WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

An Illinois Issues forum on the problems facing the state of Illinois and possible solutions to them. This forum took place in Rockford.

GLT's Ryan Denham goes over some frequently asked questions about dissolving the Bloomington Election Commission. Eric Stock talks to a Mothers Against Drunk Driving advocate about the upcoming Saturation Saturday campaign. Mary Cullen visits the new Epiphany Farms restaurant in downtown Bloomington. And meet another storyteller from the Next to Normal Story Slam.

Laurel Sutton founder of the naming company Catchword says finding a name for your new business might be the toughest part of any startup. Ryan Denham reports on the quirks of the business name game. Plus, State Senator Jason Barickman says he's encouraged by republicans coming together and can see a path to victory for Governor Rauner, though the Governor has to do more than bash house speaker Mike Madigan. County Board Chair John McIntyre talks with Eric Stock about naming a new state's

Erika Harold says the last thing Illinois needs is another attorney general who will do the bidding of environmental activists. The Republican talks to GLT's Ryan Denham about comments to a coal energy conference in southern Illinois and her plans to fight public corruption. Plus, Jeff Crabill says he's running for Alderman in Bloomington's 8th ward, setting up a contest with Josh Barnett. And Don Knapp is the new McLean County State's Attorney. Eric Stock reports.

Illinois Issues Forum on solutions for the State of Illinois. IPR hosts a panel discussion from Alton about the problems facing the state, and potential remedies, supported in part by AARP of Illinois.

Skipping School, GLT's series on the teacher shortage, wraps up with a look at how children and culture are changing, and how that's making the job harder for teachers. Ryan Denham talks to ag historian Don Meyer about his upcoming Illinois Bicentennial Speaker Series talk in Springfield. And Jon Norton previews upcoming performances from Chicago bluesman Billy Branch and Mali-born Cheick Hamala Diabate.

Normal Community High School Special Ed teacher Claire Rybarczyk says constant changes in teaching models overwhelm many educators. Part 3 of GLT's Skipping School series focuses on how the role of a teacher has changed in recent years, and the stress it creates. Plus, the legendary singer Aretha Franklin has died. Jon Norton has an appreciation. Bloomington Alderman Karen Schmidt wants a sixth term. And it's GLT's Grow.

GLT's Skipping School series continues with a look at how teachers make ends meet, and the obstacles to raising teacher starting salaries. Mary Cullen talks to an Illinois State University professor about her research into helicopter parenting and political engagement. Eric Stock introduces you to the candidates to become McLean County's new state's attorney. And Jon Norton previews a documentary about jazz musician Thelonious Monk showing Friday at the Normal Theater.

Illinois is trying to stop a teacher shortage, and teachers leaving the state is only part of the problem. Derek Sieg and other former teachers talk about why they left the profession -- and what school districts and policymakers can do to stop it. It's the first of a 4-part series this week on Sound Ideas about the teacher shortage. Plus, Planned Parenthood of Illinois decides it might as well be hung for being a sheep as a lamb. Mary Cullen interviews a Planned Parenthood leader ahead of the

A special rebroadcast of the GLT Community Conversation about local journalism in the era of fake news. Panelists include Illinois State University alum Jim Kirk (former editor of the Chicago Sun-Times and Los Angeles Times), GLT News Director Charlie Schlenker, Pantagraph Editor Mark Pickering, WJBC News Director Katherine Murphy, and Illinois News Broadcasters Association President (and TV-10 educator) Laura Trendle Polus. The Aug. 8 event was moderated by GLT Program Director Mike McCurdy.