WGLT's The Leadoff is everything you need to know for Tuesday, May 17, 2022. At a time when democracy feels very much at risk, an Illinois political scientist says youth civic engagement is a bright spot. Former Chicago alderman and political science professor at the University of Illinois Chicago Dick Simpson says as the January 6th insurrection demonstrated, democracy isn't in great shape. But he says there's hope to restore it... if we're willing to put in the work. Plus, there's a new graduation requirement for Illinois State University students: at least one course focused on inclusion, diversity and equity in the U.S.
Lyndsay Jones is a reporter at WGLT. She joined the station in 2021. You can reach her at lljone3@ilstu.edu.