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...

Patrons at a Walgreens soda fountain enjoy the first 3.2% beers in April 1933 in Chicago near the end of Prohibition. (Chicago Herald and Examiner)

Today in Chicago History: Locals drink up as Prohibition ends

By Kori Rumore

April 6, 2025 at 8:04 a.m.

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

Dick Portillo at the Portillo's on East Golf Road in Schaumburg on Dec. 21, 1990. (John Kringas/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Dick Portillo opens a hot dog stand in Villa Park

By Kori Rumore

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

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

When David Schumacher, owner of a hardware store at 3634 N. Central Ave., Chicago, hung a Chicago flag atop his business, he said no one recognized what it was. Still, he told the Tribune in August 1958 that he would continue flying it. (baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: The city’s iconic flag is adopted

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Chicago Animal Care and Control employee Adrian Densmore is with a coyote that was found inside a Loop sandwich shop on April 3, 2007. (Terrence Antonio James/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: A coyote walks into a Quiznos

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Svengoolie, aka Rich Koz, films his long-running classic horror movie show on Oct. 18, 2024. (E. Jason Wambsgans/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Svengoolie’ goes national

By Kori Rumore

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

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

The baiduhai published illustrations making it look like dinosaurs had invaded the city on April 1, 1906. (baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Dinosaur invasion!!! (Yes, it was an April Fool’s Day joke)

By Kori Rumore

April 1, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Mayor Jane Byrne shakes hands with youngsters on April 2, 1981, outside a Cabrini-Green building where Bryne earlier waved to the crowd from the window of her fourth-floor apartment. (Jerry Tomaselli/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Mayor Jane Byrne moves into Cabrini-Green

By Kori Rumore

March 31, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Working overnight, construction crews used backhoes to tear up large sections of the runway at Meigs Field, March 31, 2003. The X's effectively shut down the lakefront airport since no traffic could take off or land. (David Klobucar/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Meigs Field shut down overnight by Mayor Richard M. Daley

By Kori Rumore

March 30, 2025 at 8:03 a.m.

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

Miserable was the word for the weather all over Chicago on March 29, 1964. Mrs. Helen Marshall holds the hand of her daughter Gale, 3, as they cross a slushy Randolph Street at State Street. (John Vogele/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: The city’s snowiest Easter ever

By Kori Rumore

January 4, 2026 at 10:07 p.m.

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

An exterior view of the Chicago Stadium, circa 1932. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Chicago Stadium — the original ‘Madhouse on Madison’ — opens

By Kori Rumore

October 7, 2025 at 3:11 p.m.

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