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...

Looking a little like something from a galaxy far, far away, Wrigley Field is bathed in light for its first night baseball game at Clark and Addison on Aug. 8, 1988, in Chicago.(Frank Hanes/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: The Cubs get lights — and games at night

By Kori Rumore

March 11, 2025 at 2:25 p.m.

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

The Statue of the Republic, at 65 feet tall, stood across from the domed Administration Building at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. (baiduhai archive)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Great is Chicago. It gets the World’s Fair.’

By Kori Rumore

February 24, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

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

Jockey Irad Ortiz, riding Dacita, on their way to winning first place in the Beverly D race, during Arlington Million day at Arlington Park on Aug. 12, 2017. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Arlington Park put up for sale

By Kori Rumore

February 23, 2025 at 7:59 a.m.

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

Students on the new University of Illinois at Chicago Circle campus, circa 1965. (Chicago’s American)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Circle campus’ opens

By Kori Rumore

February 22, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Drew Peterson at Pontiac Correctional Center in photos from February 2013. (Illinois Department of Corrections)

Today in Chicago History: Drew Peterson, ‘I did not kill Kathleen!’

By Kori Rumore

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

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

World War II fighter pilot Lt. Cmdr. Edward "Butch" O'Hare, right, is congratulated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 21, 1942, during a White House ceremony in Washington, D.C. O'Hare's wife, Rita, places the Medal of Honor around his neck. (baiduhai archive)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Butch’ O’Hare — the airport’s namesake — downs Japanese bombers

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Chicago police officers carry Bernie Sanders, 21, to a police wagon from a civil rights demonstration at West 73rd Street and South Lowe Avenue in August 1963. He was charged with resisting arrest, found guilty and fined $25. He was a University of Chicago student at the time. (Tom Kinahan/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Arrest photo of a young Bernie Sanders emerges

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Chicago police officers stand outside Holy Name Cathedral before the viewing for Harry Caray on Feb. 26, 1998. A large billboard with Caray's likeness is visible in the background on State Street. Caray died on Feb. 18, 1998. (Terrence Antonio James)

Today in Chicago History: Cubs announcer Harry Caray dies

By Kori Rumore

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

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

U.S. Attorney James Burns announces charges in Chicago on July 27, 1994, in the 1979 disappearance of candy heiress Helen Vorhees Brach. Richard Bailey, 62, was indicted on charges of hiring someone to kill Brach. Prosecutors believe Bailey hired someone to kill Brach when she began to suspect he was conning her into buying racehorses at inflated prices. (John Swart/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Candy heiress Helen Brach disappears

By Kori Rumore

February 17, 2025 at 10:23 a.m.

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

Dorothy Mae Stevens, 23, who almost froze to death, is shown with her hands bandaged as two nurses, Jennie Molten and Eleanor Shay, watch over her on Feb. 16, 1951. (Swain Scalf/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Frozen woman’ feels ‘wonderful’

By Kori Rumore

February 16, 2025 at 8:07 a.m.

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