WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

Find out what an Illinois State University scholar has to say about the influence on Millennials of the of the first Harry Potter book, debuting 20 years ago. The entire series had great success. Hear how the Cinderella tale of The Boy Who Lived taught a generation of fans to stand up for their beliefs. There are only a few more days until the end of the spring legislative session and it looks as though the General Assembly is edging nearer a budget. Learn more during an edition of the IPR

It's a report on a new diversity hiring program in Bloomington. The NAACP's Quincy Cummings says it came about following a Freedom of Information Act request. Hear how the city may hire staff to be more reflective of Bloomington's racial diversity. Ryan Denham reports. A youth soccer league is launching a fundraising campaign for new fields. GLT Correspondent Colleen Reynolds talks with a Illinois Fire Juniors board member about what it could take to move from Community Fields owned by the

Finding the middle on gun control is not easy. Joe Miller of Central Illinois Precision shooting says the media are full of the extremes on the gun issue. GLT's Ryan Denham also talks with young shooters about what they find fulfilling in using guns. Plus, ISU Galleries Director Barry Blinderman is stepping down after decades of helping shape the twin cities arts scene. Laura Kennedy has more. And Jon Norton talks with the Poster Children, out with a new album after more than a decade away for

Normal Police Pension Board Member Mark Kotte acknowledges the the pension fund has about half the assets it needs instead of the 90 percent mandated. GLT's Ryan Denham reports on the policy debate for pension fixes: consolidate or deregulate. Hear how medical cannabis can be good for your…pets. Laura Kennedy has more during an edition of Animal House. And Town of Normal Mayor Chris Koos is in the studio to talk about outdoor dining in Uptown and the pilot project approved by the council.

Heartland Alliance researcher Katie Buitrago (BOO-trah-go) says the poverty rate in McLean County is misleadingly low because that does not take into account a living wage. GLT's Judy Valente reports children and women have far higher poverty rates. Hear from the State Farm Vice President for Strategic Resouces. Laurette Stiles' examines external cometitive pressures, and trends to provide company leaders guidance of future direction. GLT's Ryan Denham has the interview. And during an edition of

Bloomington Parks and Recreation Director Jay Tetzloff has dreams for O'Neil Pool, big dreams. Ryan Denham tours the aging O'Neil pool with Tetzloff and talks about the future of the facility. Hear from the Women of Distinction Keynote speaker, who was American Airlines Vice President for Diversity during 9/11. Di Ann Sanchez, who continues to provide diversity training, had to diffuse mistrust and hatred toward Mulsims at American Airlines after the attack. And Charlie Schlenker talks with the

John Stark is in his first year as the Artistic Director of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival and the Chicago Tribune ranks the festival number one in summer must see events. Nothing like pressure! More on the summer season with Laura Kennedy. Plus, Ryan Denham looks at the competitive pressures State Farm Insurance is facing. Plus, the Blues and roots music of Samantha Fish is refreshing and varied. Jon Norton has more. And it's GLT's Grow.

Hear about the drug sometimes called synthetic marijuana or spice. Twenty year-old Alejandro is an addict who says the drug is nothing like marijuana. GLT's Ryan Denham reports on the deadly spike in spice deaths in central Illinois. Charlie Schlenker talks with a longtime central Illinois TV host who gets to sleep in. For years, Garry Moore was the first news staffer on the job and on the air at WEEK-TV. And Mayor Tari Renner is in studio. He'll answer questions about about early council

Democratic Congressional Candidate Betsy Dirksen Londrigan says GOP claims of success with the tax bill are misplaced. Ryan Denham talks with Dirksen Londrigan about her campaign against incumbent Congressman Rodney Davis in the 13th district. Get an update from Normal’s top cop on a body cam pilot project. The project is coming to an end and Chief Rick Bleichner talks with CS about what’s next. And you’ll meet singer-songwriter David Berchtold. He talks with GLT’s Jon Norton just before his

Hotel and Lodging Association head Ray Ceresa says the average room rate in Bloomington Normal is now below 90 bucks a night. Even slight declines make a difference. Ryan Denham talks with Ceresa about the dismal hotel occupancy rate. Can the Illinois General Assembly pass a budget. Former governor Jim Edgar thinks so. Find out what Bloomington State Senator Jason Barickman thinks. Charlie Schlenker has the interview. And there's no shortage of material for the Capital Steps musical, political