WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

Homebuilder Tom Armstrong says Rivian has made a big difference in business. Rivian hiring hundreds makes it a great realty market for sellers, but not so much for buyers. Plus, a new book edited by central Illinois educators chronicles the teen LGBTQ+ experience. Hear about the central Illinois meeting between the Great Agnostic and one of the foremost abolitionist voices of the 19th Century and what it means for today. Finally, we have poetry. Listen to the winner of Illinois's statewide high

Vaccines, warm weather, and cabin fever mean more business for the Central Illinois Regional Airport, but it's not business as usual. Airport Director Carl Olson says usually there's an even split between business and leisure travel; now its three quarters leisure. Plus, working OUT from home has become just as much a thing in central Illinois as working FROM home. Central Illinois claims a master storyteller who put a little swash in that buckle. Johnston McCully put the mark of Zorro on

There are some oddities in this year’s Bloomington and Normal elections, including a whole lot of money. Find out more about expected endorsements that didn’t happen, odd political bedfellows, and a political action committee that avoids those on the wings. Plus, there are two camps of candidates for Normal Town Council and their opinions on creating pandemic relief moving forward. One set blasts enforcement actions. The other points to fee waivers, small business loans, and housing assistance.

Heartland Community College is offering help after personal data for up to several thousand people was stolen in a cyberattack last fall. The college says it's beefing up security. Plus, the community says goodbye to another former Mayor of Bloomington. Hear about the long and 'twining' road for hemp growers. Finally, a central Illinois biochemist holds forth about the effort to combat superbugs, antiobiotic resistant bacteria.

Issues of diversity and equity are top of mind for many candidates, including ones for school board. Hear Unit 5 school board candidates talk about enhancing teacher diversity. Plus, one of Governor J.B. Pritzker's executive orders has put a chill on malpractice lawsuits; Eric Stock has a graphic report. A mentorship program in Bloomington-Normal provides new opportunities. Finally, the Illinois State University Food Recovery Network is receiving national recognition.

The review of controversial statues in Chicago includes some of President Abe Lincoln for racism. Lincoln College President David Gerlach says if Chicago doesn't want the statues, he'll come collect them himself. Plus, State Senator Jason Barickman says Democrats should wait for the census data they so dearly wanted ...before redistricting. LGBTQ+ groups in Bloomington-Normal are having a conversation with Republican lawmakers about legislation on sex ed for children as young as Kindergarten and

Even at the city and town level, politics have become more strident. Hear Bloomington council candidates say how they think they can get along. Plus, the Normal Town Council candidates tell you their top priorities. Illinois State University President Larry Dietz hopes the state will make student vaccination mandatory. Finally, not too many Mclean County Jail inmates want to be vaccinated.

District 87 voters don't have a lot of choice for school board candidates, but there are some recommended qualities for a board member including understanding the needs of a diverse district. District 87 school board candidates introduce themselves. Plus, hear what the McLean County Health Department hasn't been able to do while it deals with the pandemic. The first electric school buses have come to central Illinois. Finally, WGLT Arts Correspondent Laura Kennedy retires... again... after

A Bloomington attorney who focuses on legal aid in elder abuse cases says they see a lot of consumer issues. Megan McGlothlin Wood is tasked with addressing a gap in civil legal aid. Plus, all public colleges and universities in Illinois will start using what's called The Common Application for students to gain admission; it'll save time and money. The Illinois Senate President talks about what the term Fair Maps means to him as legislative redistricting begins. Finally, the winner of the

One state representative says he wants an open and transparent redistricting process. Republican Tim Butler talks about a redistricting commission and other fair map ideas. Plus, a winner of the Bloomington Human Relations Commission Black History Essay Contest shares their thoughts about a prominent African American that it's important to remember. Adhrut Kulkarni tells you about Jesse Owens. You can listen to new music from Dan Hubbard. Finally, find out how tadpoles behave just like baby