Local History Spotlight

There’s plenty of experts in and around East Central Illinois who can provide plenty of information on local history throughout the years. Scroll below to read up on our local history!

Urbana attorney Steve Beckett reflects on Lincoln, law, and a lifetime shaped by courtroom storytelling

Retired University of Illinois Trial Advocacy director shares personal memories, landmark cases, and enduring lessons from Abraham Lincoln.

History Museum plans major Revolutionary War exhibit for America’s 250th anniversary

Champaign County celebration aims to connect local residents to the nation’s founding story.

Champaign County celebrates 250 years of independence with full-day July 4 festivities

Parade, live music, family activities, and fireworks highlight east-central Illinois tradition.

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Recent Headlines

22 hours ago in Entertainment

Choose ‘Trainspotting’: Ewan McGregor and Danny Boyle reflect on the life-changing film

Ewan McGregor, for a fleeting moment after "Trainspotting" came out, felt like a rock star. The kinetic film about four heroin addicts in late-1980s Scotland was and, 30 years later, remains defining — in his career, in the culture and in his understanding of what true artistic satisfaction can feel like.

22 hours ago in Entertainment

What to watch for at the Tony Awards on Broadway’s biggest night

Twenty-four shows on Broadway received Tony Award nominations this season, but not all will walk away with a trophy and the box office attention they usually bring.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Dutch court allows rapper Ye concerts in the Netherlands

A judge in Amsterdam on Wednesday rejected an appeal by a Jewish organization to block two performances by the rapper Ye, formerly Kanye West, ruling that the concerts are not a threat to public order.

2 days ago in Entertainment

Shia LaBeouf gets probation after pleading guilty to punching bargoers during Mardi Gras

Actor Shia LaBeouf was sentenced to probation Wednesday after pleading guilty to punching three people outside a New Orleans bar during Mardi Gras.

2 days ago in Entertainment

Lawyers for Lively and Baldoni battle in a New York court despite settling claims weeks ago

On Monday, lawyers for Blake Lively were back in court, trying to get a judge to make Baldoni pay her legal bills plus other penalties. They said she's entitled to the money under a California law because Justin Baldoni's countersuit, which claimed she had defamed and extorted him, was thrown out last year by a judge.