WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

The pastor of one of Bloomington-Normal's largest congregations ignited controvesy in 2017 with a sermon that criticized non-traditional families and suggested homosexuality is a choice. The pushback to Pastor Mike Baker of Eastview Christian Church was one of the top stories listened to on GLT this year. Others include the investigative series Landlord V Tenant, The struggle to improve police and resident relations with a Citizen Review Board, Criminal Charges against former Bloomington

Bluegrass legend Sam Bush was not all that enchanted when he was growing up on a farm. He was interested in hanging around and riding his bike with the kids in town. But, now he's grateful for that farm and work centered upbringing. Bush tells GLT's Jon Norton he is fortunate his parents supported Bush's music. Hear about the year in central Illinois music with Sam Bush, the Henhouse Prowlers, the Something Brothers, Sarah Qua, and more.

George Thorogood got his start in accoustic blues, though he's better known for a rockin blues electric sound. But, Thorogood says he's not unique. Listen to George Thorogood return to his roots as well as Black Violin, Chicago Farmer, John Till, and more in a Sound Ideas review of music in central Illinois in 2017.

Could new DNA evidence, including so-called "touch DNA," exonerate Barton McNeil in the 1998 murder of his 3-year-old daughter, Christina? The exclusive podcast Suspect Convictions continues. Find out what GLT's Culture Maven thinks of the new "Star Wars" film. It raked in more than $536 million in the first week. And we asked for your holiday traditions and you delivered. GLT's Ryan Denham shares some of the best ones, including a few you might want to steal for yourself.

Continuing a trend begun last spring in Normal Township elections, more first-time women candidates are running as Democrats for McLean County office. GLT's Judy Valente talks with county board candidates Elizabeth Johnston and Sharon Chung. Ryan Denham tracks down and talks with two central Illinois Congressman in the middle of voting on the GOP tax overhaul bill. And student Reporter Baylee Steelman takes a look at holiday need.

There is a long list of political misdeeds. But, what's happening today might not come off well compared to historically scummy times. ISU Political Scientist Nancy Lind is the co-author of the new book Corruption: Accountability and Discretion. looking at how corruption impacts the public and policy makers. Laura Kennedy talks with her and co-author Cara Rabe-Hemp. Hear from those in favor and those against a welcoming cities ordinance, speaking at the Bloomington City Council meeting. The

The issue of same sex marriage has torn apartment one of Bloomington's most prominent Protestant congregations. GLT's Judy Valente reports on why more than a hundred members have left St. John's Lutheran Church, and the lessons it holds for other Protestant denominations. Hear from two members of the newly seated Bloomington Public Safety and Community Relations Board. It’s an effort to keep Bloomington from becoming the next Ferguson, Missouri. Ryan Denham has the interview. And it’s a check in

Hear listeners to the podcast Suspect Convictions pose questions to man convicted of murdering his daughter, including the question of how Barton McNeil's attorneys performed their duties. It's an episode called "Ask Bart" in our continuing presentation of the podcast Suspect Convictions. Hear from Bloomington-Normal native and U-High grad who worked as a visual effects coordinator on the new Star Wars film. And get a preview of this weekend’s Illinois Symphony Orchestra performance. Charlie

Unit Five administrators are facing increasing mental health issues among elementary children with alarm. Superintendent Mark Daniel tells GLT's Charlie Schlenker even two or three troubled children per building can change a school environment. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin talks with Ryan Denham about the Alabama election, the GOP tax bill, and more. And Laura Kennedy delves into keeping political conversation civil during the holidays.

Green Top Grocery opened to high expectations after five years of effort to get it up and running. Green Top's Melanie Shellito and General Manager Michael Pennington talk with GLT's Ryan Denham about what remains to be accomplished. Hear how Illinois State University might be able to fill a gap in cybersecurity jobs. And Mayor Tari Renner is in the studio. He talks about a tax increase for the library, a tax increase off the table, and how all of it affects the next in the red budget.