1971: First Coin-Operated Video Game
Nutting Associates, located in Mountain View, California, produced around 40 Computer Space cabinets in 1972. The world’s first coin-operated video arcade game, Computer Space, debuted at the Music Operators of America convention inside the Sherman House Hotel. Although players found the game frustrating, 1,500 units were sold, according to the National Museum of Play. Nolan Bushnell, the game’s creator, mentioned in 1981 that it was a great game, appreciated by engineers like himself. This realization led Bushnell and Ted Dabney to establish Atari, which released Pong in 1972. After selling Atari, Bushnell bought a group of pizza and arcade restaurants, now known as Chuck E. Cheese.
Weather Records
- High temperature: 88 degrees in 1947
- Low temperature: 28 degrees in 1876
- Precipitation: 1.66 inches in 1967
- Snowfall: None recorded
1917: White Sox Win World Series
The Chicago White Sox claimed the World Series title by defeating the New York Giants 4-2 on October 15, 1917. The victory came in Game 6 when Eddie Collins scored after the Giants left home plate unattended. This win marked the second championship for the White Sox, with their third title coming 88 years later.
1921: Press Freedom Case
The Tribune successfully defended against a libel lawsuit filed by the city of Chicago. The victory established a precedent for the media’s right to criticize government actions.
1966: Chicago Bulls’ Debut
In their first game, the Chicago Bulls triumphed over the Hawks in St. Louis with a score of 104-97. Three days later, Jerry Sloan scored 26 points in their home opener against the San Francisco Warriors, resulting in a 119-116 victory.
The starting lineup included Bob Boozer and Don Kojis as forwards, Len Chappell at center, and Guy Rodgers and Sloan as guards. Their coach was John “Red” Kerr.
2018: Sears Bankruptcy
On October 15, 2018, Sears filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The Chicago icon, which survived the Great Depression and evolved from catalog sales to suburban malls, struggled in recent decades. Competition from discount stores, specialty chains, and online retailers led to declining business. In 2021, Sears closed its last store in Illinois at Woodfield.
2019: Pramaggiore Retirement Amid Investigation
Anne Pramaggiore, CEO of Exelon Utilities, announced her retirement amidst a federal investigation involving lobbying in Illinois. Later that month, she resigned as chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Pramaggiore, who belonged to the “ComEd Four,” was implicated in a scheme with Michael McClain, John Hooker, and Jay Doherty. They were charged with funneling over $1.3 million to associates of House Speaker Michael Madigan for legislative favors. All four were found guilty in May 2023. In July 2025, Pramaggiore received a two-year prison sentence and a $750,000 fine.
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