The Leadoff

WGLT's The Leadoff is everything you need to know for Wednesday, June 1. Ecology Action Center assistant director Larissa Armstrong discusses the upcoming electricity rate increase for certain customers in Central Illinois. Plus, Sarah Nardi speaks to an Illinois State University student about the potential for the U.S. Supreme Court to issue an opinion that may jeopardize Roe v. Wade.

WGLT's The Leadoff is everything you need to know for Tuesday, May 31. WGLT arts correspondent Lauren Warnecke previews the Cogs and Corsets festival coming to downtown Bloomington on June 3 and 4. Plus, it's been seven days since a student displayed a Confederate flag at University High School -- one student says that action wasn't an outlier, either.

WGLT's The Leadoff is everything you need to know for Friday, May 27. Ahead of Memorial Day, the parents of Bloomington's Sgt. Anthony Maddox, who died nearly a decade ago in Afghanistan while in the Army, say they believe they've finally found a way to honor his legacy. Plus, U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) shares her thoughts on gun control laws during an appearance on The 21st Show Thursday.

WGLT's The Leadoff for Thursday, May 26 features an extended conversation on gun violence with Illinois State University professor Julie Webber. Webber is also the author of the book Beyond Columbine: School Violence and the Virtual. Plus, Normal Police Chief Steve Petrelli says a shots fired incident on Wednesday was an isolated event.

WGLT's the Leadoff is everything you need to know for Wednesday, May 25. After targeted backlash, State Farm quickly moved to drop its support for a nonprofit that provides LGBTQ+-themed books to teachers and libraries — but the Chicago-based GenderCool says it's actually helped them fundraise eve more. Plus, the U-S Census Bureau recently updated its population count for Illinois, reflecting more recent data than the 2020 official census count. The Illinois undercount of nearly two-percent means that instead of losing roughly 18,000 people over 10 years, the state actually gained about 250,000 residents.

WGLT's the Leadoff is everything you need to know for Tuesday, May 24. Eric Stock takes a look at Dan Brady's bid for the highly coveted Secretary of State position. Plus, Sarah Nardi talks to two Illinois State University professors and bona fide punk rockers about what losing American Idol means for Leah Marlene's career.

WGLT's the Leadoff is everything you need to know for Monday, May 23. The chair of Illinois Wesleyan's accounting department says there's plenty of reason for the whole community to appreciate a new and recently-unveiled Bloomberg Finance Lab at the university. Plus, Eric Stock previews the only Republican primary race on the County Board.

WGLT's The Leadoff is everything you need to know for Friday, May 20. Eric Stock reports on how two candidates running for a judgeship that includes McLean County view the end of cash bail, which is set to take effect in Illinois next year. Plus, one of the owners of The Garlic Press in Uptown talks about getting a shout-out from American Idol host Ryan Seacrest.

WGLT's the Leadoff is everything you need to know for Thursday, May 19, 2022. The town of Normal is negotiating a development agreement with Cedar Falls-Iowa based Eagle View Partners. Mayor Chris Koos says a critical part of the development of Uptown Circle is the emphasis on house -- in particular, apartments for more affluent residents. Plus, a look at the implications of a cyberattack on Lincoln College and what it could mean for other institutions.

WGLT's The Leadoff is everything you need to know to start your day for Wednesday, May 18, 2022. You'll hear a recap of Leah Marlene Day in Uptown Normal. And a look at the Republican primary for the 105th House District seat, which includes parts of McLean County.