WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner reportedly tried to get multiple people to run for governor instead of him, even talking to potential substitutes as late as last summer, in the middle of the campaign. State Senator Jason Barickman finds this baffling. He tells Charlie Schlenker that's not the way the process works. More from Senator Barickman about the GOP recovery from Governor Rauner's four years. Plus, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra has its pops concert Friday night in Bloomington. Eric Stock

GLT's Ryan Denham talks to those who've preordered Rivian's vehicles over the past two weeks about what attracted them to the young electric automaker. Eric Stock interviews Travis Wilson, one of the candidates vying to succeed Alderman Diana Hauman on the Bloomington City Council. And IPR reports on changes to college admission applications and about the mysterious causes of deaths in Illinois prisons.

Economist Mike Doherty says the Bloomington Normal workforce is recovering to within shouting distance of its peak six years ago. Doherty takes us through Bloomington Normal by the numbers. Plus, Jon Norton talks with Blues Hot Thang Mathew Curry about a new direction for the homegrown guitar and vocal prodigy. And Mike McCurdy and Patrick Murphy delve into seasonal giving of house plants and matching greenery to the recipient's abilities to avoid killing the plant.

OSF Trauma Services Manager Julie Matson says the difference between a Level one Trauma Center and a level two center as in Bloomington Normal, is money, services, and staff. GLT's Ryan Denham reports on the costs and benefits of providing a Level One Trauma Center. Plus, junior high language arts teacher Susie Hutton shares part of her life in a Next to Normal Story Slam segment on how people resist changes, share them, and come to accept them. And Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner stops by.

Larry Carius of the Bloomington Normal Restaurant Season says it takes a lot for a successful business to build in a brand new location and close the old one. Hear more about Outback Steak House, and new restaurants opening on the Bloomington Normal Restaurant Scene. Plus, we say goodbye to a notable landscape artist in central Illinois who passed away over the weekend. Laura Kennedy has that archive interview. Laura also gives us a different artist profile, a photographer who looks at landscape

GLT's Ryan Denham and Mary Cullen dig into speeding tickets in Bloomington-Normal and find local police departments approach enforcement very differently. Eric Stock talks to experts about why the Mikey Cadena custody case has gone viral. Jon Norton previews the Bottle Rockets' show at the Castle Theatre. And IPR's Brian Mackey marks 10 years since Rod Blagojevich's arrest.

You'll hear from a 20-year-old Illinois State University who's running for Normal Town Council. GLT's Charlie Schlenker talks to ISU President Larry Dietz about his work on Gov.-elect JB Pritzker's transition team. The McLean County Chamber of Commerce's top lobbyist weighs in on the potential for legalized marijuana in Illinois. And GLT's Grow talks about forest management and wildfires.

Most people consider Illinois a blue state, given its voting history. But, not State Senator Bill Brady. Brady talks with GLT's Ryan Denham about GOP lessons learned from the political campaign...and what's next for the General Assembly. Plus, Mary Cullen reports on the opioid crisis and how Chestnut health systems is trying to better coordinate services for addicts. Eric Stock takes a look at the new makeup of the McLean County Board. And Mayor Chris Koos of Normal drops by to talk city council

There are so few mental health resources in Bloomington Normal people stop looking for help. GLT's Mary Cullen reports on how health leaders are trying to help kids with mental health issues. Plus, GLT's Ryan Denham files his final piece of the week about the L-A Auto Show and Rivian Automotive's launch of two vehicles. He talks with the people behind the product. Eric Stock questions Stan Nord as part of the GLT series of interviews of Normal Town Council Candidates. And Welcome to Splendora..

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos wants more protections for the accused in campus student sexual misconduct cases. ISU Title Nine Coordinator Tony Walesby says it's a work in progress. Walesby tells GLT's Eric Stock about proposed new guidelines for handling sexual harassment. Plus, Mary Cullen shares a complex and tragic story of a depressed young woman, multiple waiting lists, a lack of doctors, and a lack of hope for change. Ryan Denham continues his reporting from the LA Auto Show. And Jon