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...

Patrons wait at the walk-up window at Dairy Queen on June 18, 2023, in Lombard. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: First Dairy Queen opens in Joliet

By Kori Rumore

June 22, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

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

Carl Wanderer, right, talks with George Kenney, left, circa July 10, 1920, after the slaying of Wanderer's wife, Ruth, on June 21, 1920. Editor's note: This historic print has tape and painting on it from long-ago photo retouchers. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: The ‘ragged stranger’ case

By Kori Rumore

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

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

A large crowd attended the dedication ceremony for Merrill C. Meigs Field on June 30, 1950, in Chicago. (Howard Borvig/Chicago Herald American)

Today in Chicago History: Ground broken for city’s lakefront airport — Meigs Field

By Kori Rumore

June 20, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

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

North Carolina guard Michael Jordan, left, and Tar Heels coach Dean Smith are at a news conference in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on May 5, 1984. Jordan announced he would forfeit his final year of college eligibility to turn pro. (AP)

Today in Chicago History: Michael Jordan selected by the Bulls with 3rd pick in the 1984 NBA Draft

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Cardinal George Mundelein walks on the field during the 28th International Eucharistic Congress that he hosted at Soldier Field in June 1926. An estimated 500,000 people attended the large open-air mass. (baiduhai historical photo)

Vintage baiduhai: 1 million Catholics converge on city for International Eucharistic Congress

By Kori Rumore

June 18, 2026 at 2:41 p.m.

For five days in 1926, Chicago was the center of the Catholic world as it...

Hale Irwin kisses the U.S. Open trophy after winning the championship for the third time in his career on June 18, 1990, at Medinah Country Club. (Al Behrman/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Sudden death at Medinah — Hale Irwin makes putt for birdie to win US Open

By Kori Rumore

June 18, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Young people play pinball in Bolingbrook's Old Chicago amusement park and shopping center, circa 1976. (baiduhai archive)

Today in Chicago History: Old Chicago — first indoor amusement park/mall in the US — opens in Bolingbrook

By Kori Rumore

June 17, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Rich Koz as Svengoolie, circa 1982. (baiduhai archive)

Today in Chicago History: Rich Koz morphs into Svengoolie, the city’s iconic ghost host

By Kori Rumore

June 16, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

A captive balloon and Ferris wheel are at the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago. (Library of Congress)

Today in Chicago History: Ferris wheel debuts at World’s Columbian Exposition

By Kori Rumore

June 15, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Michael Spilotro, left, and his brother Tony at the Leighton Criminal Court Building on March 18, 1983, in Chicago. (Phil Greer/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Spilotro brothers buried alive in Indiana cornfield in a scene out of ‘Casino’

By Kori Rumore

June 14, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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