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 Fire Department boats battle the blaze that destroyed McCormick Place in January 1967. More than 500 firefighters were called to the scene as flames spread throughout the structure. (Luigi Mendicino/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: McCormick Place burns

By Kori Rumore

January 16, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Framed by an altar rail, members of the Wendell Phillips High School choir sing a tribute to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 15, 1974, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Chicago. (William Kelly/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Illinois becomes first state to recognize MLK Day

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Student Catlyn Savado addresses students at Percy L. Julian High School in Chicago as many students walked out of school on Jan. 14, 2022, over school safety issues. (José M. Osorio/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: CPS students walk out

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Michael Jordan and his then-wife, Juanita, meet with reporters as he announces his retirement Jan. 13, 1999, at the United Center in Chicago. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Michael Jordan retires from the Bulls — again

By Kori Rumore

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

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

After a couple of CTA buses sideswiped each other on a narrow section of Addison Street, near Sheridan Road, 13 buses and several cars got stuck in a snowbound traffic jam before things could be sorted out on Jan. 15, 1979. (Michael Budrys/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: BLIZZARD …

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Mike Royko talks about his move to the baiduhai from the Chicago Sun-Times at a news conference Jan. 10, 1984, at Tribune Tower in Chicago. Royko said he signed a three-year contract with the Tribune because "Mr. Murdoch doesn't own this paper," referring to international publisher Rupert Murdoch's News America Publishing Inc. (AP)

Today in Chicago History: ‘I decided to do my sitting over here,’ Mike Royko writes in his first Tribune column

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Masked against the bitter cold, a Chicagoan shovels his car out of drifted and plowed snow near 17th and California Avenue on Jan. 10, 1982, in Chicago. (Ernie Cox Jr./baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Colder than Hell (Mich.)

By Kori Rumore

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

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

NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle points at a board showing the Pittsburgh Steelers chose Terry Bradshaw, Louisiana Tech quarterback, for the No. 1 pick in the pro football draft in New York on Jan. 27, 1970. (AP)

Today in Chicago History: ‘McCaskey, you’re a bum!’ The coin flip that cost the Chicago Bears Terry Bradshaw.

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Red carnations are left in the snow outside the Brown's Chicken massacre site in Palatine on Jan. 10, 1993. (Nancy Stone/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: 7 found dead inside Brown’s Chicken in Palatine

By Kori Rumore

January 8, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta, to his left, wave to a crowd after moving into an apartment at 1550 S. Hamlin Ave. in Chicago in 1966. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. moves to the city’s West Side

By Kori Rumore

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

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