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 2:25 p.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...

Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood, center, hugs catcher Sandy Martinez as first baseman Mark Grace runs in to celebrate after the Cubs beat the Houston Astros 2-0 on May 6, 1998. With 20 strikeouts in the game, Wood tied Major League Baseball's strikeout record. (Heather Stone/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Chicago Cubs rookie pitcher Kerry Wood records 20 strikeouts — tying MLB record

By Kori Rumore

May 6, 2025 at 9:36 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 6, according...

Outside the original Chicago Defender building in Chicago, newspaper founder Robert Sengstacke Abbott stands amid bundles of donations to be given out as charitable gifts, circa 1910s. (Robert Abbott Sengstacke/Getty)

Today in Chicago History: Chicago Defender — ‘the world’s greatest weekly’ — founded by Robert Sengstacke Abbott

By Kori Rumore

May 5, 2025 at 12:18 p.m.

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

Al Capone in 1932 in a Pullman railroad car on his way to prison in Atlanta after a prolonged court battle. At right is U.S. Marshal H.C.W. Laubenheimer, who accompanied Capone. (baiduhai archive)

Today in Chicago History: Al Capone sent to prison, ‘I’ve got to do it, that’s all’

By Kori Rumore

May 4, 2025 at 8:04 a.m.

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

An aerial view shows the topping off of the Sears Tower on May 3, 1973, in Chicago. (James O’Leary/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Sears Tower becomes the world’s tallest building

By Kori Rumore

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

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

As with the 1894 opening at the Palace of Fine Arts in Jackson Park, crowds line up when the Field Museum opens in its Grant Park location on May 2, 1921. (Field Museum)

Today in Chicago History: 8,000 people attend opening of Field Museum

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 2, according...

A crowd marches in a peaceful May Day parade in Chicago's Loop toward Grant Park on May 1, 1934. Among the paraders, were Joseph Weber, secretary of the Trade Union Unity League, William Gebert, communist organizer, and Nina Spies, widow of August Spies, who was hanged for his role in the Haymarket Riot of 1886. The leaders of the demonstration said the parade represented "a fight against war and fascism and for workers' unemployment insurance legislation." (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: ‘May Day’ born after workers take to the streets to demand an eight-hour workday

By Kori Rumore

May 5, 2025 at 10:57 a.m.

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

Vietnamese try to scale the high U.S. Embassy wall in desperate attempts to get aboard the evacuation flights in Saigon in 1975. (AP)

Today in Chicago History: Tribune reporters among last American journalists to leave Vietnam after Saigon falls

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Cubs manager Lee Elia reflects on the day’s events after an evening news conference in Cubs general manager Dallas Green’s office apologizing for his outburst in which he criticized the team’s fans. (Chuck Berman/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Cubs manager Lee Elia delivers epic, expletive-laden rant

By Kori Rumore

April 29, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose reacts after an injury during the fourth quarter of Game 1 in the first round of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers, in Chicago on April 28, 2012. (Nam Y. Huh/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose tears his ACL in playoff game

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Chicago Bears first-round draft pick Mitch Trubisky is interviewed at Halas Hall in Lake Forest on April 28, 2017. (Chris Walker/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Chicago Bears draft QB Mitch Trubisky

By Kori Rumore

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

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