1. In 1899, a devastating tornado hit the town of Petersburg, Illinois on May 3, killing 10 people and injuring over 100. The tornado destroyed much of the town's business district and many homes.

2. On May 3, 1954, the Supreme Court of Illinois unanimously ruled in the landmark case of People v. Farnsworth that a person cannot be convicted of burglary if they enter a building with the intent to commit a crime, but then change their mind and leave without committing a crime.

3. May 3, 1972 was the date of the first meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, a governing body responsible for the administration of Cook County, which includes the city of Chicago. The board was created by the Illinois General Assembly in 1970.

4. In 2009, May 3 was declared "Maundy Thursday in Illinois" by Governor Pat Quinn. The day is traditionally observed by Christians as the Thursday before Easter Sunday, and Governor Quinn's proclamation recognized the importance of the day in the religious traditions of many Illinoisans.

5. In 2011, the Chicago Cubs played the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field on May 3, marking the 100th anniversary of the first game ever played at the iconic stadium. The Cubs lost to the Dodgers 4-1, but the historic milestone was celebrated with a pregame ceremony and special merchandise sales.