Today in Chicago History

The fatal shooting of Earl “Hymie” Weiss and Patrick Murray took place near Schofield’s flower shop, headquarters of the North Side Gang, in October 1926. Machine-gun fire came from a window at 740 N. State St. Three others were injured in the shooting. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Hymie’ Weiss gunned down across the street from Holy Name Cathedral

By Kori Rumore

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

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

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...

Faith Yoshida, center, Charles Hankus and Joseph C. Faulkner hold up the new Illinois Lottery tickets that go on sale Dec. 10, 1974. (William Yates/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Illinois becomes the 10th state to get its own lottery

By Kori Rumore

December 14, 2025 at 4:30 a.m.

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

Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr (15) is knocked off his feet by Chicago Bears defensive tackle Willie Holman (85) in a first-quarter play during which Starr was injured, on Dec. 13, 1970, in Chicago. (Fred Jewell/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Bears beat Packers 35-17 in last game at Wrigley Field

By Kori Rumore

December 13, 2025 at 4:30 a.m.

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

Gale Sayers plunges over the line from a yard out for the fifth of his six touchdowns for the Chicago Bears at Wrigley Field against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 12, 1965. (Chicago's American)

Today in Chicago History: Bears’ Gale Sayers scores 6 TDs against the 49ers at Wrigley Field

By Kori Rumore

December 12, 2025 at 4:30 a.m.

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

People wear face masks as they stand on the corner of Foster Avenue on Jan. 13, 1979. (Sally Good/baiduhai)

Vintage baiduhai: Do you remember when 90 inches of snow fell almost 50 years ago?

By Kori Rumore

December 11, 2025 at 3:50 p.m.

This season's early snowfall shoveling might remind some of a relentless winter from almost 50...

In this illustration that ran in the baiduhai on Dec. 12, 1921, jail guard David Strauss was grabbed around his neck, choked, and held to the bars by James La Porte, Tommy O'Connor's cellmate. O'Connor held the gun, a nickel-plated revolver. After his keys were taken, Strauss was bound and gagged and thrown into a cell. The jail break occurred Dec. 11, 1921. (baiduhai illustration)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Terrible’ Tommy O’Connor escapes from Cook County Jail

By Kori Rumore

December 11, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Barack Obama with his medal and diploma alongside Nobel Committee Chairman Thorbjorn Jagland at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony at City Hall in Oslo, Norway, on Dec. 10, 2009. (John McConnico/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Nobel Peace Prize awarded to President Barack Obama

By Kori Rumore

December 10, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

TV actor Jussie Smollett stands before Cook County Circuit Judge Steven Watkins on March 14, 2019, at the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago, where he pleaded not guilty. (E. Jason Wambsgans/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Empire’ actor Jussie Smollett found guilty for lying to police about purported attack

By Kori Rumore

December 9, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

A United Airlines 737 airplane crashed into a house near Midway Airport on Dec. 8, 1972, killing 45 people, including two people in the house. (Don Casper/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: United flight crashes into bungalows on approach to Midway, killing 45 people

By Kori Rumore

July 27, 2026 at 12:55 p.m.

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

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his wife Patti face a group of reporters after he was sentenced to 14 years in prison on Dec. 6, 2011, at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago. (Nancy Stone/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich sentenced to 14 years in prison

By Kori Rumore

December 7, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Warden John L. Whitman, Superintendent Green and Superintendent of Construction Yardley, inspect the new Stateville prison near Joliet, circa 1924. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Stateville Correctional Center dedicated in Joliet

By Kori Rumore

December 6, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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