Music

4 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Dolly Parton estate announces 2-day festival ‘Dollyfest’ to celebrate her legacy

Dolly Parton is not done yet. The estate behind the icon, who died of cancer last week at age 80, has announced Dollyfest, a two-day festival to be held in Nashville and London across two consecutive weekends in 2027.

1 week 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."

1 week ago in Entertainment, Music, National

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

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

1 week 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.

2 weeks 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.

2 weeks 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.

Lifestyle

1 week 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.

2 weeks 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.

2 weeks ago in Lifestyle

Fall books: Fiction takes the spotlight in bookstores during the midterm season

Midterm election news will fill the headlines this fall, but, among book buyers, fiction will likely have top billing.

2 weeks ago in Lifestyle

The best fabric for extreme heat? It’s more complicated than you think

When it's really hot out, getting dressed seems pretty simple: Wear something light, loose and made for summer. But textile researchers say it's actually a little more complicated than that.

3 weeks ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Winning ticket for $1 billion Powerball jackpot was sold in Illinois

A Powerball ticket sold at a gas station in western Illinois was the sole winner of the $1 billion jackpot, ending a three-month drought without a top-prize victor.

3 weeks ago in Lifestyle

3 big questions to ask your aging parents

One of the toughest things to go through as an adult is helping your parents as they get older. Life is finite, and both you and your parents might be reluctant to talk about what type of support they might need. But as difficult as these conversations can be, it's important to make time for them.

3 weeks ago in Lifestyle

Heading off to college? Here are some tips for managing your finances

Heading off to college is exciting, but it also involves new adult responsibilities. That makes it a great time to start getting comfortable with credit, building healthy spending habits and learning how to manage money.

4 weeks ago in Lifestyle

With the right preparation, international trips with babies are possible and even fun

Traveling with babies and toddlers can be daunting for parents. Questions about air travel, what to pack and safety are often top of mind, especially on long-distance flights and international trips.

National

7 hours ago in Health & Wellness, IL State News, Local, National, Sports

WPBL players visit children’s hospital

Employees and kids were excited about the visit.

13 hours ago in Health & Wellness, IL State News, Local, National

Illinois hospitals to lose billions through Medicaid policy change, study finds

New caps on ‘state directed payments’ threaten safety-net, critical access hospitals.

14 hours ago in IL State News, National, Sports

Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears want more after surprising playoff run last season

Ben Johnson established high standards for Chicago shortly after he was hired as coach in January 2025.

14 hours ago in IL State News, National

Chicago River bridge gets stuck after lifting for boat to pass

City crews, assisted by the Chicago Fire Department, “made the necessary adjustments” to cool the bridge, Schroeder said.

15 hours ago in National, Trending

Gloria Steinem, a potent voice of US feminism and co-founder of Ms. Magazine, dies at 92

Gloria Steinem, the celebrated author and activist who became one of the most visible symbols and potent voices of the U.S. women's movement and a fierce advocate for feminist causes for over six decades, has died. She was 92.

17 hours ago in Agriculture, Business, Farm, IL State News, Local, National

Farm Bill remains stalled as farmers await long-term safety net

“Chairman Thompson and Chairman Bozeman both are completely motivated to get a farm bill across the finish line,” Fordyce said.

Sports

7 hours ago in Health & Wellness, IL State News, Local, National, Sports

WPBL players visit children’s hospital

Employees and kids were excited about the visit.

14 hours ago in IL State News, National, Sports

Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears want more after surprising playoff run last season

Ben Johnson established high standards for Chicago shortly after he was hired as coach in January 2025.

15 hours ago in Sports

With a new-look roster and no A’ja Wilson the US FIBA World Cup title defense gets tougher

The U.S. has dominated the women's FIBA World Cup for nearly two decades, winning the last four titles. A young American roster led by the trio of Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese now complement U.S. stalwart Breanna Stewart as the team looks to win its fifth straight championship.

15 hours ago in Sports

First Trump, now Everton: Balogun at center of another fiasco as deadline-day transfer fails

U.S. striker Folarin Balogun pulled out of a deal to join Everton in the final minutes of European soccer's summer transfer window because he felt uncomfortable that the English club raised doubts about his health in a medical check, Monaco's sporting director has revealed.

