Kayleigh Randle joins the LEX 18 news team after spending the past two years as a multimedia journalist, weather anchor, and anchor at WIFR-23 News in Rockford, Illinois. Kayleigh grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and never lived outside of Illinois until moving to Kentucky, but she's excited to take in what the bluegrass state has to offer.
Before leaving Rockford, Kayleigh produced and anchored the station's News at Noon and First at Four shows, which included a live interview segment.
She has covered several major events on the news front in Rockford, such as the roof collapse of the historic Apollo Theatre in Belvidere, Illinois, from an EF-0 tornado that killed one person. Her on-the-ground reporting provided crucial updates and insights. To the arrival of President Joe Biden when he flew into the Chicago Rockford International Airport. She also did an in-depth piece on the Rockford Police Department's Citizens Police Academy and their trust in the community, immersing herself in the department for eight weeks to showcase how they train staff in each unit.
On the weather side, Kayleigh has covered several major storms and blizzards in the Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin regions, including a blizzard that brought -40 degrees and 60 mph winds and an ice storm that closed down most of the city.
After earning her B.S. in Journalism and Psychology from Illinois State University, Kayleigh initially set her sights on a career with the FBI. Her goal was to make a difference by putting the worst criminals behind bars. However, her passion for storytelling led her to a different path. She transitioned into the world of broadcast journalism, where she now aims to make a difference through her work.
Outside of work, Kayleigh's interests reflect her adventurous spirit. She enjoys spending time with her two rescue cats, Sage and Sesame, and exploring the outdoors through hiking and camping. Her creative side is expressed through painting, and she's been using her time in Kentucky to discover new places and experiences.
Have a news tip or simply want to share a sight she should see in Lexington/Kentucky? Kayleigh is always eager to hear from the community and values your input. Email her at kayleigh.randle@wlex.tv.
