Today in Chicago History

A field near Roselawn, Indiana, is strewn with debris on Nov. 1, 1994, where American Eagle Flight 4184 crashed, killing all 68 people aboard. (Charles Bennett/AP)

Today in Chicago History: 68 people killed when American Eagle plane bound for O’Hare crashes in Indiana field

By Kori Rumore

October 31, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Oct. 31, according...

The Medinah Temple at 600 N. Wabash Ave., March 14, 2023, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Medinah Temple opens

By Kori Rumore

October 30, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Oct. 30, according...

Magician Harry Houdini poses with reformed medium Annie Benninghofen, left, while in Chicago in 1926. (baiduhai historical photo)

Vintage baiduhai: Harry Houdini and the ‘reformed’ trumpet medium

By Kori Rumore

October 29, 2026 at 2:22 p.m.

Harry Houdini's campaign against spiritualists convinced one former fake medium to reveal in Chicago the...

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...

A piping plover forages along the water on June 10, 2019, at Montrose Beach in Chicago. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Piping plovers Monty and Rose force cancellation of Montrose Beach music festival

By Kori Rumore

July 19, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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