Today in Chicago History

Sen.-elect Barack Obama, with daughter Malia, wife Michelle and daughter Sasha, at his victory celebration at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago on Nov. 2, 2004. (E. Jason Wambsgans/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Illinois Democrat Barack Obama elected to US Senate

By Kori Rumore

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

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

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...

Chicago Cubs catcher Michael Barrett confronts A.J. Pierzynski before punching the White Sox catcher after a play at the plate on May 20, 2006. (Phil Velasquez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Cubs catcher Michael Barrett punches White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski

By Kori Rumore

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

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

The Drovers' National Bank building, one of the tallest structures in the stockyards area and housing one of its most important financial institutions, was left in ruins by the fire in May 1934. It stood at 4201 S. Halsted St. The structures in the foreground contained living quarters for stockyard workers. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Union Stock Yards fire injures 50 firefighters and kills hundreds of cattle

By Kori Rumore

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

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

With teammates and his wife, Sarah Wood, and children behind him, Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood formally announces his retirement at Wrigley Field on May 19, 2012. (Phil Velasquez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Cubs’ Kerry Wood leaves pitching mound at Wrigley Field for final time

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Jessicalynn McVicker, of Antioch, and her son, Max, get face to face with Sue the Tyrannosaurus rex on Jan. 27, 2009, as McVicker's uncle Rick Albrecht takes photos. (Phil Velasquez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Sue the T. rex unveiled at the Field Museum

By Kori Rumore

May 22, 2026 at 7:46 p.m.

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

Michael Jordan trudges off the court after a playoff loss to Milwaukee in 1985. (Ed Wagner Jr./baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Michael Jordan named NBA Rookie of the Year

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Rocky Marciano heads to a neutral corner after he knocked out Jersey Joe Walcott in 2 minutes and 25 seconds of the first round of the heavyweight championship bout at the Chicago Stadium on May 15, 1953. (Ed Smith/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Rocky Marciano KO’s Jersey Joe Walcott in first round of fight at Chicago Stadium

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Former President Theodore Roosevelt second from left, on Oct. 4, 1912. (Library of Congress)

Vintage baiduhai: How a stack of speech notes saved Theodore Roosevelt’s life 114 years ago

By Kori Rumore

May 14, 2026 at 4:23 p.m.

A stack of folded-up speech notes — and intervention from a medical team in Chicago...

Looking south across the Michigan Avenue Bridge during formal ceremonies on opening day in 1920 with city officials riding in the first automobile across the span. (ACME photo)

Today in Chicago History: Floats, flowers and shots fired as Michigan Avenue Bridge opens

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Piping plovers Rose, left, sits on the nest as Monty comes to relieve her at Montrose Beach in Chicago on July 18, 2019. (José M. Osorio/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Monty the piping plover — partner to Rose — dies

By Kori Rumore

May 13, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Ernie Banks is greeted by Coach "Peanuts" Lowrey after hitting his 500th home run in the second inning against Atlanta at Wrigley Field on May 12, 1970. (Phil Mascione/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Ernie Banks — ‘Mr. Cub’ — hits his 500th home run

By Kori Rumore

May 12, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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