WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

Illinois State University spokesperson Eric Jome explains the decision to close the dorms and shift to online classes because of the coronavirus. Plus, WGLT's Jon Norton talks to a Bloomington-Normal native who's returned for a stand-up set at Nightshop.

The workforce in the insurance industry is getting younger. And companies are struggling to find workers. Greg Jacobson from the Chicago-based Jacobson Group tells you about the insurance labor market. Bloomington Normal retirement communities are like everyone else in planning for the arrival of the Coronavirus, except with more urgency because older people are more vulnerable. Healthcare facilities are saying Coronavirus challenges are not just from a potential flood of people in respiratory

McLean County health leader look back to 2009 for an indication of what the area might face this year with the Coronavirus. Health Department Assistant Director Kathy Coverston Anderson says remember H1N1? Yeah, could be like that. Plus, women get over looked in many fields not just politics....Ryan Denham reports it happens even in toy making. How a Serbian native and woman overcame doubt to crash the male dominated blues music scene. Eric Stock reports on proposals to fill the gap in police

Regional Superintendent of Schools Mark Jontry games out school district procedures as the Coronavirus edges in. Plus, you will hear a story of a Coronavirus caused shortage. Dawn Dannenbring of Illinois People's Action tells you about efforts to green the future economy, the clean energy jobs act which would create 13 regional jobs centers. The Chair of the McLean County Republican Party tells you why she is vaccine hesitant. And Bloomington Normal Democratic women express grief and fury at the

State Farm is far from the only insurance company to get out of banking. The one-stop-shopping convergence strategy never lived up to its promise industry-wide. Economist Steve Weisbart of the Insurance Information Institute looks at industry trends as State Farm gets rid of its bank. Plus, a fact check of tax increase campaign claims in the Dan Brady - David Blumenshine State House Primary race. Learn what Democratic 13th District Congressional candidate Stephanie Smith wants to see in

A Bloomington City Council member pitches for a new sick-leave policy that doesn't let workers accumulate as much time. Plus, a former farmer creates a mobile play space for kids. And WGLT's Jon Norton previews a local jazz show happening Friday.

McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage takes issue with the Governor's proposal to eliminate cash bail. Sandage and other law enforcement leaders say there are other ways to address problems identified by the Governor. Plus, the Democratic Candidates for McLean County Board in District 8 tell you why you should vote for them. Peoria musician Jared Grabb talks about how his love of art and music affect his work on stage. And WGLT's gardening podcast Grow explores the reasons for the rising price of

Partisanship seems to increase even on the McLean County Board, but one candidate says you can prevent a breakdown of comity and dialog. Democratic County Board candidate George Gordon takes his turn during political candidates week on Sound Ideas. Plus, two McLean County School districts are asking voters for tax increases for building projects. The U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois talks about the techno arms race in child exploitation and pornography. And the redeveloper of

A new law to make court fines and fees fairer has the unintended consequence of removing the revenue source for state required police training. Police Departments have to eat the cost for now. Police Chief Rick Bleichner of Normal says it's not clear how or who can fix the issue. Plus, it's political candidate interview week on WGLT. Republican primary McLean County Auditor challenger Tricia Malott is up first. Democratic Presidential Candidate Elizabeth Warren has a connection to Bloomington

It's possible to live a full life with HIV in central Illinois, but challenges include a lack of specialists in Bloomington Normal. Pam Briggs of Positive Health Solutions says it's tough for some to get a treatment plan if they can't get to the only HIV specialty clinic in the region - in Peoria. Plus, some business owners in Bloomington are grumbling about the way video gambling licenses are handed out and their place in line for a limited number of licenses. Laura Kennedy has got a horse