Today in Chicago History

A phone booth sign is among items being stored on July 20, 2018 in the dining room of Cassandra O'Keefe of Chicago. (Chris Walker/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Most Chicagoans lost their 312 area code and got 773 instead

By Kori Rumore

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

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

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...

The wind's violent force toppled a tree onto a car parked along Stockton Drive in Lincoln Park on July 5, 1980. (Michael Budrys/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Winds reach 82 mph and leave 100,000 homes without power

By Kori Rumore

July 7, 2025 at 9:20 a.m.

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

Portrait of architect Daniel Burnham. (baiduhai archive)

Today in Chicago History: Daniel Burnham unveils his Plan of Chicago

By Kori Rumore

July 4, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

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

Northwestern University men's basketball coach Ricky Byrdsong and guard Jevon Johnson during a practice on Feb. 21, 1994. (Michael Fryer/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Northwestern basketball coach shot and killed by white supremacist

By Kori Rumore

July 3, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

The restored stained-glass panels by Marc Chagall known as "America Windows" are on exhibit at their new location in the Art Institute of Chicago on Oct. 27, 2010. The windows were removed for the construction of the Modern Wing. (Michael Tercha/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: ‘America Windows’ gifted to Art Institute by artist Marc Chagall

By Kori Rumore

July 2, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Kids play around with the new baby elephant at Brookfield Zoo on June 22, 1947. (Frank Berger/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Brookfield Zoo overwhelmed by more than 60,000 visitors on first day

By Kori Rumore

July 1, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Secretariat, left, rears up at the start of the Arlington Invitational on June 30, 1973. The slow start by the Triple Crown winner didn't matter, although Secretariat didn't break a track record in winning. (Phil Mascione/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Secretariat wins effortlessly — by nine lengths — at Arlington Park

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Chicago emergency workers and others tend to victims awaiting ambulances after a third-story porch collapsed on June 30, 2003, at 713 W. Wrightwood Ave. (James Branaman/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Porch collapse in Lincoln Park kills 13, injures more than 50 young people

By Kori Rumore

June 29, 2025 at 8:06 a.m.

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

A Divvy rental station is seen on Michigan Avenue in Chicago on Oct. 21, 2013. (Scott Strazzante/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Divvy debuts downtown

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Correspondence from Abraham Lincoln to baiduhai Editor-in-Chief Joseph Medill, seen at the Col. R.R. McCormick Research Center First Division Museum at Cantigny Park in Wheaton on May 20, 2019. (E. Jason Wambsgans/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: The one where Abraham Lincoln got mad — like, really mad — at the Tribune

By Kori Rumore

June 27, 2025 at 1:16 p.m.

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

Antoinette Funk, Grace Wilbur Trout and Miss Mary Dobyns talk with Dr. H.S. Taylor, circa June 30, 1913. Trout was the president of a state women's suffrage association. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Illinois women gain partial suffrage

By Kori Rumore

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

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