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...

Chef Paul Katz of Harry Caray’s pours sauce over foie gras and a diver sea scallop on Aug. 22, 2006, the day that Chicago’s ban on the delicacy went into effect. Some restaurants sold foie gras in protest and the Illinois Restaurant Association filed suit against the city. (Charles Cherney/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Sacré bleu! Foie gras banned by City Council

By Kori Rumore

April 26, 2025 at 8:21 a.m.

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

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, at podium, and FBI officials announce arrests and criminal charges against more than a dozen defendants stemming from "Operation Family Secrets," an investigation of previously unsolved murders and other crimes involving the Chicago Outfit. (Phil Velasquez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Outfit leaders indicted by FBI in ‘Operation Family Secrets’ investigation

By Kori Rumore

April 25, 2025 at 9:04 a.m.

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

Carriage driver Dave Ford guides horse Callie as he takes Achal Jain and Neeta Wadhwa on a ride around the Near North Side on Aug. 29, 2018. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: City Council bans horse-drawn carriages

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Wilco's Jeff Tweedy performs during the second of two sold-out shows on Aug. 3, 2002, at the Riviera Theatre. (Erik Unger/for the baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Wilco releases ‘Yankee Hotel Foxtrot’

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Beverly Miller, who founded an anti-pollution group, is busy on April 21, 1970, preparing for the first Earth Day event. (Chicago American)

Today in Chicago History: City celebrates first Earth Day with Civic Center rally

By Kori Rumore

April 22, 2025 at 12:25 p.m.

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

Excavators Tom Kasper, left, and Dan Constantino dig out the sand fill after the walls were blasted away at Chicago's Lexington Hotel, linked to mobster Al Capone, during a TV telecast on April 21, 1986. The only thing the dig turned up was old bottles and a sign. (John Swart/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Geraldo hosts ‘Mystery of Al Capone’s Vaults’ — looking for the gangster’s riches

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Brian Wrzesinski, 12, displays a 1968 Nolan Ryan rookie baseball card on Nov. 10, 1990, that he bought for $12 at Ball-Mart, an Addison, Illinois, baseball card shop. The owner of the store was suing Wrzesinski, claiming that the boy knew the card was worth much more when an inexperienced clerk sold it at the low price by mistake. The owner said the card was priced at $1,200, not $12. (Mark Elias/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Itasca baseball shop sells card worth $1,200 to a 12-year-old for $12

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Violet Bidwill, right, widow of Charles W. Bidwill Sr., after the Chicago Cardinals defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, 28-21, for the title in Chicago on Dec. 28, 1947. The Cardinals halfback Elmer Angsman passes a word of cheer to Billy Bidwill, center, and his mother Violet, after the game. (Paul Cannon/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Violet Bidwill becomes first female NFL team owner after her husband dies

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Chicago White Sox fans applaud during player introductions at opening day of new Comiskey Park on April 18, 1991. (Charles Cherney/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: New Comiskey Park opens

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Rita Crundwell, former comptroller for the city of Dixon, as her attorney briefly speaks with reporters after Crundwell pleaded guilty in Federal Court in Rockford on Nov. 14, 2012. (Stacey Wescott/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Dixon comptroller Rita Crundwell arrested for stealing millions from the city

By Kori Rumore

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

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