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...

Mayor Harold Washington, center, raises his hand as he talks about signing an executive order to assure that all residents of Chicago, regardless of nationality or citizenship, shall have fair and equal access to municipal benefits, opportunities and services on March 7, 1985. With Washington is his Latino Advisory Commission, including Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, third from right in background. (Carl Hugare/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: City agencies stop cooperating with federal immigration authorities

By Kori Rumore

March 7, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on March 7, according...

Chance the Rapper holds a news conference at Westcott Elementary School in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood on March 6, 2017. He met with Gov. Bruce Rauner the previous week about coming up with a plan for the cash-strapped Chicago Public Schools.
(Zbigniew Bzdak/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Chance the Rapper writes $1 million check to CPS

By Kori Rumore

March 6, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Officials remove the body of actor-comedian John Belushi from a bungalow at the Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles where Belushi was found dead on March 5, 1982. Belushi, 33, died of an accidental drug overdose. (Lennox McLendon/AP)

Today in Chicago History: John Belushi’s death shocks the city

By Kori Rumore

March 11, 2025 at 2:22 p.m.

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

The Billy Goat Tavern celebrates its 50th anniversary with owner Sam Sianis, middle, behind the bar on March 6, 1984, at 430 N. Lower Michigan Ave. in Chicago. (Phil Greer/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Billy Goat Tavern opens on Michigan Avenue

By Kori Rumore

March 4, 2025 at 6:20 p.m.

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

Members of the Wesoly Lud Polish Folk Dance Company of PRCUA (Polish Roman Catholic Union of America) perform dances and songs from the eastern Krakow region for the Polish American Museum of America’s Casimir Pulaski Day event in Chicago on March 4, 2024. In the background is a large painting of Pulaski during a cavalry charge in Savannah. (Antonio Perez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Celebrating Casimir Pulaski

By Kori Rumore

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

Since the first Monday of March is celebrated in honor of Casimir Pulaski, here are...

Former Illinois Speaker Michael Madigan departs from his lawyers' office on March 9, 2022, after making his first virtual court appearance after his indictment. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Michael Madigan — long Illinois’ most powerful politician — indicted

By Kori Rumore

March 2, 2025 at 7:57 a.m.

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

Mark Carlson, of Iowa City, Iowa, celebrates with his best friend, Rich Honquest, of Chicago, lower right, at the NHL Stadium Series game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Pittsburgh Penguins at Soldier Field in Chicago on March 1, 2014. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Blackhawks beat Penguins at snowy Soldier Field

By Kori Rumore

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

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

A Chicago police officer stands guard on Feb. 28, 2005, outside the home of U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow in the Edgewater area. (Charles Cherney/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Judge Joan Lefkow finds husband, mother killed

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Coffee and the morning paper: Jane Byrne savors her victory after the Feb. 27, 1979, Democratic primary, defeating Mayor Michael Bilandic. Byrne was the city's first female mayor. (Carl Hugare/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Jane Byrne upsets Mayor Michael Bilandic

By Kori Rumore

March 11, 2025 at 2:23 p.m.

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

An Amtrak Empire Builder train prepares to depart on March 28, 2017, at Union Station in Chicago. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Amtrak launches the Superliner

By Kori Rumore

March 11, 2025 at 2:24 p.m.

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