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...

Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak is helped after being shot in a Miami park while talking to President-elect Franklin Roosevelt in 1933. (UPI)

Today in Chicago History: ‘I’m glad it was me instead of you.’ Mayor Anton Cermak shot.

By Kori Rumore

February 15, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

A crowd gathers in the alley behind 2122 N. Clark St., as police remove the victims of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: St. Valentine’s Day Massacre on Clark Street

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Parking meters along Canal Street, just north of Roosevelt Road on Dec. 2, 2008, in Chicago. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley announced a deal for the long-term lease of Chicago's parking meter system. (Phil Velasquez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Parking rates increase due to ‘boondoggle’ meter deal

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Students seize the University of Chicago administration offices over the firing of professor Marlene Dixon on Jan. 30, 1969. The sit-in lasted two weeks. (Walter Neal/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Professor who inspired University of Chicago sit-in resigns

By Kori Rumore

March 11, 2025 at 2:27 p.m.

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

An escaped prisoner surrenders to police on Feb. 13, 2006, after a hostage situation involving three of the six escaped prisoners from Cook County Jail was resolved peacefully on the 1300 South block of 59th Court in Cicero. (Terrence Antonio James/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: 6 inmates escape Cook County Jail

By Kori Rumore

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

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

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama announces he will run for the office of president of the United States in front of the Old State Capitol building in Springfield on Feb. 10, 2007. (Milbert O. Brown/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Barack Obama announces candidacy for president

By Kori Rumore

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

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

The Bagpipes & Drums of the Emerald Society arrive at the home of Chicago Bears great Steve McMichael in Homer Glen for a celebration of his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Feb. 9, 2024. (E. Jason Wambsgans/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: ‘We’re going to Canton.’ Steve McMichael selected for Pro Football Hall of Fame.

By Kori Rumore

February 9, 2025 at 8:07 a.m.

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

Bob Collins, Chicago's top-rated WGN radio personality, was among three people killed in a midair collision of two small planes over Zion, on Feb. 8, 2000. (WGN)

Today in Chicago History: WGN morning host Bob Collins killed in midair collision

By Kori Rumore

February 8, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

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

Michael Jordan ponders a question during a news conference in Chicago, on Feb. 7, 1994. Jordan signed a minor-league contract with the Chicago White Sox Class AAA affiliate Nashville Sounds and was invited to spring training as a nonroster invitee. (John Swart/AP)

Today in Chicago History: ‘The circus begins.’ Michael Jordan signs a baseball contract with the White Sox.

By Kori Rumore

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

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

The jury walks to court at 26th Street and Chicago Avenue on Feb. 8, 1980, for the John Wayne Gacy trial in Chicago. (Karen Engstrom/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: ‘He killed people like he was swatting flies.’ John Wayne Gacy’s trial begins.

By Kori Rumore

February 6, 2025 at 10:36 a.m.

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