1. In 1832, the Black Hawk War in Illinois began. This conflict saw the Sauk Native American tribe led by Chief Black Hawk fighting against the United States Army and Illinois militia. The war resulted in the defeat of the Sauk tribe and their removal from Illinois.

2. On February 23, 1905, Paul Harvey was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He would later become a renowned radio broadcaster and host, known for his signature catchphrase "And now you know the rest of the story."

3. In 1930, the Illinois State Capitol building in Springfield was heavily damaged by a fire. The blaze started in the building's top floor and spread quickly, causing significant damage to the dome and other parts of the structure. The Capitol was eventually restored and remains a prominent landmark in the city.

4. The NBA's Chicago Bulls achieved a franchise record on February 23, 1968, by scoring 172 points in a game against the Seattle SuperSonics. The Bulls won the game 172-145, with Nate Thurmond leading the team with 22 rebounds.

5. A deadly tornado outbreak struck the Midwest on February 23, 1998, with Illinois being one of the hardest hit states. The outbreak resulted in over 40 fatalities and caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure throughout the region. The event served as a reminder of the destructive power of severe weather and the importance of being prepared for emergencies.