WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

Pandemic-caused delays in the census will also push back the dates for legislative redistricting. State Senator Jason Barickman also talks about the state budget deficit. Central Illinois musician Cindy Youngren didn't start out to make a flamenco album, but then an improv session grew into Tambora. Unit 5 School District Superintendent Kristen Weikle reacts to the new education reform bill passed by lawmakers without much input from, well, educators. Finally, find out how you move a two-week

Central Illinois musician Cindy Youngren didn't start out to make a flamenco album; an improv session grew into TAMBORA. Plus, Unit 5 School District Superintendent Kristen Weikle reacts to the new education reform bill passed by lawmakers without much input from, well, educators. The mystery and power of masks is central to a new twin cities art exhibit, and find out how you move a two-week yogathon to a COVID-safe setting.

They call it the David Davis Mansion in Bloomington, but the finger prints on the building are really those of Davis's son George. Author Marcia Young has a new book that looks at 150 years of the historic landmark. Plus, the reviews of President Biden's inaugural speech are in. We'll bring you a couple from McLean County. Learn about the term hashjacking and how it's hurting some human service programs, and there's a new effort to develop racially sensitive programs.

Bloomington-Normal saw an average number of shootings last year, even though neighboring communities and the nation as a whole saw a jump. Hear a report on gun violence in the twin cities. Plus, some social justice advocates have trouble forging ahead during the pandemic. Hear how they are keeping the faith. The first batch of cannabis conviction expungements is through the system in Illinois. It is part of the deal to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. The impact for some whose records

Auto insurers and automakers are going to have to work together to navigate the brave new world of self-driving cars. But there's a catch; the automakers try to protect proprietary info. Rand Corporation researcher Karlyn Stanley explains on why data-sharing is Priority Number One on the road to automation. Plus, an old junior high school has become affordable housing for seniors in Bloomington-Normal. Colleen Reynolds tells you about the innovative redesign that includes chalkboards and keeps

The Alan Beaman wrongful conviction case is back to the state Supreme Court for a third time. Hear the arguments about suing the Town of Normal police officers. Plus, Bloomington Schools' Superintendent Barry Reilly tells you how the district is preparing for the spring semester. Get an update on a Coronavirus saliva test program that ISU hopes to start very soon, and arts correspondent Laura Kennedy brings you paintings splashed with color that embrace memories and motherhood.

You know the hotel business is bad when a massive power outage is a good thing. The head of the Hotel-Motel association says a recent blackout brought in 900 utility workers to Bloomington-Normal to make repairs. Six Bloomington-Normal hotels have received new state emergency pandemic relief. Plus, hear why diversity among judges matters, as McLean County gets its first African American judge and first African American woman judge. The McLean County Democratic Party gets a new chair, and the

As society prepares for more electric vehicles, it will have to design charging infrastructures and decide how to pay for the electricity used. The Illinois Commerce Commission says electric utilities have a seat at the E-V table. Plus, find out who has clout and who doesn't in selecting a new state senator to replace Bill Brady. Hear why a significant number of healthcare workers in Bloomington Normal don't want to get the Coronavirus vaccine. And a bitter irony from the pandemic; some gay men

State Senate seats like the one Bill Brady just quit, don't open up that often. Hear from the Republican County Party Chair who controls the largest chunk of the vote to replace Brady. Plus, law enforcement and prosecutors say they are none too keen on a sweeping new criminal justice reform bill that has dropped in the legislature. Nursing home operators say it is nearly impossible to keep the Coronavirus out of facilities in McLean County. And a Bloomington Normal drummer has a new advice book

The small town lawyer is becoming a thing of the past. In more than half of all Illinois Counties there are fewer than ten practicing attorneys. Hear how to chip away at the shortage of rural lawyers. Plus, Illinois State University scholars take a fresh dark look at bleak world of sex and violence, Noir fiction. And the new ISU Athletic Director lays out plans to advance his program. There's no subscription fee to listen or read our stories. Everyone can access this essential public service