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...

Stranded passengers wait on the hull of the SS Eastland on July 24, 1915, as the tugboat Kenosha serves as a floating bridge to let survivors reach safety after the Eastland steamship rolled over on its side. The Tribune wrote, "The biggest factor in the business of life-saving was the Kenosha. Apparently its captain realized what was coming before the Eastland's own officers." (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: 844 people drowned aboard the Eastland in the Chicago River

By Kori Rumore

July 24, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle during the first inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago on July 23, 2009. Buehrle threw a perfect game for a 5-0 White Sox win. (Phil Velasquez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle throws a perfect game

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Coroner Frank J. Walsh stands next to the body of John Dillinger as a long line of people pass by on the other side of the glass panel to get a look at the famous criminal on July 23, 1934, at the Cook County morgue. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Public Enemy No. 1’ John Dillinger killed outside Biograph Theater

By Kori Rumore

July 22, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

The Wingfoot Express dirigible in Grant Park in July 1919. The Wingfoot crashed through the skylight of the Illinois Trust and Savings Bank, causing a fire and killing 13 people. (baiduhai archive)

Today in Chicago History: Wingfoot Air Express dirigible catches fire and crashes in the Loop, killing 13 people

By Kori Rumore

July 21, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

The Chicago Special Olympics, co-sponsored by the Chicago Park District and the Joseph Kennedy Jr. foundation, was held for the first time on July 20, 1968, at Soldier Field in Chicago. The event provided an athletic competition for people with disabilities. (William Yates/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Special Olympics debuts at Soldier Field

By Kori Rumore

July 20, 2025 at 8:37 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 20, according...

A piping plover forages along the water on June 10, 2019, at Montrose Beach in Chicago. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Piping plovers Monty and Rose force cancellation of Montrose Beach music festival

By Kori Rumore

July 19, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 19, according...

People from El Salvador hide their faces during an Aug. 8, 1982, visit to the Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ in Chicago. Seated with the group is James Corbett, left, one of the founders of the sanctuary movement, which assists people fleeing civil war and seeking political asylum in the United State. (Arthur Walker/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Wellington Church joins sanctuary movement to provide safe haven for refugees

By Kori Rumore

July 18, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 18, according...

A policeman scans the roof of the Cabrini-Green housing project with a sniper scope on a rifle on July 17, 1970. Two policemen were shot and killed by sniper fire from a high-rise in the projects on the Near North Side the night before as they walked across Seward Park. (Walter Kale/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Two police officers killed by snipers inside Cabrini-Green high-rise

By Kori Rumore

July 17, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

An alligator floats in the Humboldt Park lagoon on July 9, 2019, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Chance the Snapper’ caught in the Humboldt Park lagoon

By Kori Rumore

July 16, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Gen. Italo Balbo, center, shakes hands with Italian Americans at the Drake Hotel on July 15, 1933, in Chicago. Balbo was returning from a ceremony at Soldier Field where he and his aviators were greeted by federal, state, city and World's Fair officials and cheered by a crowd of 60,000 people. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Italian Gen. Italo Balbo leads 24 seaplanes in splash down at Navy Pier

By Kori Rumore

July 15, 2025 at 9:09 a.m.

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