1. Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865, while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. Lincoln, who had strong ties to Illinois, is one of the state's most beloved and important historical figures.

2. On April 14, 1927, Ardell Williams, a 12-year-old girl from Illinois, became the first person to successfully receive a blood transfusion from a stranger. The groundbreaking procedure was conducted at Cook County Hospital in Chicago.

3. In 1939, a severe tornado outbreak struck parts of Illinois on April 14. The storms killed at least 12 people and caused significant damage in several communities, including Danville, Mattoon, and Charleston.

4. On April 14, 1980, a controversial referendum was held in the city of Chicago to decide whether or not to establish elected school councils. The measure passed by a wide margin, and the councils have since become a key part of Chicago's public education system.

5. On April 14, 2003, Illinois became the first state in the country to ban smoking in all indoor public places, including bars and restaurants. The Smoke-Free Illinois Act has since been credited with improving public health and reducing the incidence of smoking-related illnesses in the state.