Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Feb. 6, according to the Tribune’s archives.
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Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)
- High temperature: 57 degrees (1882)
- Low temperature: Minus 14 degrees (1982)
- Precipitation: 1.98 inches (1942)
- Snowfall: 9.3 inches (1978)
1942: The high and low temperature were both 35 degrees — it’s the only day in Chicago history that has logged a steady temperature. The mercury remained stuck there for a span of 30 hours, from 9 p.m. Feb. 5 through 3 a.m. Feb. 7, 1942.
1980: “He killed people like he was swatting flies,” Assistant State’s Attorney Robert Egan told a packed Chicago courtroom as the trial of John Wayne Gacy began. Due to the graphic nature of the testimony and evidence presented, Judge Louis B. Garippo banned anyone younger than 16 from the courtroom. Defense attorneys hoped to convince the jury that Gacy was not guilty by reason of insanity. Prosecutors wanted Gacy sentenced to the electric chair.
After five weeks of testimony from psychiatrists, police, neighbors, acquaintances and family members of the victims, the jury of seven men and five women took less than two hours on March 12, 1980, to convict Gacy of killing 33 young men.
1988: With hometown fans cheering in Chicago Stadium, Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins went toe-to-toe in the slam dunk contest during All-Star Weekend. Jordan — the defending champ — prevailed, recording a perfect score with a slam that lifted off at the free-throw line.
Michael Jordan: Top moments and stats in the life and career of the Chicago Bulls and NBA legend
The next day, Jordan earned his first MVP award in his fourth All-Star Game, scoring 40 points in the East victory.
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