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...

Gov. Pat Quinn signs into law a bill ending the death penalty in Illinois on March 9, 2011, at the Capitol in Springfield. With Quinn are sponsors Karen Yarbrough, third from right, and Kwame Raoul, second from left. (Nancy Stone/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Illinois abolishes the death penalty

By Kori Rumore

March 10, 2026 at 8:37 a.m.

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

University of Illinois-Chicago coach Jimmy Collins cheers as news comes that the team made the NCAA tournament on March 8, 1998. (Phil Velasquez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Chicago Maroons, UIC Flames get ‘March Madness’

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Mayor Harold Washington, center, raises his hand as he talks about signing an executive order to assure that all residents of Chicago, regardless of nationality or citizenship, shall have fair and equal access to municipal benefits, opportunities and services on March 7, 1985. With Washington is his Latino Advisory Commission, including Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, third from right in background. (Carl Hugare/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Mayor Harold Washington halts cooperation with federal immigration authorities

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Chance the Rapper holds a news conference at Westcott Elementary School in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood on March 6, 2017. He met with Gov. Bruce Rauner the previous week about coming up with a plan for the cash-strapped Chicago Public Schools.
(Zbigniew Bzdak/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Chance the Rapper cuts CPS a $1 million check as ‘call to action’

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Officials remove the body of actor-comedian John Belushi from a bungalow at the Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles where Belushi was found dead on March 5, 1982. Belushi, 33, died of an accidental drug overdose. (Lennox McLendon/AP)

Today in Chicago History: John Belushi’s death in LA shocks his hometown

By Kori Rumore

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

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

The Billy Goat Tavern celebrates its 50th anniversary with owner Sam Sianis, middle, behind the bar on March 6, 1984, at 430 N. Lower Michigan Ave. in Chicago. (Phil Greer/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Billy Goat Tavern — of ‘Cheezborger, cheezborger’ fame — opens on Michigan Avenue

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Chester Weger, right, shows state troopers how he tied the wrists of Lillian Oetting and Mildred Lindquist in the triple murder at Starved Rock State Park on Nov. 17, 1960. (Val Mazzenga/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Chester Weger convicted of Starved Rock murder

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Former Illinois Speaker Michael Madigan departs from his lawyers' office on March 9, 2022, after making his first virtual court appearance after his indictment. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan indicted on federal racketeering charges

By Kori Rumore

March 2, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

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

Mark Carlson, of Iowa City, Iowa, celebrates with his best friend, Rich Honquest, of Chicago, lower right, at the NHL Stadium Series game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Pittsburgh Penguins at Soldier Field in Chicago on March 1, 2014. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Blackhawks beat Penguins 5-1 at snowy, sold-out Soldier Field

By Kori Rumore

March 1, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

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

A Chicago police officer stands guard on Feb. 28, 2005, outside the home of U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow in the Edgewater area. (Charles Cherney/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Judge Joan Lefkow finds husband and mother shot dead in the basement of her home

By Kori Rumore

February 28, 2026 at 4:30 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Feb. 28, according...