217 Today: WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Oct. 16 – Oct. 19

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

• President Trump’s signature tax and spending bill ended tax credits for wind and solar projects that aren’t in service by the end of next year.
•  It’s been 50 years since third graders in Decatur convinced Illinois to adopt monarch butterflies as the state insect.
• The Democratic National Committee is launching an offensive in farm country across the Midwest focused on the impact of tariffs on agriculture.
• Illinois lawmakers hope to tackle soaring utility bills in the remaining four days of the fall, veto session.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about what is coming to the Central Illinois area in the world of arts, culture and entertainment.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Mawa Iqbal, Todd Gleason, Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui.