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...

Spectators watch a double header between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field in 1947. (baiduhai historical archive)

Today in Chicago History: National League’s first ‘twilight’ game at Wrigley Field

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Rear Adm. Walter Crosley, from left, Amelia Earhart and Maj. Gen. Frank Parker salute the flag on the reviewing stand at the George Washington bicentennial military tournament held at Soldier Field on June 24, 1932. (Chicago Herald and Examiner)

Today in Chicago History: Amelia Earhart says she’s keeping her last name — ‘My husband doesn’t mind’

By Kori Rumore

May 20, 2026 at 11:53 a.m.

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

Ryne Sandberg is congratulated by Chicago Cubs third base coach Don Zimmer after evening the score in the ninth inning with a home run against the Cardinals on June 23, 1984. (Charles Cherney/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: ‘The Sandberg Game’ rocks Wrigley Field

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Patrons wait at the walk-up window at Dairy Queen on June 18, 2023, in Lombard. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: First Dairy Queen opens in Joliet

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Carl Wanderer, right, talks with George Kenney, left, circa July 10, 1920, after the slaying of Wanderer's wife, Ruth, on June 21, 1920. Editor's note: This historic print has tape and painting on it from long-ago photo retouchers. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: The case of the ‘ragged stranger’

By Kori Rumore

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

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

A large crowd attended the dedication ceremony for Merrill C. Meigs Field on June 30, 1950, in Chicago. (Howard Borvig/Chicago Herald American)

Today in Chicago History: Ground broken for city’s lakefront airport — Meigs Field

By Kori Rumore

June 20, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

North Carolina guard Michael Jordan, left, and Tar Heels coach Dean Smith are at a news conference in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on May 5, 1984. Jordan announced he would forfeit his final year of college eligibility to turn pro. (AP)

Today in Chicago History: Bulls select Michael Jordan with 3rd pick in the 1984 NBA Draft

By Kori Rumore

June 19, 2025 at 9:53 a.m.

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

Hale Irwin kisses the U.S. Open trophy after winning the championship for the third time in his career on June 18, 1990, at Medinah Country Club. (Al Behrman/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Hale Irwin makes putt for birdie in sudden death to win US Open at Medinah

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Young people play pinball in Bolingbrook's Old Chicago amusement park and shopping center, circa 1976. (baiduhai archive)

Today in Chicago History: Old Chicago — 1st indoor amusement park/mall in the US — opens in Bolingbrook

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Rich Koz as Svengoolie, circa 1982. (baiduhai archive)

Today in Chicago History: Rich Koz becomes Svengoolie, the city’s iconic ghost host

By Kori Rumore

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

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