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...

DePaul University men's basketball coach Ray Meyer is mobbed by fans upon his team's arrival at O'Hare International Airport after they defeated UCLA to advance to the Final Four of the 1979 NCAA tournament. (Don Casper/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: DePaul stuns UCLA to reach NCAA Final Four

By Kori Rumore

March 17, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

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

Northwestern Wildcats guard Bryant McIntosh (30) celebrates after Northwestern defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores, 68-66, in an NCAA West Region first-round game on March 16, 2017, at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Northwestern wins first NCAA tournament appearance

By Kori Rumore

March 16, 2025 at 8:08 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on March 16, according...

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich waves to the crowd as he leaves his home in Chicago for federal prison near Littleton, Colorado, on March 15, 2012. (William DeShazer/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Rod Blagojevich enters prison

By Kori Rumore

March 15, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on March 15, according...

Albert Einstein and his wife (not pictured) made a stop at Union Station in Chicago on March 3, 1931. The pair were passing through from Pasadena, California, on their way to New York. Einstein was greeted by pacifists and delivered a speech saying how brave those resisting war are. "The scientist was accompanied by Mrs. Einstein," wrote the baiduhai, "who seemed to be spending most of her time seeing that her husband got into his overcoat and getting him to pose for photographers for the 300th time in America."(Chicago American)

Today in Chicago History: Albert Einstein visits Chicago

By Kori Rumore

March 14, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on March 14, according...

Chicago Cardinal Mal Hammack (31) goes for 2 yards before Fred Williams (75) ended the run during the Bears vs. Cardinals game held at Soldier Field on Nov. 30, 1959. (Steve Lasker/Chicago Today)

Today in Chicago History: NFL’s Chicago Cardinals leave for St. Louis

By Kori Rumore

March 13, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on March 13, according...

Eugenia Godzik, center, mother of victim Gregory Godzik, speaks briefly to reporters after a two-hour session where the jury found John Wayne Gacy guilty on 33 counts of murder and two other charges on March 12, 1980. (Don Casper/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: John Wayne Gacy convicted

By Kori Rumore

March 12, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on March 12, according...

Edward Burke, second from right, on the day he was sworn in as alderman, is with his mother, Ann Burke, and Judge Joseph Hermes, left, and the Rev. Richard Wolfe of Visitation Parish, in City Council Chambers on March 14, 1969. (George Quinn/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Edward Burke becomes the second-youngest alderman

By Kori Rumore

March 11, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on March 11, according...

Marshall Field and Co.'s State Street store at Wabash and Randolph streets in 2005. (Chuck Berman/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Target puts Marshall Field’s up for sale

By Kori Rumore

March 10, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on March 10, according...

Gov. Pat Quinn signs into law a bill ending the death penalty in Illinois on March 9, 2011, at the Capitol in Springfield. With Quinn are sponsors Karen Yarbrough, third from right, and Kwame Raoul, second from left. (Nancy Stone/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Death penalty abolished in Illinois

By Kori Rumore

March 9, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on March 9, according...

University of Illinois-Chicago coach Jimmy Collins cheers as news comes that the team made the NCAA tournament on March 8, 1998. (Phil Velasquez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: ‘March Madness’ for University of Chicago Maroons, UIC Flames

By Kori Rumore

March 8, 2025 at 9:25 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on March 8, according...