217 Today: WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Jan. 15 – Jan. 18

Tiktok Instagram Facebook-f
A dog runs through the snow toward a house against a blue sky.
Nick Birsa's work 'Home' is one of the pieces featured at 'Long Night, Golden Lights,' open through next month at The Cohen Exhibition Workshop.
  • Photo: Courtesy of The Cohen Exhibition Workshop Instagram page

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Today’s headlines:

  • Republican lawmakers in Illinois respond to a new bill that will reform the state’s power grid.
  • IPM Meteorologist Andrew Pritchard explains what a snow squall is and why drivers should pay attention to these new warnings.
  • A stretch of Fourth Street in Champaign recognizes central Illinois’ first Black-owned radio station.

In today’s deep dive, a look at the arts, culture and entertainment coming to the central Illinois area this weekend.

217 Today is produced by Kimberly Schofield. Reporting today contributed by Arjun Thakker, Andrew Pritchard, Adelyn Mui, and Kimberly Schofield.

WILL and the Illinois Newsroom are committed to bringing you in-depth, relevant coverage that keeps you informed and engages you with our community and state. Join with thousands of others to keep this important public media-based resource available to all. Donate today >>

Kimberly Schofield

Kimberly Schofield is the host of Morning Edition and covers arts and entertainment for Illinois Newsroom. When she is not covering the arts, she is performing in plays and musicals or running the streets of CU.