WGLT's Sound Ideas
1,109 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 months ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsWGLT'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.We recently changed audio-hosting providers. Please access the new podcast feed using the services or RSS feed listed below, or contact us at [email protected] if you have other issues.You can also subscribe to the Sound Ideas - Full Episodes podcast.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
How the Town of Normal prepares for July 4 fireworks after weeks without rain
June 29, 2023 21:47There's rain ahead in the forecast, but weeks of drought increase fire risk for communities preparing their July 4 fireworks displays. WGLT talked to officials from the Town of Normal Parks and Recreation and Fire Departments to get the skinny on how they mitigate risk.
Illinois lawmakers passed bills on book bans, abortion rights and other issues
June 01, 2023 13:52 - 7 minutes - 10.6 MBIt took more than a week longer than expected, but Illinois lawmakers wrapped up their spring legislative session early Saturday with a budget and hundreds of measures that passed. The spending plan and bills now go to Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Bloomington-Normal resumes student exchange with Asahikawa, Japan, after 3-year hiatus
June 01, 2023 13:51 - 4 minutes - 5.99 MBA student foreign exchange program for Bloomington-Normal has returned after a delay that began with the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers hope the program can grow to where it was decades ago.
One couple's decades-long commitment to a safer, more equitable Bloomington-Normal
May 31, 2023 21:32 - 9 minutes - 12.8 MB2023 McLean County History Makers Willie and Charles Halbert were selected for their social justice activism and tireless advocacy for equity and inclusion.
New survey from McLean County Fatherhood Coalition finds room for improvement in father-friendliness
May 30, 2023 20:02 - 4 minutes - 7.13 MBFathers in McLean County are often underrepresented or marginalized within organizations and programs that serve children and families, according to the results of a new survey.
Prevailing wage dialogue expands in advance of Bloomington council vote on apartment project
May 30, 2023 20:01 - 6 minutes - 9.84 MBA Bloomington City Council discussion about whether to apply prevailing wage rules to a private development if there are government incentives at stake is spreading beyond the apartment project in question. That's according to deputy city manager Billy Tyus who said in a WGLT interview the ongoing dialogue is not just about wages.
Q&A: Children's Home & Aid rebrands itself as Brightpoint, pivots to family support, equity focus
May 27, 2023 14:03 - 8 minutes - 12.4 MBA social service agency with roots in Bloomington-Normal for more than a century has changed its name: Children's Home & Aid now is Brightpoin, which kicked off its rebranding campaign this week. Two of its leaders talked with WGLT about the changes.
Let's play two! It’s opening day at the Corn Crib!
May 26, 2023 21:47 - 5 minutes - 8.09 MBWGLT's Lauren Warnecke stopped by the Corn Crib earlier this week as final preparations were being made for opening day, including Corny's Big Summer Blowout on Saturday night. A few staff members took a brief break in the shade to talk about what goes into creating great game day experiences.
Take off: ISU rocket team lands a win
May 26, 2023 20:00 - 4 minutes - 6.04 MBIllinois State University has won a Department of Defense-sponsored rocket competition for the second straight time. The U of I Laboratory for Advanced Space Systems hosted the competition in Rantoul.
Gender enrollment gap is wide at ISU, Bradley, Heartland
May 25, 2023 21:35 - 10 minutes - 15.2 MBMore women go to Illinois State University than men — a lot more. The same is true of Bradley University and Heartland Community College. It's part of a nationwide trend that began in the 1980s and has grown since then.
District 87 Q&A on tax incentives, AI, and a retiring administrator
May 25, 2023 21:27 - 6 minutes - 9.43 MBDistrict 87 superintendent David Mouser said he supports an incentive plan to build a high-end housing complex in Bloomington, despite the potential loss of future tax revenue.
