Lessons Central Illinois leaders learned from the 2026 midterm election results

Central Illinois political leaders say they learned a lesson from Tuesday night’s results in the 2026 midterm election: voters are speaking for change.

Joshua Crockett defeats McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael, becoming first countywide Democrat in four decades

For the first time in 44 years, a Democrat will hold countywide elected office in McLean County. Democrat Joshua Crockett defeated incumbent Republican Kathy Michael on Tuesday as she sought a fifth term as McLean County clerk. With all but a handful of precincts left to count, McLean County Democ…

Democrats increase McLean County Board majority as Republicans hold rural districts

McLean County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston said she was pleased with the results and that voters "voted in their best interests." Johnston said people are more attuned to politics thanks to national issues, but that she didn't think it was the only reason Democrats saw success locally. "It's rea…

McLean County residents share what drove them to vote in this midterm

National issues were top of mind for a number of voters as they went to the polls on Tuesday. Election officials also say turnout shows this isn't "just another midterm." WGLT's Braden Fogerson reports.

Election preview: What the WGLT newsroom is watching tonight

WGLT News Director Eric Stock talks with host Ben Howell about the races and issues that our newsroom are watching Tuesday night as results come in.

Consistency, trust are key to build a social media following in Bloomington-Normal

Gabby Lerche is like a lot of parents in Bloomington-Normal. She and her husband have to figure out how to feed their family every night, while juggling a hectic schedule of activities, at a time when both groceries and restaurants are extra expensive.

19-year-old killed in Halloween mass shooting near IWU is identified, as police continue to search for who and why

Officials on Monday shared new information regarding a mass shooting near Illinois Wesleyan University on Halloween night. McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder identified 19-year-old Giana Dettloff, a college student from Carol Stream, as the person shot and killed in the incident. A ninth victim was …

NCAA Tournament remains 'north star' for Ryan Pedon and ISU men’s basketball

The Illinois State men's basketball team has gotten better each season during Ryan Pedon's four years as head coach. From 11 wins in 2023 to 23 wins last season and a trip to the NIT Final Four. But Pedon makes clear that he's not satisfied.

1 killed, 7 others injured in shooting at party near Illinois Wesleyan campus

One person was killed and seven others injured in an early morning shooting at a party near Illinois Wesleyan University on Sunday, Bloomington Police said. It’s the second mass shooting near a college campus in Bloomington-Normal this year.

Lots of new faces bring Kristen Gillespie 'cautious optimism' heading into ISU women's basketball season

The Illinois State women's basketball team has its sights set on another postseason run in 2027. Head coach Kristen Gillespie and the Redbirds prepare for another season amidst a changing landscape in college basketball.