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You can see the effects of the nationwide workforce shortage in the operations of Unit 5 schools. Bus drivers, cafeteria workers, subs, and custodians, even food itself can be scarce. Plus, the head of the Bloomington Normal Economic Development Council says the economic recovery is slowing. A blues band coming to Bloomington has a new album honoring legend Hound Dog Taylor, but it's more than a tribute and covers. Listen to the music of Boston based GA-20. And the Coalescence Theater Project showcases Black Lives, Black Words, five plays from Black writers.

WGLT's The Leadoff is everything you need to know for Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. You'll hear about the latest trends on COVID in McLean County. Plus, a look at staffing challenges in the Unit 5 school district.

WGLT's The Leadoff is everything you need to know for Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021. You'll hear the latest on the missing ISU graduate student, Jelani Day. Plus, a preview of a new 9/11 exhibit at Normal Public Library.

WGLT's The Leadoff is everything you need to know for Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021. You'll hear the latest on a push for COVID boosters across Illinois. Plus, an advocate for passenger rail on a new roadmap -- so to speak -- for the Midwest.

WGLT's The Leadoff is everything you need to know for Monday, Oct. 18, 2021. You'll hear about plans for a new esports arena at Illinois State University. Plus, an interview with Unit 5's new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion chief.

On today’s episode, you’ll hear from the McLean County Health Department’s administrator about the ebbs and flows of public health messaging. Plus, the President of Heartland Community College talks about partnering with Ferrero apprenticeships. And a new installment of Beyond Sports introduces you to a remarkable Illinois Wesleyan softball player.

WGLT's The Leadoff is everything you need to know for Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021. You'll hear a political scientist's reaction to the new Illinois congressional maps and what they mean for Bloomington-Normal. Plus, an update on COVID-19 in McLean County.

The new Midwestern Regional Rail Plan for the future includes hourly passenger trains through Bloomington Normal and 200 mile per hour service. One advocate for high speed rail says he's pleased the four decade investment blueprint treats the region like a transportation network instead of discrete routes. Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe says there are some misconceptions about the process for filling that Ward 6 vacancy. A conversation about representation as the October 30th deadline looms. And a former head of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity takes us behind the curtain to see how the state lured Rivian to the twin cities.

A twisty thin ribbon of rural ground connecting cities is what a lot of the Illinois Congressional districts look like in the Democratic draft map released today. Republicans are howling. Political scientists say it not very good for democracy. The Mayor of Normal wants a second census count next year because he's not sure the current one is right. Rocker Bob Mould draws parallels to the 1980s Aids crisis and the early years of the Trump administration on his latest album. And hear from the new diversity and inclusion director at Unit 5 schools.

Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe has a pick to fill a vacant council seat. He has a majority of council members in favor. But that's apparently not enough to move forward. The clock is ticking though and Ward six still doesn't have a voice on the council. Some of the people facing eviction hearings in Bloomington Normal say they hope landlords will work with them, but they're sheepish about it, acknowledging they put the landlords through the wringer. The Illinois eviction moratorium has expired and a diversion program isn't supposed to save everyone. The City of Bloomington is soon to open applications for a flood repair grant or loan program. And the West Bloomington Revitalization Project is gearing up to give the gift of a good night's sleep to a bunch of kids with the annual Bed Blitz.