On March 5, across several years, significant events unfolded in and around Chicago. In 1982, Chicago native John Belushi was found dead at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, with a coroner’s report later determining the cause of death to be “acute cocaine and heroin intoxication.” Cathy Evelyn Smith was later sentenced to three years in prison in 1986 for her role in providing Belushi with the drugs, and was released in 1988.
Elsewhere in Chicago history, March 5, 1962, marked the opening of the Robert Taylor Homes, one of the largest public housing projects in the United States at the time, with 28 high-rises and 4,415 units. Later, in 1997, former Chicago White Sox second baseman Nellie Fox was elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame.
More recently, on March 5, 2025, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson defended the city’s sanctuary status before a GOP-led congressional committee, arguing that the policy contributes to a downward trend in crime rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cause of John Belushi’s death?
A coroner’s report concluded that John Belushi died of “acute cocaine and heroin intoxication.”
When did the Robert Taylor Homes open?
The Robert Taylor Homes opened on March 5, 1962, and initially housed 4,415 units across 28 high-rises.
What was Mayor Brandon Johnson defending before Congress?
Mayor Brandon Johnson defended Chicago’s sanctuary status before a GOP-led congressional committee on March 5, 2025.
Considering the diverse historical events that have unfolded on this date, what aspects of Chicago’s past do you discover most compelling?
