WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

A new survey shows consumer confidence is high heading into summer. COUNTRY Financial Representative Laurie Adams says there's a lot of pent-up demand after many Americans have been cooped up at home for the last year. Plus, drag out your aviator goggles, your Victorian-wannabe attire, and strap on a ray gun. It's time for Cogs and Corsets in Bloomington Normal. Meet the new women's soccer coach at Illinois Wesleyan University and hear about her experience on the women's national team. Finally, WGLT's gardening podcasters tell you how to save and propogate a 60 year old Apricot tree.

A social club that was dormant for decades has reborn in McLean County. Kathleen Lorenz and Vicky Varney explain how the Lincoln Club aims to reduce political polarization. The McLean County Health Department and Illinois State University partner on a new program to train people to respond to a mental health crisis. More new restaurants are coming to Bloomington-Normal and the eateries already here are busy again. Plus, Champaign-based singer songwriter John Aulabaugh overcomes numerous health issues to make a new album.

Human service agencies like Marcfirst are having to find new ways to help clients find jobs as employers change what workers they need after the pandemic. Marcfirst CEO Brian Wipperman says he thinks it will be neutral once all is said and done. Two McLean County Board members detail how they came up with 24 volunteers to help the county create new district maps. Sales tax revenue in Normal has returned to prepandemic levels as City Manager Pam Reece explains. Plus, Bloomington City Manager Tim Gleason discusses ramped up road work plans for the summer.

New housing starts in Normal are mostly happening near the edges of town. Plus, they'll be singing 'Take Me Out To The Ballgame' at the Corn Crib in Normal this summer. Central Illinois scholars and artists consider the pros and cons of crypto-currency. Finally, the cost of child care is growing, but workers in that sector aren't seeing much of that.

The Bloomington Normal tourism picture is getting better, but better is a relative term. Yet, major events and meetings are going back on fall calendars. Hear from the McLean County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Plus, crypto currencies and digital art based on blockchain technology are moving into the mainstream. They even had a Saturday night Live Skit, and they're also being developed in central Illinois. Digital artists make NFTs. Illinois Wesleyan University has won back to back national golf championships, yet two years apart.

Yoga is coming back. Acupuncture is up. Reiki is feeling the energy. Hear about non traditional health methods and the pandemic. Plus, it's a booming time for construction and trades unions working at Rivian. Some have been there for three years. But, it's not just the auto maker that's generating work. Tree limbs crack and fall. You might not want to handle the damage by yourself, but it's awfully expensive to have a service do it. Get advice from Sarah Nardi and Patrick Murphy on our gardening podcast GROW. And Arts correspondent Breanna Grow gives us a sneak peek at "Hot Shorts."

Frank Catalano got his big music break at age 18 and but for his mom it could have happened earlier. She didn't much care for smoky bars and hanging out till the wee hours of the morning. Catalano appears with Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlain this Saturday in Bloomington. Plus, 'Ridin' on the City of New Orleans' and the rest of the Amtrak service in Illinois including through Bloomington Normal will get a little easier as the pandemic ebbs. Unit 5 Superintendent Kristen Weikle says child mental health efforts may get some of the millions in federal pandemic relief money coming to the district. And after protests of new curriculum guidelines by district 87 parents who want their kids in the arts, Bloomington schools are making adjustments.

Illinois Wesleyan University plans a study of campus culture to root out hazing. A student was badly bruised and cut on his forehead during a hazing incident last month. Sigma Chi will lose its house. Plus, baseball returns to central Illinois. Hear about the rationale behind a big health bill designed to address inequities for African Americans. Learn how central Illinois parents can weigh the pros and cons of sending kids to summer camp when the pandemic is not yet done.

Olympia schools hasn't pushed for teacher vaccination, but if schools can't get high teacher vaccination numbers, it's hard to plan for the fall. Plus, District 87 joins the crowd of school districts who want to grow their own diverse teachers. Big hiring at Rivian means big demand for houses and a tussle over whether to build at the margins or infill. The mayor of Normal drops by.