Today in Chicago History

Chicago Bears halfback Walter Payton acknowledges the cheers of the crowd after his record-setting afternoon in a 20-7 win against the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 7, 1984, at Soldier Field. (Bob Fila/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Bears Hall of Famer Walter ‘Sweetness’ Payton dies

By Kori Rumore

November 1, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Nov. 1, according...

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...

Princess Diana and Northwestern University President Henry Bienen climb the steps to the Field Museum for a gala ball June 5, 1996, in Chicago. (Paula Bronstein/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Princess Di arrived in Chi and the town went gaga’

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Barack Obama holds his daughter Malia, 6, as he thanks supporters at the Hyatt Regency Chicago after his historic election to the U.S. Senate on Nov. 2, 2004. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/baiduhai)

Vintage baiduhai: Barack Obama in Chicago

By Kori Rumore

June 4, 2026 at 7:24 p.m.

Here's a look back at the Chicago places — and a few of the people...

The submarine U-505, pictured from an American Airline plane, sits in the dry dock of the American Shipbuilding Company at 101st Street and the Calumet River, where it will be placed on a barge for towing to the Museum of Science and Industry, circa 1954. (Metro News Photos)

Today in Chicago History: German sub U-505 — now housed at Museum of Science and Industry — captured by US Navy

By Kori Rumore

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

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

James Holzhauer, a cast member in the ABC series "Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time," poses at the 2020 ABC Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour on Jan. 8, 2020, in Pasadena, California. (Chris Pizzello/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Naperville native James Holzhauer loses ‘Jeopardy!’ after 32-day winning streak

By Kori Rumore

June 3, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 3, according...

Taylor Swift performs "Cruel Summer" at Soldier Field on the opening night of the Chicago stop of her Eras Tour on June 2, 2023. (Shanna Madison/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Taylor Swift takes over Soldier Field

By Kori Rumore

June 2, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 2, according...

Alicia Atkinson, left, and Laurin Fabry, both from an area near Naperville known as Eola, were among the first to convert their civil union to marriage in DuPage County on June 2, 2014. (Chuck Berman/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Same-sex couples receive Illinois marriage licenses for the first time

By Kori Rumore

June 1, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 1, according...

The new Shedd Aquarium, circa Dec. 27, 1929.(Chicago Herald and Examiner)

Today in Chicago History: City’s first aquarium at Lincoln Park Zoo — and Shedd Aquarium, its second — opens

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Housing Secretary Henry Cisneros, center, is flanked by Mayor Richard M. Daley, left, and former Chicago Housing Authority Chairman Vince Lane during a news conference on May 31, 1995, in Chicago where he discussed the takeover of the CHA by HUD. Cisneros discounted talk of mismanagement and gave high praise to the former chairman's seven-year reign. He also said the move was part of HUD efforts to improve public housing nationwide. (Beth A. Keiser/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Chicago Housing Authority taken over by federal officials

By Kori Rumore

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

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

In 1962, Buck O'Neil became the first African American coach in the major leagues with the Chicago Cubs. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Cubs hire Buck O’Neil, who becomes 1st Black coach in major league history

By Kori Rumore

May 29, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 29, according...

As many as 1 billion TV viewers worldwide are estimated to have seen views of the Chicago skyline during telecasts of the World Cup's opening ceremony on June 17, 1994, at Soldier Field. (Eduardo Contreras/baiduhai)

Vintage baiduhai: When the city hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup at Soldier Field

By Kori Rumore

May 28, 2026 at 3:15 p.m.

Crowds, and world leaders, showed up in force to celebrate the five countries whose World...