1. On January 8, 1835, the Illinois State Legislature announced the creation of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Initially, the university was the Illinois Industrial University, and it was chartered to provide education in agriculture, mechanical arts, and various branches of science.

2. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was born on January 8, 1809, in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. Although he did not live in Illinois until he was 21 years old, Lincoln is one of the most famous and beloved figures in Illinois history, having served in the state legislature and as a lawyer in Springfield.

3. On January 8, 1917, the Chicago Cubs became the first Major League Baseball team to play an indoor game. The game was held at the Chicago Coliseum, and the Cubs defeated the New York Giants 6-5.

4. Elizabeth "Betty" White, a famous actress and television personality, was born on January 8, 1922, in Oak Park, Illinois. White has had a long and successful career in Hollywood, appearing in numerous television shows and films, and she is particularly well-known for her work on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls.

5. On January 8, 1964, the Beatles played their first concert in the United States at the Coliseum in Chicago. The concert was part of the band's first American tour, which included appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show and other popular television programs. The Beatles' music and influence on popular culture have had a significant impact on Illinois and the rest of the world.