Today in Chicago History

In this Nov. 4, 1948, photo at St. Louis' Union Station, President Harry S. Truman holds up an election day edition of the Chicago Daily Tribune which — based on early results — mistakenly announced "Dewey Defeats Truman." (Byron Rollins/AP)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Dewey Defeats Truman’

By Kori Rumore

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

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

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...

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...

White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodón (55) celebrates his no-hitter against Cleveland at Guaranteed Rate Field on April 14, 2021. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: White Sox pitchers throw no-hitters — 104 years apart

By Kori Rumore

April 14, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

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

Pumps used to remove floodwater from a basement are routed into a sewer at Chicago City Hall on April 15, 1992. (Eduardo Contreras/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Great Chicago Loop Flood paralyzes downtown

By Kori Rumore

April 13, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

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

Newly elected Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, center, with current Mayor Jane Byrne, left, and State's Attorney Richard M. Daley at a luncheon on April 13, 1983, at the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago. (Bob Fila/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Harold Washington elected city’s first Black mayor

By Kori Rumore

April 12, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

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

Bronko Nagurski, left, and Joe Stydahar of the Chicago Bears, circa 1936. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Bears select their 1st NFL draft pick, ‘Jumbo’ Joe Stydahar

By Kori Rumore

April 11, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on April 11, according...

Led Zeppelin performs at Chicago Stadium in 1975. (Charles Osgood/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Led Zeppelin cancels sold-out show due to ‘food poisoning’

By Kori Rumore

April 10, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on April 10, according...

Homes in the city of Fairdale are leveled on April 10, 2015, after a tornado ripped through the north-central Illinois area the night before. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Two people killed when EF-4 tornado obliterates tiny Fairdale

By Kori Rumore

April 9, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on April 9, according...

A seagull flies below the partial solar eclipse at 2:52 p.m., as seen from Oak Street Beach, April 8, 2024, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Illinois experiences its last total solar eclipse for decades

By Kori Rumore

April 8, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on April 8, according...

Harry Caray interviews Michael Jordan before the Crosstown Classic between the Chicago White Sox and the Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 7, 1994, in Chicago. (Mark Elias/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Michael Jordan — No. 45 — now batting for the White Sox

By Kori Rumore

April 7, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on April 7, according...

Patrons at a Walgreens soda fountain enjoy the first 3.2% beers in April 1933 in Chicago near the end of Prohibition. (Chicago Herald and Examiner)

Today in Chicago History: Prohibition ends and locals drink up

By Kori Rumore

April 6, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on April 6, according...