Today in Chicago History

A captive balloon and Ferris wheel are at the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago. (Library of Congress)

Today in Chicago History: Ferris wheel debuts at World’s Columbian Exposition

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Michael Spilotro, left, and his brother Tony at the Leighton Criminal Court Building on March 18, 1983, in Chicago. (Phil Greer/Chicago Tribune)

Today in Chicago History: Spilotro brothers buried alive in Indiana cornfield in a scene out of ‘Casino’

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Spontaneous embraces were the order of the day during the Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Parade on June 13, 1986, in Chicago. (Phil Greer/Chicago Tribune)

Today in Chicago History: City cheers Vietnam veterans during a 5-hour parade — 11 years after the war

By Kori Rumore

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

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

A photo diagram shows how the slayer of "Big Jim" Colosimo sprang from behind the cloakroom door of Colosimo's Cafe on May 11, 1920. The cross on the floor marks where Colosimo fell and died. The dotted lines trace the killer's possible escape routes. (Chicago Tribune historical illustration)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Big’ Jim Colosimo gunned down inside his cafe

By Kori Rumore

May 11, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

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

The Chicago Bulls’ Michael Jordan, wearing his old No. 23 jersey, gives directions from the court during a playoff game in Orlando on May 10, 1995. The Bulls, with Jordan scoring 38, defeated the Magic 104-94. (Chris O’Meara/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Michael Jordan wears No. 23 for the 1st time since his retirement

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Owners Maurie and Flaurie Berman at Superdawg on July 19, 2011. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Today in Chicago History: Superdawg Drive-In opened by Flaurie and Maurie Berman

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Chicago White Sox Harold Baines, right, is greeted at home plate by Tom Paciorek after Baines belted a home run that ended the longest game, time-wise, on May 9, 1984, in Chicago as the Sox prevailed 7-6 over the Milwaukee Brewers. The game went 25 innings and took eight hours and six minutes. (Fred Jewell/AP)

Today in Chicago History: 8-hour game between White Sox and Brewers starts at Comiskey Park

By Kori Rumore

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

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

On a video feed, Pope Leo XIV speaks to people gathered at Rate Field before a Mass and celebration of the election of Leo, who was born and raised in the Chicago area. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Vintage Chicago Tribune: 5 things you might not know about 5 places connected to Pope Leo XIV

By Kori Rumore

May 8, 2026 at 9:58 a.m.

Though Pope Leo XIV's presence gives special meaning to some places around Chicago, many were...

The skull of Sue the T. rex is on the second floor of Chicago's Field Museum on Dec. 18, 2018, as part of the "Evolving Planet" exhibition. (José M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune)

Today in Chicago History: The Sue who discovered ‘Sue’ the T. rex gets honorary degree from UIC

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood, center, hugs catcher Sandy Martinez as first baseman Mark Grace runs in to celebrate after the Cubs beat the Houston Astros 2-0 on May 6, 1998. With 20 strikeouts in the game, Wood tied Major League Baseball's strikeout record. (Heather Stone/Chicago Tribune)

Today in Chicago History: Cubs rookie Kerry Wood records 20 strikeouts to tie MLB record

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Outside the original Chicago Defender building in Chicago, newspaper founder Robert Sengstacke Abbott stands amid bundles of donations to be given out as charitable gifts, circa 1910s. (Robert Abbott Sengstacke/Getty)

Today in Chicago History: Chicago Defender — ‘the world’s greatest weekly’ — founded by Robert Sengstacke Abbott

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Al Capone in 1932 in a Pullman railroad car on his way to prison in Atlanta after a prolonged court battle. At right is U.S. Marshal H.C.W. Laubenheimer, who accompanied Capone. (Chicago Tribune archive)

Today in Chicago History: Al Capone travels to prison, ‘I’ve got to do it, that’s all’

By Kori Rumore

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

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

An aerial view shows the topping off of the Sears Tower on May 3, 1973, in Chicago. (James O’Leary/Chicago Tribune)

Today in Chicago History: Sears Tower becomes the world’s tallest building

By Kori Rumore

May 3, 2026 at 8:05 a.m.

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