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...

Princess Diana and Northwestern University President Henry Bienen climb the steps to the Field Museum for a gala ball June 5, 1996, in Chicago. (Paula Bronstein/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Princess Di arrived in Chi and the town went gaga’

By Kori Rumore

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

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

The submarine U-505, pictured from an American Airline plane, sits in the dry dock of the American Shipbuilding Company at 101st Street and the Calumet River, where it will be placed on a barge for towing to the Museum of Science and Industry, circa 1954. (Metro News Photos)

Today in Chicago History: German sub U-505 — now housed at Museum of Science and Industry — captured by US Navy

By Kori Rumore

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

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

James Holzhauer, a cast member in the ABC series "Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time," poses at the 2020 ABC Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour on Jan. 8, 2020, in Pasadena, California. (Chris Pizzello/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Naperville native loses ‘Jeopardy!’ after 32-day winning streak

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Taylor Swift performs "Cruel Summer" at Soldier Field on the opening night of the Chicago stop of her Eras Tour on June 2, 2023. (Shanna Madison/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Taylor Swift takes over Soldier Field

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Alicia Atkinson, left, and Laurin Fabry, both from an area near Naperville known as Eola, were among the first to convert their civil union to marriage in DuPage County on June 2, 2014. (Chuck Berman/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Same-sex couples receive marriage licenses for the first time in Illinois

By Kori Rumore

June 1, 2025 at 8:02 a.m.

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

The new Shedd Aquarium, circa Dec. 27, 1929.(Chicago Herald and Examiner)

Today in Chicago History: City’s first aquarium at Lincoln Park Zoo — and Shedd Aquarium, its second — opens

By Kori Rumore

May 22, 2026 at 7:47 p.m.

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

Housing Secretary Henry Cisneros, center, is flanked by Mayor Richard M. Daley, left, and former Chicago Housing Authority Chairman Vince Lane during a news conference on May 31, 1995, in Chicago where he discussed the takeover of the CHA by HUD. Cisneros discounted talk of mismanagement and gave high praise to the former chairman's seven-year reign. He also said the move was part of ongoing HUD efforts to improve public housing nationwide. (Beth A. Keiser/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Federal officials take control of the Chicago Housing Authority

By Kori Rumore

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

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

In 1962, Buck O'Neil became the first African American coach in the major leagues with the Chicago Cubs. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Cubs hire Buck O’Neil who becomes first Black coach in major league history

By Kori Rumore

May 29, 2025 at 6:16 a.m.

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

Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, who is accused of evading bank regulations and lying to the FBI in a hush money case, leaves after his arraignment at the Dirksen Courthouse before Judge Thomas M. Durkin on June 9, 2015. (Terrence Antonio James/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Ex-US House Speaker Dennis Hastert charged with lying to FBI

By Kori Rumore

May 28, 2025 at 6:02 a.m.

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

Looking north from the bottom left of the midway are the famous Travel and Transport Building, the Chrysler Motors Building and Northerly Island at top right, where the Sky Ride can be faintly seen at the Century of Progress World's Fair. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Century of Progress — the second World’s Fair hosted by the city — opens

By Kori Rumore

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

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