chicago Avenue and the river, looking east at the Chicago Avenue bridge, circa Aug. 25, 1930. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Montgomery Ward department store announces it will shut down operations

By Kori Rumore

December 28, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Chicago Bears Secretary Charles Bidwill, from left, Coach Ralph Jones and President George Halas pose for a photo, circa Sept. 2, 1932. (Chicago Herald and Examiner)

Today in Chicago History: Bears introduce new coach Ralph Jones

By Kori Rumore

December 27, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Boxing legend Jack Johnson, right, in 1910. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Chicago resident Jack Johnson becomes first Black heavyweight boxing champ

By Kori Rumore

December 26, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Members of the Valentine Boys Club begin their second year in the Union Stock Yards feeding project in April 1955. Father Leo Devitt, pastor at St. Gabriel's parish, joins them. The boys holding steers are, from left, Joseph Klem, 13, Joseph Moisan, 13, Michael Marinan, 12, Pat McInerney, 13, Harold Eaheart, 12, Donald Basham, 14, and Robert Swain, 13. (William Vendetta/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Stockyards open and receive first shipment of cattle

By Kori Rumore

December 25, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon, left, and kicker Kevin Butler celebrate during Super Bowl XX on Jan. 26, 1986 in New Orleans. The Bears beat the New England Patriots 46-10. (AP)

Today in Chicago History: Kicker Kevin Butler becomes the first Bear to score 1,000 points

By Kori Rumore

December 24, 2025 at 12:22 p.m.

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

Dennis Rodman, from left, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Ron Harper and coach Phil Jackson each hold one of the five National Basketball Association championship trophies the Chicago Bulls had won in the previous seven years. (José Moré/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Bulls coach Phil Jackson gets his 500th career win faster than any coach in NBA history

By Kori Rumore

December 23, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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