1. On September 10, 1898, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign opened its doors for the first time, with 400 students enrolled in its first class. The university has since become a renowned institution of higher learning, consistently ranking among the top public universities in the United States.

2. On September 10, 1919, the deadliest race riot in Illinois history occurred in the city of Chicago. Over the course of four days, 38 people were killed and over 500 were injured in the violence that erupted between black and white residents of the city's South Side.

3. On September 10, 1952, the first commercial jet airliner, the British de Havilland Comet, made its first transatlantic flight, landing at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. The Comet revolutionized air travel, paving the way for the modern airline industry that exists today.

4. On September 10, 1960, the John Hancock Center, one of Chicago's most famous landmarks, began construction. Upon its completion in 1969, the 100-story building was the tallest in the world outside of New York City. Today, the John Hancock Center is known for its distinctive X-braced exterior design and stunning views of the city.

5. On September 10, 2012, the Chicago Teachers Union went on strike, leading to the cancellation of classes for nearly 400,000 students in the city. The strike, which lasted for seven school days, highlighted the ongoing tensions between educators and policymakers in Chicago and elsewhere over issues such as funding, testing, and teacher evaluations.