Today in Chicago History

The O'Leary family plot includes the grave of Catherine O'Leary of Great Chicago Fire infamy at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Aug. 30, 2021. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Catherine O’Leary — and cow — exonerated by City Council 126 years after the Great Chicago Fire

By Kori Rumore

October 6, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Pope John Paul II in Grant Park in Chicago in October 1979. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Pope John Paul II conducts sermon by the shore in Grant Park

By Kori Rumore

October 5, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Sue Hendrickson is with Peter Larson and dog Gypsy with the T. rex skull during excavation in August 1990. (Sue Hendrickson)

Today in Chicago History: Sue the T. rex heads to the Field Museum after $8 million auction purchase

By Kori Rumore

October 4, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

National Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees, from left, Dick Butkus, Yale Lary, Ron Mix and Johnny Unitas pose with their busts after the enshrinement ceremony in Canton, Ohio, on July 28, 1979. (AP)

Today in Chicago History: Bears linebacker Dick Butkus inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame

By Kori Rumore

July 28, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Black men gather in front of Walgreen Drugs at 35th and State streets during the 1919 race riots in Chicago. Police officers stand in front of the crowd. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Stoning death of Eugene Williams triggers 1919 race riots

By Kori Rumore

July 27, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Chicago Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux fires away a pitch during the first inning of a game at Wrigley Field on July 26, 2005, against the San Francisco Giants. Maddux recorded his 3,000th strikeout in the third inning. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux gets 3,000th strikeout at wet Wrigley Field

By Kori Rumore

July 26, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

The assembly line in the Douglas Aircraft plant near Park Ridge, July 7, 1944, where wings are attached to the fuselage of big C-54 cargo planes. (Douglas Aircraft)

Today in Chicago History: Douglas Aircraft Co. announces plans to build assembly plant near Orchard Place

By Kori Rumore

July 25, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Stranded passengers wait on the hull of the SS Eastland on July 24, 1915, as the tugboat Kenosha serves as a floating bridge to let survivors reach safety after the Eastland steamship rolled over on its side. The Tribune wrote, "The biggest factor in the business of life-saving was the Kenosha. Apparently its captain realized what was coming before the Eastland's own officers." (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: SS Eastland capsizes in the Chicago River; 844 people drown

By Kori Rumore

July 24, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Legendary Chicago bluesman Buddy Guy sits at his club, Buddy Guy's Legends, on June 10, 2024. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)

Vintage baiduhai: 9 things to know about blues legend Buddy Guy as he turns 90

By Kori Rumore

July 23, 2026 at 4:03 p.m.

Legendary Chicago blues guitarist George "Buddy" Guy said two years ago he was retiring from...

White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle during the first inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago on July 23, 2009. Buehrle threw a perfect game for a 5-0 White Sox win. (Phil Velasquez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle throws a perfect game

By Kori Rumore

July 23, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Coroner Frank J. Walsh stands next to the body of John Dillinger as a long line of people pass by on the other side of the glass panel to get a look at the famous criminal on July 23, 1934, at the Cook County morgue. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Public Enemy No. 1’ John Dillinger killed outside Biograph Theater

By Kori Rumore

July 22, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

The Wingfoot Express dirigible in Grant Park in July 1919. The Wingfoot crashed through the skylight of the Illinois Trust and Savings Bank, causing a fire and killing 13 people. (baiduhai archive)

Today in Chicago History: Wingfoot Air Express dirigible catches fire and crashes in the Loop, killing 13 people

By Kori Rumore

July 21, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

The Chicago Special Olympics, co-sponsored by the Chicago Park District and the Joseph Kennedy Jr. foundation, was held for the first time on July 20, 1968, at Soldier Field in Chicago. The event provided an athletic competition for people with disabilities. (William Yates/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Special Olympics debuts at Soldier Field

By Kori Rumore

July 20, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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