Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Jan. 27, according to the Tribune’s archives.
Is an important event missing from this date? Email us.
Front page flashback: Jan. 28, 2017
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 27, 2017, banning refugees from entering the United States for 120 days and indefinitely suspended refugees from Syria. (Chicago Tribune)
2017: Chicago immigration reform advocates and Muslim leaders denounced President Donald Trump’s executive order to temporarily block refugees coming to the U.S. while the government reviewed screening processes, calling it an effective ban on Muslims in America.
In issuing the order, which called for a four-month halt on all refugee admissions, an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees and a temporary moratorium on immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries with terrorism concerns, Trump said he sought to protect the nation from terrorist attacks. He called for a review of all screening procedures for those seeking immigrant visas to the U.S.
Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)
High temperature: 62 degrees (1916)
Low temperature: Minus 10 degrees (1955)
Precipitation: 0.74 inches (1967)
Snowfall: 6.6 inches (1967)
Businessman and former Northwestern University basketball player Dick Klein became the first general manager for Chicago’s NBA franchise — the Bulls — when the team was announced on Jan. 27, 1966. (Chicago Tribune)
1966: The city was granted an NBA franchise — the Chicago Bulls.
The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., left, and O.W. Wilson, superintendent of police, have a coffee break during their conference at police headquarters, 1121 S. State St., on Jan. 27, 1966, in Chicago. (Joe Mastruzzo/Chicago Tribune)
Also in 1966: In a meeting with Chicago police Superintendent O.W. Wilson, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. lays out his plan — 1. educating people about slum conditions; 2. organizing slum dwellers into a union to force landlords to comply with demands or face the risk of rent strikes; and 3. mobilizing tenants of rundown homes into an army of nonviolent demonstrations — and says he is willing to risk a jail sentence, but would aim to “persuade rather than to create bitterness.”
From George Halas to Ben Johnson: What was said about every Chicago Bears coach when they were hired
1972: Abe Gibron was introduced as Chicago Bears head coach. He went 11-30-1 (.268) during the 1972-74 seasons.
Cubs rookie second baseman Ryne Sandberg gloves catcher Butch Benton’s throw after the Mets’ Ron Gardenhire steals second in September 1982 at Wrigley Field. (Phil Mascione/Chicago Tribune)
1982: The Chicago Cubs traded Ivan DeJesus to the Philadelphia Phillies for “aging but feisty veteran” Larry Bowa and “an untested minor leaguer” Ryne Sandberg.
Tshey and Lisa Gebre feed their son, Samson, 4, during an 82nd birthday ice cream social for Emmett Till on July 23, 2023, at the Till-Mobley House in the West Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
2021: Chicago City Council votes to give landmark status to the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley House in the West Woodlawn neighborhood, honoring the slain 14-year-old whose murder would help spark the Civil Rights Movement.
New Bears coach Matt Eberflus, left, and general manager Ryan Poles pose with a helmet after being introduced at a news conference on Jan. 31, 2022, at Halas Hall. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
2022: The Bears named former Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus coach. His record was 14-32 (.304).
Want more vintage Chicago?
Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group, stay current with Today in Chicago History and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago’s past.
Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Kori Rumore and Marianne Mather at krumore@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/27/january-27-chicago-history/
