WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

The City of Bloomington has finally released police body cam video of a racially fraught incident from last July involving an officer and two African American residents. We'll have a report on why the release took so long and analysis of what happened. Plus, WGLT's consideration of Black History month continues with the empowering effect of the movie Black Panther. Elementary classroom teachers in Unit 5 and District 87 tell you how they approach Black history education. Finally, the U-S

Trump adversary and GOP Representative Adam Kinzinger took to politics from childhood. Hear the origins of a Bloomington-Normal native son who has set foot on the national stage. Plus, hear from two U.S. Representatives from central Illinois. Rodney Davis talks on immigration reform. Darin LaHood opines on COVID vaccines. Finally, Unit 5 School District Superintendent Kristen Weikle says Governor's Pritzker's proposed steady funding of schools is, in effect, a cut.

The Bloomington City Council race in Ward 7 is crowded and some of the candidates say they're frustrated at the slow pace of change in city government. Hear a preview of next Tuesday's primary election. Plus, a Bloomington artist indulges in a little romance as the two halves of his nature entwine in a dance of new works. Central Illinois had a couple stops on the underground railroad; learn about one in a Black History Month interview. Finally, Bloomington Junior High Students continue to

Republican lawmakers are quick to point out what they see as flaws in Governor JB Pritzker's proposed budget. State Senator Sally Turner says the proposal doesn't address the root causes of the state fiscal pickle. Plus, Black history in Bloomington-Normal provides some uncomfortable moments. Hear from some unsung heroes of the pandemic in the twin cities. Finally, we bring you new music from the Bloomington-Normal hop hop artist known as V8 Vast Change.

The health of the nation depends on having pets in the White House? IWU Professor Ellen Furlong says after a four-year hiatus, it's a good thing the job of "first pet" has returned. Plus, Governor JB Pritzker unveils his budget proposal. Hear what's in it and what's not. Mayors and county leaders in central Illinois really don't like parts of the spending plan. African Americans and immigrants are not the only groups to receive increased targeted aggression in the last four years; there's a lot

Former Bloomington mayor Judy Markowitz leaves a huge legacy that affected the twin cities starting even in her youth during the founding Sister Cities exchange to Japan. Listen for a remembrance of the late Judy Markowitz and her impact on Bloomington-Normal. Plus, health officials fear many people won't get a Coronavirus vaccine even when it becomes widely available. Hear a report on vaccine hesitancy. The Normal Fire Department is resting up and repairing things after a brutally cold and busy

On today's episode, a staffer at Project Oz explains why we're seeing an increase in youths experiencing homelessness. Central Illinois superintendents react to an education reform bill headed to the governor's desk. Finally, a new episode of McHistory looks at the contributions of Black athletes to central Illinois basketball.

There are lots of reasons for a lack of African American physicians, racism, lack of economic opportunity, and access to education, but one African American Doctor in central Illinois says it's more than that. Listen for a report on Black men in white coats. Plus, TEDx events often have life wisdom for people and a TEDx Normal speaker is no exception, even though she's just 14. Hear a new recording from Bloomington singer-songwriter Brett Conlin. Finally, an old stage hand has a new role in the

It might be a good time for Rivian to become publicly traded, even before SUVs, trucks, and vans flow freely from the assembly line in Normal because experts say the market is pricing it like a technology company, not a car company. There are also risks that come with an initial public offering. Plus, the Immigration Project has opened a new welcoming center in Normal. Hear what it will offer. State Representative Dan Brady has a low opinion of requiring schools to consider cultural

Long term care facilities are having a tougher time combating pandemic isolation for residents this winter. Hear a report on keeping family contacts alive for Bloomington-Normal nursing home residents. Plus, a central Illinois lawmaker pushes for an expansion of trauma services in Illinois to help crime victims. For her it's a personal effort. You could be forgiven for thinking with all the books written about President Abraham Lincoln there wouldn't be a lot left to say. There's one more coming