WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

As State Farm makes big changes to its workforce, it's not just the Geicos and Progressives bringing competition to Bloomington's largest employer. State Farm vice president Laurette Stiles talks to GLT's Ryan Denham about emerging "insurtech" startups that are shaking up her industry. You'll also hear an in-depth report with industry watchers on the changing landscape...and how State Farm is reacting and adapting. And Laura Kennedy talks with the woman who has led the LIFE Center for

The Normal Cornbelters are among the many many minor league teams that will have to pay players more under a new federal law. Bryan Bloodworth reports. A treatise on change and justice from a south side Chicago community organizer. Charlene Carruthers talks with Judy Valente about getting the story straight about injustice. Carruthers is the graduation speaker for this year's Multicultural Leadership program in McLean County. And the importance of learning the history of Human Rights. Charlie

GLT’s Ryan Denham talks to Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner about street resurfacing, changes to city liquor laws, and downtown development. GLT’s Charlie Schlenker talks to McLean County Board Chair John McIntyre. And GLT’s Laura Kennedy previews the Arts Tech Film Festival at the Normal Theater.

GLT's Ryan Denham recaps the latest court filings in the Coliseum fraud case. Illinois political reporters discuss the latest entrant into the race for governor. GLT's Judy Valente talks to noted environmental writer Douglas Tallamy ahead of his Tuesday visit to Heartland Community College. And GLT's Jon Norton details the happy accidents that created Boston-based punk band OC45. They play at Nightshop this week.

A special broadcast of GLT’s environmental panel discussion, hosted by Mike McCurdy, at the Illinois Sustainable Living and Wellness Expo (ISLWE) at Illinois Wesleyan University. It was sponsored by the Illinois Wesleyan University Wellness Program and the Ecology Action Center.

A conversation about crime rates with Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner. Gun violence fell last year in the city of Bloomington, from 39 shootings in 2016 to 24 last year. Chief Heffner also talks about a rise in sexual assault reports and the rollout of body cameras. Plus, another student led anti-gun violence rally is coming in Normal. And, button, button, whose got the button?

Los Angeles Times editor Jim Kirk returns to his alma mater, Illinois State University, to talk about the media business in the age of trump. Local community leaders recap their trip to Rivian’s facility in Michigan. And a special rebroadcast of a 2008 interview with NPR newsman Carl Kasell, who died this week. Plus, GLT’s Grow with Laura Kennedy.

It's tax day...and the start of a series on the effect of the Trump tax bill. Bloomington's Andy Strenz is mixed about it. Listen to Ryan Denham's report as GLT follows four households through the tax year. It will be different as the new tax law begins to take hold. Meet a painter of presidents talk about the character he finds in their portraits. Judy Valente interviews Chas Fagan whose exhibit is at Eastland Mall. And Jon Norton tracks down a jazz dignitary playing at Illinois Wesleyan

It's a look at how the venerable Lincoln College is reinventing itself. President David Gerlach says they're succeeding by returning to 150 year old roots. Gerlach tells Ryan Denham that includes growth in Normal as well as Lincoln. You'll also hear from the incoming president of HCC. Charlie Schlenker talks with Keith Cornille who’s currently Executive Vice President and Chief Student Services Officer at Madison Area Technical College in Wisconsin. And the circus isn't coming to town. But

Connect Transit General Manager Isaac Thorne talks to GLT’s Charlie Schlenker about the future of his bus system and the prospects for a new downtown transfer center. Two lawyers preview next week’s employment law summit in Normal, including many headline-making issues facing businesses. And celebrity chef Roy Choi chats with GLT’s Laura Kennedy about his upcoming Illinois State University visit.