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...

Wilco's Jeff Tweedy performs during the second of two sold-out shows on Aug. 3, 2002, at the Riviera Theatre. (Erik Unger/for the baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Wilco releases ‘Yankee Hotel Foxtrot,’ which Tribune called ‘best album’ of the year

By Kori Rumore

April 23, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

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

Beverly Miller, who founded an anti-pollution group, is busy on April 21, 1970, preparing for the first Earth Day event. (Chicago American)

Today in Chicago History: First Earth Day celebrated with Civic Center rally

By Kori Rumore

April 22, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

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

Excavators Tom Kasper, left, and Dan Constantino dig out the sand fill after the walls were blasted away at Chicago's Lexington Hotel, linked to mobster Al Capone, during a TV telecast on April 21, 1986. The only thing the dig turned up was old bottles and a sign. (John Swart/AP)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Mystery of Al Capone’s Vaults’ — with host Geraldo Rivera — seeks gangster’s riches

By Kori Rumore

April 21, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

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

Brian Wrzesinski, 12, displays on Nov. 10, 1990 a 1968 Nolan Ryan rookie baseball card that he bought for $12 at Ball-Mart, an Addison baseball card shop. The owner of the store was suing Wrzesinski, claiming that the boy knew the card was worth much more when an inexperienced clerk sold it at the low price by mistake. The owner says the card was priced at $1,200, not $12. (Mark Elias/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Itasca baseball shop sells a card worth $1,200 to a 12-year-old for $12

By Kori Rumore

April 20, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

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

Violet Bidwill, right, widow of Charles W. Bidwill Sr., after the Chicago Cardinals defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, 28-21, for the title in Chicago on Dec. 28, 1947. The Cardinals halfback Elmer Angsman passes a word of cheer to Billy Bidwill, center, and his mother Violet, after the game. (Paul Cannon/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Chicago Cardinals owner Charles Bidwill dies, leaving the team to his widow Violet

By Kori Rumore

April 19, 2026 at 7:59 a.m.

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

White Sox fans applaud during player introductions at the opening day of new Comiskey Park on April 18, 1991. (Charles Cherney/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: New Comiskey Park hosts its 1st home opener

By Kori Rumore

April 18, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

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

Rita Crundwell, former comptroller for the city of Dixon, as her attorney briefly speaks with reporters after Crundwell pleaded guilty in Federal Court in Rockford on Nov. 14, 2012. (Stacey Wescott/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Dixon comptroller Rita Crundwell arrested for taking more than $30 million from city

By Kori Rumore

April 17, 2026 at 8:36 a.m.

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

Thousands line State Street to see the Apollo 11 astronauts and their families during a parade in their honor on Aug. 13, 1969, in Chicago. (baiduhai historical photo)

Vintage baiduhai: How the city welcomed home American astronauts

By Kori Rumore

April 16, 2026 at 8:51 p.m.

Parades, celebratory banquets and question-and-answer sessions with local students awaited space explorers who visited the...

Chicago Blackhawks Bobby Hull, left, and Jack Evans flank the Stanley Cup in their dressing room in Detroit after defeating the Detroit Red Wings to win the Cup on April 16, 1961. (AP)

Today in Chicago History: Blackhawks snowed in after winning third Stanley Cup in Detroit

By Kori Rumore

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

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

An undated photo of Ray Kroc's first McDonald's restaurant, in Des Plaines. (McDonald's)

Today in Chicago History: First McDonald’s franchise opens in Des Plaines

By Kori Rumore

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

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