WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

There are six candidates running for two positions on the Unit Five School Board. Hear a report on the School Board races. 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. Aaliyah Trice tells you about Ruby Bridges. Finally, Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner stops by to say how happy he is that the O'Neal Pool And Park Project is finally going forward.

Hear from a Bloomington High School student who says too often that the things emphasized during Black History Month don't show the full scope of their contributions to America. Aleeya Hussemen shares her thoughts in a contest-winning essay. Plus, hate crimes against people of Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander backgrounds are rising. Hear from some in central Illinois on how they try to be safe. Finally, the recent end of publication of several books by Dr. Seuss shows how children's

WGLT brings you the Black History Essay Contest winners, including one on the complicated civil rights figure Eldredge Cleaver. Listen for winners of the contest sponsored by the Bloomington Human Relations Commission. Plus, a report on the candidates running for Heartland Community College Board. Debate continues over the impact of a new criminal justice bill passed last month. Supporters and critics weigh in. Finally, artist Ashley Jude Jonas shares her appreciation for the quotidian objects

The first openly gay drag queen candidate for the United Methodist ministry in this part of the state says he'll stay in a denomination that does not want him. Bloomington-Normal resident Isaac Simmons says so many queer people have been driven out of homes; he won't be driven out of the house of God. Simmons shares his story. Plus, the McLean County Regional Planning Commission has a blueprint to cut down on injury accidents in Bloomington-Normal. McLean County's homeless population is getting

Music venues in Bloomington-Normal are still waiting for federal Save Our Stages relief money three months after the bill passed. Many are hoping to resume live music in the summer or fall. Listen to an update on the live music scene. Plus, Bloomington Council candidates tell you where they are on social action issues. Finally, an Illinois State University Philosopher has written a new book on the weight of whiteness - a feminist perspective.

Vaccinations are picking up pace and the Governor says there are many reasons for optimism. In an interview, J. B. Pritzker also shares his lowest moments of the last year. Job prospects look pretty good for the second round of COVID graduates. Those leaving college are looking for work in places they can't easily visit. Plus, Bloomington City Manager and former cop Tim Gleason projects the look of police training under a new law taking effect in July. Finally, a Bloomington-Normal group helps

The new Baby Fold Director of Family Services explains how the pandemic has provided more effective ways to communicate with some families. Bloomington's citizens advisory board for public safety wants to know what the public wants in a new police chief. One of Central Illinois' Underground Railroad conductors has been recognized with a new marker to herald his secret work freeing people from slavery, and the co-author of C.T. Vivian's memoir explains how he finished the book after the civil

On the anniversary of the start of the pandemic, WGLT takes a look at changes it has brought. The pandemic-caused spread of video meetings might mean less needs for office space in Bloomington-Normal. Planners say that could promote creative redevelopment and limit green field construction. The amount of vacant commercial space in Bloomington-Normal is also up significantly over the last year. Plus, researchers are only now starting to get a hold of the amount of growth in domestic violence, its

Rivian is hiring automotive workers, a lot of workers, 1,200 in the next couple months. And that's on top of filing for a big plant expansion. Plus, a lot of women have opened businesses near each other...more than fifty in downtown Bloomington. And the reasons are not always about money. Normal Town Council candidates tell you their thoughts about social action issues. And a 94 year McLean County art tradition continues.

Hear the candidates for Mayor of Normal define each other's approach to governance. Marc Tiritilli and Mayor Chris Koos meet in a debate and talk about everything from economic incentives, business development, and pandemic recovery to diversity.