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...

Buckingham Fountain is under construction, circa 1926. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Buckingham Fountain opens

By Kori Rumore

May 26, 2025 at 7:55 a.m.

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

Dan Goodwin makes his way up the Sears Tower on May 25, 1981, as would-be rescuers wait on scaffolding. But the 25-year-old daredevil from Las Vegas rushed by them and waved on his way to the top of the giant building, the world's tallest. (Walter Kale/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Spider’ Dan Goodwin scales the Sears Tower, then the world’s tallest building

By Kori Rumore

May 25, 2025 at 8:07 a.m.

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

Harry Aleman, center, leaves court after his May 24, 1977, acquittal in the shotgun slaying of a union official. He was later retried and found guilty of the crime. (Hardy Wieting/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Hit man Harry ‘The Hook’ Aleman acquitted — after Judge Frank J. Wilson was bribed

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Siwash, an unofficial mascot for the U.S. Marine Corps. during World War II, lived at the Lincoln Park Zoo for 11 years after the war. (baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Siwash — the beer-guzzling duck and former Marine mascot — dies at Lincoln Park Zoo

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Officers remove a body from the wreckage of a Continental Airlines passenger plane, which crashed in a farm field in Unionville, Missouri, south of the Iowa town of Centerville, on May 22, 1962. Wreckage of the plane was strewn along a 10-mile path. (AP)

Today in Chicago History: Passenger’s dynamite causes midair explosion on plane that departed O’Hare

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Richard Loeb, left, and Nathan Leopold Jr., 19, right, during the time of their trial for the murder of Bobby Franks in 1924. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb commit ‘perfect murder’ in killing of Bobby Franks

By Kori Rumore

May 27, 2025 at 12:44 p.m.

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

Chicago Cubs catcher Michael Barrett confronts A.J. Pierzynski before punching the White Sox catcher after a play at the plate on May 20, 2006. (Phil Velasquez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Cubs catcher Michael Barrett punches A.J. Pierzynski during Crosstown Classic

By Kori Rumore

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

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

The Drovers' National Bank building, one of the tallest structures in the stockyards area and housing one of its most important financial institutions, was left in ruins by the fire in May 1934. It stood at 4201 S. Halsted St. The structures in the foreground contained living quarters for stockyard workers. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Fire engulfs Union Stock Yards

By Kori Rumore

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

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

With teammates and his wife, Sarah Wood, and children behind him, Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood formally announces his retirement at Wrigley Field on May 19, 2012. (Phil Velasquez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood retires after striking out one batter at Wrigley Field

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Jessicalynn McVicker, of Antioch, and her son, Max, get face to face with Sue the Tyrannosaurus rex on Jan. 27, 2009, as McVicker's uncle Rick Albrecht takes photos. (Phil Velasquez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: A dinosaur named Sue is unveiled at the Field Museum

By Kori Rumore

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

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