Downtown Bloomington walking tour of social justice sights and stories goes online
May 24, 2023 22:25 - 7 minutes - 10.3 MBThe McLean County Museum of History and Not In Our Town partnered to create an interactive website based on their long-running Social Justice Walking Tour. The D-I-Y tour includes locations pivotal to various social movements related to gender and racial equality, immigrant rights and organized labor.
Durbin says all options are on the table as a Senate committee investigates Supreme Court ethics
May 24, 2023 22:22 - 6 minutes - 9.13 MBU.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said Supreme Court justices can't argue that separation of powers shields them from ethics laws.
McLean County cases resurface in attorney general's Catholic abuse report
May 24, 2023 22:19 - 2 minutes - 4.4 MBCatholic dioceses in Illinois failed to disclose hundreds of abusive clerics before the state opened what would become a yearslong investigation into sex abuse within the church, Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced Tuesday.
Cover crops and conservation tillage could reduce likelihood of highway dust storms
May 24, 2023 21:49While the adoption of cover crops-- defined as an overwintering crop raised for the protection and enrichment of the soil-- and other agricultural conservation practices by farmers will not completely eliminate dust storms, widespread usage of sustainable conservation practices by farmers could reduce the chances of another deadly dust storm occurring.
'Miracle' drug: Bloomington-Normal hospitals begin new, faster treatment for stroke victims
May 23, 2023 21:30 - 5 minutes - 8.02 MBPeg Shea of Bloomington says she's recovering well after being one of the first in the area to receive a new treatment for stroke patients.
Lincoln brought Guy Fraker to Illinois; preserving the landscape came later
May 23, 2023 21:25 - 7 minutes - 10.8 MBAttorney and Lincoln historian Guy Fraker settled in Bloomington in 1962. He's been a key figure in documenting and promoting Lincoln's legal career in central Illinois, and fell into an avocation in land conservation by accident. Fraker is profiled as part of WGLT's series on the 2023 McLean County History Makers.
Bloomington housing developer sees 'redemption' potential at Coachman site, despite council delay
May 23, 2023 21:21 - 7 minutes - 11.3 MBRobbie Osenga, the developer of a proposed $18.5 million housing project near downtown Bloomington, said he remains hopeful despite Monday’s city council decision delaying approval.
How the pandemic set the stage for rapid-fire auto insurance rate hikes at State Farm
May 22, 2023 21:09 - 7 minutes - 11.3 MBIn two weeks, State Farm’s auto insurance customers in Illinois will see their rates go up again – for the fourth time in less than a year. Together they’ve raised the average cost about $200.
Survey shows rural McLean County residents are unhappy with their internet service
May 22, 2023 20:48 - 3 minutes - 5.23 MBMcLean County officials are studying the results of what they call an eye-opening survey on rural residents' level of satisfaction with their internet service.
ISU student hopes new DNA technology brings closure to 1975 murder of Carol Rofstad
December 06, 2022 22:09 - 6 minutes - 9.32 MBAt the time a senior at Illinois State University in 1975, Carol Rofstad was discovered outside her sorority house on Dec. 22, badly beaten and suffering from hypothermia. She died on Dec. 24.
'Timing is right': Barickman leaving Illinois Senate in January
December 06, 2022 22:07 - 8 minutes - 12.4 MBLess than a month after winning an uncontested new term in office, State Sen. Jason Barickman of Bloomington said Monday he'll resign instead of taking office again next year.
McLean County Board sets power-sharing agreement after split election
December 05, 2022 21:53 - 5 minutes - 7.46 MBThe board unanimously reelected Republican John McIntyre as chair, while Democrat Elizabeth Johnston was chosen vice chair as part of an agreement the two parties brokered after the Nov. 8 election when 10 Democrats and 10 Republicans won board seats.
Sound Health: Federal grant aims to fill gaps in mental health care in McLean County
December 03, 2022 14:26 - 6 minutes - 8.99 MBChestnut Health Systems and the McLean County Center for Human Services plan to coordinate care for their clients by placing staff at each other's facilities and sharing electronic medical records.
