217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Jan. 29 – Feb. 1

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See athletic and gravity-defying performances in Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque.
  • Photo: Courtesy of Krannert Center for Performing Arts

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Today’s headlines: 

  • Multiple Champaign school board members want windows at Booker T. Washington STEM Academy to get a bulletproof covering.
  • United Airlines is returning to Willard Airport … with the promise of expanded service.
  • The state of Illinois is teaming up with a Chicago-based charity to operate the first statewide abortion fund.
  • Classes and lunches were back to normal at Rantoul’s JW Eater Junior High School on Wednesday after a slow gas leak occurred on Tuesday.

In today’s deep dive, What’s Happening in Central Illinois Jan. 29 – Feb. 1.

217 Today is produced by Giuliana Means. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Kulsoom Khan, Kimberly Schofield, Adelyn Miu, Mawa Iqbal, and Reginald Hardwick.

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Giuliana Means