WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

Rivian is making a splash at the LA Auto Show. How are EV and autonomous vehicle experts reacting to their pickup and SUV launch? EV industry watcher Chelsea Sexton says the price is a challenge, while other factors look good for Rivian. Chelsea Sexton and others tell GLT's Ryan Denham what they think of Rivian's big debut. Plus, Laura Kennedy reports on a haunting and poetic film exhibit at the Illinois State University Galleries. Patrick Murphy and Mike McCurdy talk about feeding wildlife as

Stars came out to play as Rivian Automotive unveiled its new pickup at a glitzy event in Griffith Observatory in L.A., among them singer Rihanna. Mayor Chris Koos of Normal was there too and says Rivian has come a long way from the first look the town had at their financials. Ryan Denham reports from LA that backing includes a Saudi Conglomerate and a British bank, among others. Plus, Mary Cullen gets feedback from Unit Five Superintendent Mark Daniel about teacher frustrations at a lack of

Zero to sixty miles an hour in three seconds. 800 Horsepower. Rivian Automotive CEO RJ Scaringe is understandably proud of the startup electric vehicle company's rollout of its pickup truck. GLT's Ryan Denham is at the LA Auto Show for the Rivian rollout. Plus, GLT's Eric Stock visits with Normal Town Council Candidate Pat Turner about her run for office. Correspondent Laura Kennedy reports on a new approach to the holiday show at the McLean County Arts Center. And Jon Norton prrofiles Americana

Soon to retire McLean County Administrator Bill Wasson talks with GLT's Eric Stock about the jail addition, the new county budget and what's next for McLean County with an overhauled governing board. Laura Kennedy reports on a new approach to the holiday show at the McLean County Arts Center. Mike McCurdy and Patrick Murphy investigate Christmas trees.

GLT News examines autonomous vehicles. Illinois transportation leaders want communities who will be willing to test driverless cars. Ryan Denham talks with Matt McAnarney, the lead project manager for IDOT's automated and connected vehicle initiative and with Ryan Gammelgard, one of State Farm's top voices on autonomous vehicles. He's a lawyer doing public policy work for the Bloomington-based insurer. Mary Cullen reports on how Bloomington Normal residents perceive autonomous vehicles. Eric

When an out-of-town developer comes to Normal, Council candidate Joel Studebaker says the promises of property tax revenue and construction jobs can be attractive, but he'd like to avoid them. Normal Town Council candidate Joel Studebaker talks to GLT's Ryan Denham about his concerns over the town's economic development strategy. Plus, some worms can sense magnetic fields. An ISU researcher is finding practical uses for that interesting fact. Ryan Denham talks with Andres Vidal-Gadea. The

GLT's Eric Stock talks to Karyn Smith about why she's running for Normal Town Council in the April 2019 election. Hear an exit interview with Paul Segobiano, who's served on the McLean County Board for nearly 50 years. And GLT's Jon Norton previews a Bowie and Queen-infused Silver Ball fundraiser at the Castle Theatre.

GLT's Mary Cullen talks to the student entrepreneurs whose business plans turned heads at Illinois State University's Startup Showcase. Eric Stock talks to the United Way of McLean County's CEO about its shift toward youth poverty and violence. And hear from two diverse voices in music -- one who leans into sadness, the other an expert on crossing cultural boundaries.

GLT's Ryan Denham recaps his behind-the-scenes visit to the Rivian engineering and design hub outside Detroit. Eric Stock talks to District 87 superintendent Barry Reilly. Laura Kennedy sends us an audio postcard from a new program at the Children's Discovery Museum, and she previews the 2019 season of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. And Jon Norton puts on some Groovement ahead of their Jazz UpFront show on Saturday night.

Human beings get scared sometimes. The Next to Normal story slam explores frightening situations or experiences. Hear a harrowing tale of getting home late at night from the wilds of New York City, a ghost story from the south, and a strange and confusing trip through the University of Illinois campus.