Bloomington group offers a solution to the housing shortage, and it's not new subdivisions
December 03, 2022 14:26 - 9 minutes - 13.3 MBA group interested in urban planning wants Bloomington-Normal to promote more infill development to help address the current housing shortage.
Bloomington-Normal tries to bring IHSA football title games back to Hancock Stadium
December 02, 2022 22:34 - 2 minutes - 4.16 MBBloomington-Normal and ISU have submitted a bid to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) to host the state football title games from 2023 to 2027, said Crystal Howard, president and CEO of the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Pretrial detention changes to SAFE-T Act will head to governor
December 02, 2022 22:29 - 4 minutes - 6 MBLawmakers on Thursday passed a long-awaited amendment to the SAFE-T Act criminal justice reform’s provisions that will eliminate cash bail when the calendar hits 2023.
‘Holiday Spectacular’ and ‘Holiday on Robinhood Lane’ bring a double dose of cheer
December 02, 2022 22:25 - 8 minutes - 11.5 MBThe holidays are officially here, and two long-standing Twin City traditions are just the thing to take your family’s ho-ho-ho to the next level. WGLT's Lauren Warnecke visited Community Players and the Bloomington Center for the Arts as they made final preparations for their holiday revues.
Dan Brady named to Giannoulias' Secretary of State transition team
December 01, 2022 22:57 - 8 minutes - 11.5 MBIt's not unusual for members of a minority party to serve on transition teams for newly-elected statewide officeholders in Illinois. It's far less common to have a defeated opponent in a particular race on the team. But that's what has happened.
Past Bloomington arena management blamed for premature heating and cooling expenses
December 01, 2022 22:28 - 9 minutes - 13.8 MBBloomington's city manager said the heating and cooling units at Grossinger Motors Arena should have lasted four to nine years longer than they have.
Center for minority business opens at Eastland Mall
November 30, 2022 22:04 - 6 minutes - 9.11 MBLongtime central Illinois business veteran Denise Moore is opening the second Minority Business Development Center in the area, after launching an office in Peoria around a year ago.
'The law is complicated': McLean County courts prepare for bond reform as cash bail ends
November 30, 2022 22:02 - 5 minutes - 7.29 MBMcLean County judges say they want to be consistent in how they hold bond hearings when cash bail ends in January. The county has assigned one judge to handle all bond hearings.
Home prices soar, even as frenzied Bloomington-Normal market cools off
November 29, 2022 22:16 - 6 minutes - 9.47 MBThe frenzied Bloomington-Normal housing market has cooled off, though a local Realtors group says rapidly rising prices might not level off until the middle of 2023.
B-N newcomers say they feel welcome. They have ideas to make the community better
November 28, 2022 23:00 - 8 minutes - 12 MBThis story is part of WGLT’s ongoing series Welcome Home, helping Bloomington-Normal's newest residents learn about the community as it exists, and empowering them to make it the home they want it to be.
Merger of Heartland, Town and Country banks part of a national trend
November 25, 2022 17:46 - 8 minutes - 12.3 MBThe merger of Bloomington-based Heartland Bank and Trust and Springfield-based Town and Country Bank, announced in August, is part of an ongoing national trend.
'Successes are pretty cool to see:' New Bridge Academy already changing lives in central Illinois
November 23, 2022 22:32 - 9 minutes - 8.41 MBThose involved in the Central Illinois Bridge Academy say the new program for adolescents with mental health concerns is going very well. The academy, which opened Sept. 12 in space shared with MarcFirst just off Shepard Park in Normal, has 16 junior high and high school students.
Bloomington mayor: Unit 5 should go back to voters with another referendum
November 23, 2022 21:09 - 5 minutes - 7.77 MBMayor Mboka Mwilambwe said the presence of two universities and a community college in the Twin Cities offer a counter to the potential impression given to businesses by the referendum's defeat.
