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Music

3 days ago in Entertainment, IL State News, Illinois State Fair Guide, Local, Music

Dolly Parton’s central Illinois connections

From Petersburg to the Illinois State Fair to the former Assembly Hall in Champaign, "I don't think there will ever be another Dolly Parton."

3 days ago in Entertainment, Music, National

Dolly Parton, music star, actor and beloved figure who spanned generations, dies at 80

PITTSBURGH, PA - June 28, 2016 Dolly Parton performs in Pittsburgh Tuesday, June 28 at Consol Energy Center. Parton is currently, supporting the release of 'Pure & Simple with Dolly's Biggest Hits.'

Parton died peacefully Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, her publicist said in a statement.

4 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Australia’s music industry bans AI-generated tracks from official charts

Australia's recorded music industry will bar tracks wholly generated by artificial intelligence from official charts as burgeoning generative technologies threaten artists' livelihoods, a representative said on Tuesday.

1 week ago in Entertainment, Music

After losing a friend and writing ‘Say So,’ Dan + Shay are back with the autobiographical ‘Young’

The lead single from Grammy Award-winning duo Dan + Shay's forthcoming album "Young" is a hard pivot from the wedding songs that make up so much of the country pair's discography.

1 week ago in Entertainment, Music

Frank Beard, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer of boogie-rock trio ZZ Top, dies at 77

Frank Beard, the drummer for the Texas boogie-rock trio ZZ Top who kept the tempo for the band's biggest hits like "Sharp Dressed Man," "Legs" and "Gimme All Your Lovin,'" has died. He was 77.

2 weeks ago in IL State News, Illinois State Fair Guide, Lifestyle, Local, Music, National

Matchbox Twenty mishap at Illinois State Fair

Swinging microphone stand hits a band member in the head.

2 weeks ago in Entertainment, Music

Madonna leads 2026 MTV Video Music Awards nominations, followed by Taylor Swift

Madonna leads the 2026 MTV Video Music Award nominations, the network announced Tuesday. The pop superstar has been nominated in every decade of her musical career. She has 19 competitive MTV VMA wins and in 1986 became the first solo female artist to receive the Video Vanguard Award.

2 weeks ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Music

‘The Lion King, Jr.’ a big deal for The Muni, director

"Disney's The Lion King, Jr." from The Muni

It's the first fifth show of the season for The Muni, and more.

Lifestyle

4 hours ago in Entertainment, Food Scene, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, Route 66 100th Anniversary Guide

Beadle to leave ‘Visit Springfield,’ but says there are plenty of things to do in the city in September

Amy Beadle, front dressed in a dark color with white trim, takes part in a Central Illinois Customer Service Association "WOW Award" presentation in October, 2025.

September runs the gamut, from the Springfield Mile to the Mother Road Festival.

16 hours ago in Health & Wellness, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local

Blood donor’s consistency helps save lives across central Illinois

David Butt talks to an employee of ImpactLife in Springfield.

Butt’s consistency will soon land him in the National Blood Donor Hall of Fame later this year.

2 days ago in Business, Education, Entertainment, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, National

Meta reaches landmark $18 billion settlement with states in trial over teen social media addiction

Illinois is included in the settlement.

2 days ago in Education, Entertainment, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, National

A LEGO convention is coming to Springfield

An image of a "LEGO city" you could build at the "Springfield Brick Convention."

"It will be the ultimate event for LEGO lovers of all ages."

3 days ago in Lifestyle, Local

Nominations are open for this year’s Springfield “First Citizen Award,” with a change in operation

"I think this award really exemplifies what we do at the foundation. We've got the staff to pull this off. So, we're excited to take it on this year," said Tapscott.

4 days ago in Lifestyle, Trending

How to reset your child’s sleep schedule for back-to-school season

After a summer of vacations and late nights, it's time to set those back-to-school alarms. A good night's sleep helps students stay focused and attentive in class. Experts say it's worth easing kids back into a routine with the start of a new school year.

4 days ago in Entertainment, IL State News, Illinois State Fair Guide, Lifestyle, Local

Last day of Illinois State Fair brought families together

Whether it was the prizes, concerts or food that brought families out to the fair, many said they are taking home unforgettable memories.

5 days ago in Lifestyle

3-year college degrees grow more popular in the US, saving time and cash. But critics aren’t sold

Condensed college programs have exploded in popularity. As of this spring, 26 U.S. states have a college that offers at least one reduced-credit, three-year bachelor's, according to the nonprofit research group RAND. Advocates say these programs are a solution to the college affordability crisis and a godsend for non-traditional students.

Entertainment News

4 hours ago in Entertainment, Food Scene, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, Route 66 100th Anniversary Guide

Beadle to leave ‘Visit Springfield,’ but says there are plenty of things to do in the city in September

September runs the gamut, from the Springfield Mile to the Mother Road Festival.

9 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

Nashville’s airport would be renamed for Dolly Parton under Tennessee governor’s proposal

Nashville International Airport would be renamed for Dolly Parton under a proposal announced Friday by Tennessee's governor.

2 days ago in Entertainment

Prosecutors rest in Tupac Shakur murder trial, putting Duane Davis’ defense up next

Prosecutors rested their case Wednesday in the murder trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis after calling 24 witnesses for the nearly 30-year-old killing of Tupac Shakur.

2 days ago in Business, Education, Entertainment, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, National

Meta reaches landmark $18 billion settlement with states in trial over teen social media addiction

Illinois is included in the settlement.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Trending

Tim Curry, iconic character actor and ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ star, dies at 80

Tim Curry, a character actor who created a gallery of delicious, very loony villains for stage and screen, including Dr. Frank-N-Furter in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and the smug concierge in "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," has died. He was 80.