1. In 1942, the University of Illinois announced the creation of the Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations, the first such institute in the United States. Today, the institute still exists and is jointly operated by the University of Illinois and the University of Illinois at Chicago.

2. In 1957, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the state's school segregation laws were unconstitutional, paving the way for desegregation efforts across the state.

3. On February 28, 1972, a massive explosion rocked a coal mine in Clark County, Illinois, killing 26 miners. The tragedy reinforced the need for stronger safety regulations in the mining industry.

4. In 1981, the Chicago-based band Styx released their album "Paradise Theater," which features the hit song "Too Much Time on My Hands." The album went on to become a classic of 1980s rock.

5. On February 28, 2008, the Illinois House of Representatives voted to impeach Governor Rod Blagojevich, citing allegations of corruption and abuse of power. Blagojevich was removed from office the following month.