Galesburg In Focus

Bria Medina — Knox College's all-time leading scorer on her journey from Galesburg to the Iowa Hawkeyes

Knox College's all-time leading scorer Bria Medina joined WGIL's Jay Redfern on Galesburg In Focus to talk about her journey from Galesburg to the University of Iowa women's basketball program and the Big Ten — what the Des Moines Register called one of the most unlikely stories in college sports. Topics covered in this episode: The moment Iowa assistant Randi Henderson texted her — and what Medina was doing when it arrived Her visit to Iowa City and what made her commit the next day What she thinks she can bring to one of the top programs in the country The financial realities of Division III that factored into her decision How she ended up at Knox College in the first place Her fiancé Joshua Stewart, the Knox men's basketball team, and a summer apart Life after basketball — and why she is heading into nursing Rapid Fire: Guacamole Grill, Caitlin Clark, and who she would rather face one-on-one   Related: Bria Medina on her unlikely journey from Knox to the Iowa Hawkeyes: the call, the visit, and what comes next Click here to watch on YouTube.

Dr. Nathaniel Baker — OSF St. Mary's ER expansion, behavioral health, and a community garden

OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center has expanded its emergency department — and the managing medical director who helped make it happen joined Galesburg In Focus to explain what it means for patients in Galesburg and the surrounding region. Dr. Nathaniel Baker joined Galesburg In Focus host Chris Postin on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Listen to the full interview above. Topics covered in this interview: Dr. Baker's background — Army airborne infantryman to emergency medicine physician to hospital leadership Why the ER expansion became necessary after the closure of Cottage Hospital Six new patient rooms, a second triage room, and a redesigned waiting area Specialized behavioral health rooms — what makes them different and why they matter The mental health crisis in emergency rooms — what Dr. Baker is seeing locally Advanced cardiac CT technology — what it can diagnose locally that previously required a transfer to Peoria or beyond The "boarding" problem — what it is, why Galesburg has been hit hard, and what the expansion does to help ER vs. urgent care — when to go where OSF St. Mary's one-acre community garden — 6,000 pounds of organic produce donated in year one, and volunteers needed now   OSF HealthCare held a Blessing & Dedication of the expanded emergency department on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Related: OSF St. Mary cuts ribbon on expanded Galesburg emergency department — wait times already down 30%

Andy Gibbons — 35 years, one place, no regrets

Andy Gibbons arrived at Knox College in 1991 with no salary and no promise of a job. He retires at the end of June as the second all-time winningest football coach in school history — and the man who built Knox's strength and conditioning program from the ground up. Jay Redfern sat down with Gibbons in the WGIL studio for a full conversation on his retirement. Topics covered in this episode: What it feels like to be weeks away from the finish line after 35 years The cold call to coach Randy Oberembt that started everything Meeting Harley Knosher on the front steps — and what that moment felt like The 1993 season: shutting out Beloit, beating Monmouth, and Knox's first winning season since 1988 The players who stood out Stepping down as head coach in 2009 and choosing to stay Becoming Knox's first full-time strength coach — and what coaching women athletes meant to him Coaching his son Charlie at Knox in 2022 How college athletics changed in 35 years What comes next: ROWVA High School and a new chapter   For the full story on Andy Gibbons' retirement, visit: Andy Gibbons retires from Knox College after 35 years 📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Orpheum Theatre — closing out the 2025-26 season with a UK Broadway debut and 100 Years of Hank

The Orpheum Theatre is closing out its 2025-26 season with two very different — and very special — shows. Orpheum Theatre Executive Director Andrew Driscoll joined Galesburg In Focus with Chris Postin to talk about what's ahead. The interview airs Saturday, May 9, on Galesburg's Morning News at 8:10 a.m. on WGIL 93.7 FM and 1400 AM. Listen to the full interview above. Topics covered in this interview: How the 2025-26 season reflects a programming philosophy built around audience diversity Louise Dearman — the UK Broadway star making her first-ever US solo performance at the Orpheum on May 16 Dearman's credentials: the only performer to play both lead roles in Wicked in the UK, a performer before the king and queen, and a touring partner of Josh Groban The challenging international visa process that nearly derailed the May 16 show Sponsorship from Midwest Green Energy that made the show possible 100 Years of Hank — Jason Petty's tribute to Hank Williams closing the season May 23 Petty's credentials: 30-plus years as Hank Williams, off-Broadway award winner, performer at the Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry The BOGO deal for 100 Years of Hank — buy two tickets, get two free using code LONESOME The exclusive 2026-27 season brochure reveal for attendees of the May 23 show   A Wicked Evening with Louise Dearman Friday, May 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Orpheum Theatre, Galesburg Sponsored by Midwest Green Energy. Tickets: $40 regular. Cast Party discount: $20 per person with code GRAVITY at GalesburgOrpheum.org or call (309) 342-2299. 100 Years of Hank starring Jason Petty Friday, May 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Orpheum Theatre, Galesburg BOGO deal: Buy two tickets, get two free with code LONESOME. Tickets at GalesburgOrpheum.org or call (309) 342-2299.

Canton History & Arts Alliance — Live at the Plaza free summer concert series

Five free concerts are coming to the Opera House Plaza in downtown Canton this summer — and the lineup includes Taylor Swift and Garth Brooks tribute acts, a Van Halen experience, a Fleetwood Mac tribute, and a three-time Grammy-nominated group from Nashville. Jennie Grove and Alesia Shaw, board members of the Canton History & Arts Alliance, joined Galesburg In Focus with Chris Postin to preview the Live at the Plaza summer concert series and talk about everything happening at the new Opera House Plaza. Listen to the full interview above. Live at the Plaza — 2026 concert schedule: May 22 — Almost Taylor (Taylor Swift tribute). Meet-and-greet and bracelet-making station at 6:30 p.m. Showtime 7:30 p.m. July — Ultimate Gar (Garth Brooks tribute). Country theme with barbecue food trucks. August — Jump (Van Halen tribute). High-energy 80s hair band experience. September 4 — Rumors (Fleetwood Mac tribute). September 26 — 615 Collective (Nashville country). Three-time Grammy-nominated group, with special guest Low Profile. All concerts are free. Plaza doors open at 6:30 p.m. Food trucks open at 6 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket. Coming up Saturday — Swing into Spring: Celebrating a Painted Legacy Saturday, May 2, 6 p.m. at the Opera House Plaza, 45 Eastside Square, Canton. The Canton History & Arts Alliance hosts a community mural event honoring the Orendorff family, whose ancestors were the precursors to International Harvester and major contributors to Canton's history. Everyone is welcome to add a brushstroke to the community mural. The Mayor will present the Orendorff family with a Key to the City. Live jazz by Rooftop Big Band. Topics covered in this interview: The Live at the Plaza free summer concert series — acts, dates, and what to expect at each show The history of the Opera House Plaza — built on the site of a 2016 gas explosion that rocked downtown Canton How the Canton Bicentennial celebration led to the formation of the Alliance The three pillars of the Alliance: arts, history, and beautification Picnic at the Plaza — second Friday of each month, June through September, noon to 1 p.m. Saturday Story Time — every other Saturday starting May 30, 10 a.m., with tractors, police cars, fire trucks, and alpacas History and educational performances — fourth Thursday of each month, June through September, 6-8 p.m. Community murals, including the Orendorff family mural starting May 2 How to get involved,…