Significant Events in Chicago on August 1st

Take a journey through history with notable events in the Chicago area on August 1st. Here’s a look at what transpired:

2018 – Resignation of State Representative

Illinois’s 51st District State Representative Nick Sauer resigned following serious accusations. An ex-girlfriend alleged that Sauer sent nude photos of her to other men via Instagram. These accusations led to 12 felony charges against Sauer in 2019 for posting private images without consent.

The charges stemmed from Sauer allegedly creating a fake Instagram account to disseminate the images. Complaints were filed with the Chicago Police Department and a state legislative inspector. Sauer eventually pled guilty to a misdemeanor, receiving a 90-day jail sentence and a 24-month probation.

Weather Records

• High Temperature: 100°F in 1988
• Low Temperature: 51°F in 1990
• Precipitation: 2.55 inches in 1961
• Snowfall: A trace in 2003

1922 – Great Railroad Strike

On August 1, 1922, Chicago witnessed a massive walkout as over 20,000 streetcar and elevated train workers ceased work. This was part of the Great Railroad Strike, with an additional 400,000 rail workers joining, bringing transit in the city to a halt.

1998 – Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction

Chicago Bears linebacker Mike Singletary was honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Known for his defensive prowess, Singletary was the NFL’s most valuable defensive player in 1985 and 1988. He missed just two games over 12 years, played 172 games—second only to Walter Payton—and attended 10 consecutive Pro Bowls.

2012 – Drought Declared

In 2012, 98 of Illinois’s 102 counties were declared disaster areas due to severe drought. Cook, DuPage, Kane, and Will counties were exceptions. The state recorded an average of 30.4 inches of precipitation, falling 9.6 inches short of the 1981-2010 average. Chicago faced a shortfall of almost 11 inches that year, receiving only 26.91 inches of rain.

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