17 hours ago in Education, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, Sports

Illini football fans excited as season opener approaches

Other students say they love attending the football games, but the excitement goes well beyond just the game itself.

Entertainment

15 hours ago in Entertainment

Dollywood theme park will add new features, including a waterfall, to honor Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton's theme park in east Tennessee will unveil new features for fans to honor the life of the "dreamer-in-chief," Dolly Parton, who died at the age of 80.

1 day ago in Entertainment

Meet the 2026 ‘Dancing With the Stars’ cast

The newest cast competing for the Mirrorball Trophy on "Dancing With the Stars" was unveiled Wednesday, featuring the usual complement of entertainers, reality stars and athletes ranging from gold medalists to a Savannah Bananas player.

2 days ago in Entertainment

Ariana Grande steps out of the spotlight with gratitude at tour closing

Ariana Grande's final words, before she stepped offstage and out of the spotlight, were for her fans. Addressing the crowd during her last concert in London Tuesday before she takes a break from the public eye, the singer was full of emotion and gratitude.

3 days ago in Entertainment

Amid backlash, museum cancels planned Met Gala exhibit on fashion designer John Galliano

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is canceling its planned exhibit honoring British designer John Galliano — plans that had led to bitter backlash from the Jewish community and beyond because of the designer's past antisemitic and racist statements.

3 days ago in Entertainment, Trending

Jury convicts a man of first-degree murder for the 1996 killing of rap icon Tupac Shakur

A jury found Duane "Keffe D" Davis guilty of orchestrating the 1996 killing of rap icon Tupac Shakur, finally bringing a measure of resolution to a case that had gripped hip-hop fans and lingered in the public imagination for decades.

Local News from Capitol City Now

6 hours ago in Crime, IL State News, Local

U.S. Attorney’s Office warns of phone spoofing scam

Scammers spoof official telephone numbers to deceive and defraud individuals.

7 hours ago in Health & Wellness, IL State News, Local, National, Sports

WPBL players visit children’s hospital

Employees and kids were excited about the visit.

13 hours ago in Crime, IL State News, Local

SIUE lecturer charged $100K in personal items to university credit card, feds say

Court documents allege biology instructor used the card to pay for rent, pot, high-end kitchen knives.

13 hours ago in Health & Wellness, IL State News, Local, National

Illinois hospitals to lose billions through Medicaid policy change, study finds

New caps on ‘state directed payments’ threaten safety-net, critical access hospitals.

17 hours ago in Education, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, Sports

Illini football fans excited as season opener approaches

Other students say they love attending the football games, but the excitement goes well beyond just the game itself.

17 hours ago in Agriculture, Business, Farm, IL State News, Local, National

Farm Bill remains stalled as farmers await long-term safety net

“Chairman Thompson and Chairman Bozeman both are completely motivated to get a farm bill across the finish line,” Fordyce said.

Now Playing

 

Rewind Spotlight

Rock and Run For Mental Health

The Rock and Run For Mental Health is coming up Sunday, September 13th at Rochester Community Park.  Central Illinois 501c3…

SOB FEZtival

The Springfield Oyster and Beer FEZtival is coming up Saturday, September 5th at Ansar Shrine-  630 S. 6th Street-  Springfield,…

Springfield Mile

The 2026 Springfield Mile is coming up Labor Day weekend from September 5th-6th at the IL State Fairgrounds – 801…

Heartland Heating and Cooling A/C Giveaway

Do you know a family or someone in need of a brand new A.C. unit?  Nominate them below for a…

Hot weather cooling centers

Springfield Cooling Centers Municipal Center East Address: 800 E. Monroe Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Municipal Center West…

Donations Needed at Central Illinois Food Bank

Can you help? Central Illinois Food Bank on E. Cook Street is in need of, well, food.  YOU can be…

Trending

15 hours ago in National, Trending

Gloria Steinem, a potent voice of US feminism and co-founder of Ms. Magazine, dies at 92

Gloria Steinem, the celebrated author and activist who became one of the most visible symbols and potent voices of the U.S. women's movement and a fierce advocate for feminist causes for over six decades, has died. She was 92.

2 days ago in Sports, Trending

Tiger Woods pleads no contest to reckless driving charge over rollover crash in Florida

Tiger Woods pleaded no contest to a reckless driving charge Wednesday following a rollover crash in March near his home in Florida where he initially was accused of driving under the influence.