The Leadoff

It's what you need to know to start your day for Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019. Our Leadoff story is about a community group's efforts to find a new life for the State Farm building downtown. Plus, step inside central Illinois' first "rage room," which recently opened in Bloomington.

It's what you need to know to start your day for Monday, Aug. 12, 2019. Our Leadoff story is about a Bloomington-Normal youth soccer organization planning for the future. Plus, one of the longest-running plays in the U.S. announces it's returning to Bloomington for its 97th year.

It's what you need to know to start your day for Friday, Aug. 9, 2019. Our Leadoff story is about Bloomington City Council member Jenn Carrillo's efforts to gather public feedback on the State Farm downtown building's future. Plus, an interview with the director of the Illinois Department of Public Health about STDs in McLean County.

It's what you need to know to start your day for Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019. Our Leadoff story is about Democratic McLean County Board members questioning Republican County Clerk Kathy Michael at a heated Finance Committee meeting. Plus, an interview with Twin City restauranteur Bob Dobski about his newest venture.

It's what you need to know to start your day for Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019. Our Leadoff story is about Unit 5's bus drivers getting ready for the first day of school next week. Plus, an interview with the executive director of the Illinois Autonomous Vehicles Association, which counts State Farm and Rivian among its founding members.

It's what you need to know to start your day for Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019. Our Leadoff story is about the Illinois State Rifle Association's expectation for legislative reaction to recent mass shootings in Ohio, Texas, and California. Plus, WGLT Student Reporter Tiffani Jackson talks to retiring Bloomington Housing Authority resident services director Gloria Hursey about her 29 years in public housing.

It's what you need to know to start your day for Monday, Aug. 5, 2019. Our Leadoff story is about federal prosecutors looking to work with McLean County on reducing violent crime. Plus, a Bloomington-Normal psychotherapist shares advice for parents who want to talk to their kids about the allegations against a Unit 5 first-grade teacher.

It's what you need to know to start your day for Friday, Aug. 2, 2019. Our Leadoff story is about the rising cost of election administration across the country, including McLean County. Plus, a look at back at two deaths from 2013 that have left Bloomington-Normal families without closure.

It's what you need to know to start your day for Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019. Our Leadoff story is about a rise in Hepatitis A cases in McLean County amid a statewide outbreak. Plus, an American Farm Bureau economist briefs Illinois farmers on the outlook for exports.

It's what you need to know to start your day for Wednesday, July 31, 2019. Our Leadoff story is about how the Town of Normal is preparing for the legalization of marijuana in 2020. Plus, a State Farm research executive talks about their latest survey on distracted driving.