As head of the Normal-based nonprofit Immigration Project, Charlotte Alvarez connects immigrants living in 86 Illinois counties with legal aid and social service organizations as they navigate a convoluted, inefficient system.

As head of the Normal-based nonprofit Immigration Project, Charlotte Alvarez connects immigrants living in 86 Illinois counties with legal aid and social service organizations as they navigate a convoluted, inefficient system.

March is Women's History Month, and WGLT is recognizing 21 women who shaped Bloomington-Normal. New episodes every weekday in March.

March is Women's History Month, and WGLT is recognizing 21 women who shaped Bloomington-Normal. New episodes every weekday in March.

21 Women Who Shaped Bloomington-Normal

Sound Ideas is WGLT's signature local news series. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. New episodes air throughout the day on WGLT.

Sound Ideas is WGLT's signature local news series. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. New episodes air throughout the day on WGLT.

WGLT's Sound Ideas

WGLT's Sound Ideas is our flagship news program. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. This 30-minute newsmagazine is produced Monday through Friday. You can also subscribe to the Sound Ideas - Full Episodes podcast.

WGLT's Sound Ideas is our flagship news program. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. This 30-minute newsmagazine is produced Monday through Friday. You can also subscribe to the Sound Ideas - Full Episodes podcast.

Charlotte Alvarez keeps focus on the people at the center of immigration

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

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

Lessons Central Illinois leaders learned from the 2026 midterm election results

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/090e86c6-4ab6-4873-b560-afff01256522/clips/b6413bf6-2e1a-4305-844d-b4f9006fe5cf/transcript

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 Democratic Party Chair Patrick Cortesi declared victory at around 9:30 p.m. with Crockett ultimately edging out Michael by a 12-point margin. Crockett was leading with 56% of the vote with 100% of precincts reporting unofficial results.

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 Democratic Party Chair Patrick Cortesi declared victory at around 9:30 p.m. with Crockett ultimately edging out Michael by a 12-point margin. Crockett was leading with 56% of the vote with 100% of precincts reporting unofficial results.

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

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/090e86c6-4ab6-4873-b560-afff01256522/clips/320370a1-4d84-4044-8f1e-b4f801073b56/transcript

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 really about the candidates themselves," she said. "We've continued for eight years to increase the caliber of candidates that we have and it's really resonated with the voters."

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 really about the candidates themselves," she said. "We've continued for eight years to increase the caliber of candidates that we have and it's really resonated with the voters."

Democrats increase McLean County Board majority as Republicans hold rural districts

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/090e86c6-4ab6-4873-b560-afff01256522/clips/c92d7a70-fcc1-47bc-98c4-b4f80106c23b/transcript

Charlotte Alvarez keeps focus on the people at the center of immigration

21 Women Who Shaped Bloomington-Normal

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