ISU alum and ambassador Donald McHenry: Foreign policy starts at home
November 22, 2022 22:28 - 3 minutes - 4.87 MBFormer U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Donald McHenry urged the nation to get its domestic house in order during addresses this week at Illinois Wesleyan and Illinois State universities, as part of the Adlai Stevenson lecture series.
ISU nutritionist shares tips for a healthy Thanksgiving, even with rising grocery prices
November 22, 2022 22:19 - 4 minutes - 6.92 MBIn Illinois, the average price for a Thanksgiving meal for 10 is expected to jump 13% this year, to $65.53, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s latest Thanksgiving Cost Survey.
Peoria Ag Lab develops healthier butter (like) spread
November 22, 2022 21:07 - 5 minutes - 8.25 MBScientists at the Peoria Ag Lab have been working to develop a healthier alternative to butter. They want to replace saturated fats with plant-based and other natural oils that mimic the taste and texture of butter.
Parties struggle to gain control of McLean County Board
October 25, 2022 20:14 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBDemocrats have never held a majority on the McLean County Board. It's a 10-10 split now, and they'd like to get over the edge to a majority. Republicans, of course, really don't want that to happen.
Smart cities and pedestrian safety among Normal council priorities
October 21, 2022 21:42 - 6 minutes - 9.68 MBCity Manager Pam Reece said the Vision Zero-Go Safe Plan to eliminate auto collisions with walkers and bikers is one the themes to emerge from a recent strategic planning session.
The Invincible Czars bring their live soundtrack for 'Nosferatu' to the Normal Theater
October 21, 2022 21:41 - 5 minutes - 8.56 MBA group of musicians called the Invincible Czars tours the country providing a live score for "Nosferatu" screenings, including one next Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Normal Theater.
Why Chung vs. Preston became one of the most expensive campaigns Bloomington-Normal has ever seen
October 20, 2022 21:11 - 9 minutes - 12.9 MBDemocrat Sharon Chung and Republican Scott Preston have attracted big money in their run for the Illinois House. Bloomington-Normal hasn’t seen a House race this competitive or costly in modern history.
Q&A: Jay Pratte takes over as Miller Park Zoo director
October 19, 2022 20:49 - 4 minutes - 6.6 MBIn an interview with WGLT, Pratte talks about how he got interested in the zoo profession, his plans for the Miller Park Zoo, and why he chose Bloomington as his next stop.
In south Bloomington, 4 candidates are running for 2 seats on the McLean County Board
October 19, 2022 20:48 - 6 minutes - 9.81 MBThe candidates running to represent south Bloomington on the McLean County Board say they’re pleased with recent mental and behavioral initiatives and look to build on those successes if they’re elected.
Q&A: ISU AD on CEFCU Arena deal, return to Horton and new collective
October 19, 2022 20:00 - 5 minutes - 7.46 MBThe Illinois State University Board of Trustees on Friday approved a naming rights deal for Redbird Arena. The venue will now be known as CEFCU Arena, with the Peoria-based credit union paying ISU $3.1 million over the next decade.
Bloomington’s new arts and entertainment manager talks about filling the arena and repairing a ‘toxic’ workplace at BCPA
October 19, 2022 19:58 - 8 minutes - 12.1 MBAnthony Nelson has a tough job. Grossinger Motors Arena, until recently, has been managed by outside firms and consistently lost money.
Mayor Mwilambwe: No promises about financial turnaround from arena management shift
October 19, 2022 19:08 - 7 minutes - 3.31 MBBloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe says the city's move to merge operations between the arena and Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts will help the downtown venues run more efficiently, but it's too soon to project whether the arena will be able to reverse years of financial losses.
County clerks fight back amid election disinformation at Bloomington event
October 18, 2022 00:26 - 6 minutes - 9.84 MBDespite county clerks being swamped with Freedom of Information requests about election security, no one from the public showed up to a question-and-answer session and voting machine demonstration in Bloomington.