The Leadoff

It's what you need to know to start your day for Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020. Our Leadoff story is about the mutiny of McLean County restaurant owners refusing to abide by COVID mitigations. Plus, a look at how Republican U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis beat Democrat Betsy Dirksen Londrigan by an unexpected margin.

It's what you need to know to start your day for Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. Election night is over, but a crazy election week lies ahead. Our Leadoff story is about what we know so far — and what we don't. Plus, Bloomington-Normal restaurants brace for renewed COVID-19 mitigations that start today.

It's what you need to know to start your day for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. Our Leadoff story is about McLean County restaurant owners scrambling to adapt to a second round of indoor dining shutdowns. Plus, a LeRoy family dealing with the long-term effects of COVID-19 makes a plea to take the pandemic seriously.

It's what you need to know to start your day for Monday, Nov. 2, 2020. Our Leadoff story is about the COVID-19 mitigation measures set to hit Bloomington-Normal this week. Plus, McLean County Democrats set their sights on something that once seemed unimaginable: gaining majority power on the County Board.

It's what you need to know to start your day for Friday, Oct. 30, 2020. Our Leadoff story checks in with McLean County high school athletic directors to gauge their comfort hosting a basketball season during the pandemic. Plus, the best spooky stories told in two sentences.

It's what you need to know to start your day for Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020. Our Leadoff story is the Illinois High School Association's decision to move forward with a winter basketball season — defying orders from the state. Plus, with Election Day less than a week away, a recap of the closely-watch 13th Congressional District race.

It's what you need to know to start your day for Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020. Our Leadoff story is about the faith leader and community advocate chosen by the mayor to serve on Bloomington City Council. Plus, hear how the pandemic has impacted constituent services for state Sen. Jason Barickman of Bloomington.

It's what you need to know to start your day for Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Our Leadoff story is an update on the coronavirus situation in McLean County. Plus, hear from the second candidate to throw their hat in the ring for Mayor of Bloomington: 29-year-old radio technician Nick McClintock.

It's what you need to know to start your day for Monday, Oct. 26, 2020. Our Leadoff story is about Bloomington Fire Chief Brian Mohr's retirement after three decades with the department. Plus, The War of the Worlds returns to the airwaves — this time brought to you by the Heartland Theatre Company.

It's what you need to know to start your day for Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. Our Leadoff story is about why a national political watcher is now rating Illinois' 13th Congressional District as a toss-up. Plus, hear from the first candidate hoping to become Bloomington's next mayor: entrepreneur and business consultant Michael Straza.