Ben Howell
Graduate AssistantBen Howell is a graduate assistant at WGLT. He joined the station in 2024.
Ben is a graduate student at Illinois State University in the communication program. He also completed his undergrad at ISU, graduating in 2025 with a bachelor’s in mass media. During that time, he held internships at WGLT and WZND, where he was news director and general manager.
After graduate school, Ben hopes to continue covering local news and telling audiences more about the stories and events within their community. Outside of the station, he is an avid fan of movies and video games, trying to collect as much physical media as he can.
Contact Ben at bjhowel@ilstu.edu.
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Democrat Buck Farley has represented District 5 on the McLean County Board since 2023. He and his Republican opponent, former bank examiner Jeff Lord, describe finances as their top priority. -
Republican Jerry Klinkner is challenging incumbent William Bessler, a Democrat, for the seat to serve District 4 on the McLean County Board. The candidates agree on cost of living as a key issue, but differ in how to achieve lower costs. -
Congressional approval ratings are in the tank. By some measures this is one of the least productive sessions of Congress in living memory. WGLT's Charlie Schlenker reports those things may not change much any time soon. -
The war in Iran — or conflict, depending on who you ask — is perhaps the top foreign policy issue facing voters this midterm election. WGLT's Charlie Schlenker reports on how the congressional candidates in the districts of Bloomington-Normal perceive the country's position against Iran. -
The Ecology Action Center had thought the county's recycling rate in 2024 topped 50% for the first time ever when it was actually 43%. In calculating the 2025 numbers, the center found data previously confirmed was misreported by another agency. -
Mayor Chris Koos honored Terri Ryburn as the Town of Normal's Citizen of the Year at a reception on Tuesday. Ryburn is retiring in December as caretaker of the historic Sprague's Super Service on Pine Street. -
A new community solar program for low- and moderate-income families in McLean County promises savings on electric bills, bringing accessibility to families who previously thought the technology was out of reach. -
How much potential water exists in Bloomington-Normal and McLean County is difficult to tell. Experts tell WGLT the lack of understanding and potential differences in each and every data center's need for water make it impossible to say how much one would need or use. -
The three wells to be used for carbon sequestration are just inside the eastern border of McLean County and about 5 miles west of Gibson City. Environmental advocates say that's too close to a fresh water source which replenishes the Mahomet Aquifer. -
The plan approved by the Uptown Design Review Commission asks for a waiver to enclose the museum's open arcade on the west side. The museum also wants space to expand its water table exhibit.
