Crime and Law Enforcement
On May 20, 1987, Doris Fischer and her family members pleaded guilty to running a ‘sex-by-order’ prostitution ring. This case was part of a larger investigation named ‘Operation Safebet’ led by the FBI and the IRS. The illegal operation was based out of their home in Buffalo Grove.
Shipwreck Tragedy
In 1883, along the North Shore, debris hinted at a maritime disaster. The schooner Wells Burt, was traveling from Buffalo carrying coal when it sank during a fierce Lake Michigan storm. The captain and his ten crewmen perished, and today divers explore the wreckage located three miles off Evanston.
Airplane Crash
1943 witnessed a tragic military accident as a U.S. Army Air Corps B-24 Liberator crashed due to bad weather into a gas storage tank near Chicago’s Midway Airport. The crash resulted in an enormous explosion, causing the death of all 12 individuals aboard.
Scientific Breakthrough
In 1970, physicist Albert Crewe from the University of Chicago achieved a historic scientific milestone by capturing images of single atoms. This development, facilitated by a special microscope, marked the first time scientists could view individual atoms as part of molecules.
School Shooting
Laurie Dann’s shooting spree on May 20, 1988, at Hubbard Woods Elementary School in Winnetka led to the death of Nicholas Corwin, 8, and injuries to five other children.
Legislative Actions
In 1992, Chicago aldermen addressed graffiti concerns by banning the sale of spray paint cans. The prohibition was supported by a 38-1 vote, with only Ald. Dorothy Tillman dissenting, arguing attention should be on unemployment and housing issues.
Sports Events
May 20, 1994, marked the Chicago Bulls’ last game at Chicago Stadium, securing a 93-79 victory over the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. The series concluded with a Bulls defeat in Game 7 away.
Baseball Brawl
On May 20, 2006, a heated incident occurred during a baseball game when White Sox’s A.J. Pierzynski collided with Cubs catcher Michael Barrett, leading to a brawl. The confrontation resulted in four ejections and suspensions for both players.
Protests
May 20, 2012, saw Chicago hosting a NATO summit, despite the G-8 Summit being relocated. The event drew large protests demanding action in various issues affecting society.
Weather Concerns
The Chicago Cubs postponed a 2017 game against the Milwaukee Brewers due to potential bad weather. This decision stirred speculation about the team’s motivations as predicted rain did not materialize.