WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

Downtown Bloomington task force chair Amelia Buragas talks about her group’s final report and its recommendations. GLT’s Laura Kennedy interviews the author of a fascinating new history of Illinois State University. And GLT Correspondent Bryan Bloodworth interviews a brother and sister who’ve emerged as stars for the Redbird Athletics program.

Astronaut Joseph Acaba aboard the International Space Station chats with kids in Normal at Chiddix Junior High, via ham radio. Plus, community players latest musical comedy offering, Sweet Megg and the Wayfarers play in Bloomington, and the Mayor of Bloomington pays a visit after a city council rebuke.

There’s affordable housing in Bloomington-Normal. But not everyone can afford it and the quality of the affordable housing is sometimes poor. GLT’s Judy Valente talks with Executive Director of the McLean County Regional Planning commission and others as we follow up on our Landlord V Tenant series. You’ll also find out what happened to one tenant who was having problems with her housing and landlord. It’s been a turbulent few weeks for Moesha Tyner and her family as they had to find a new home.

A special rebroadcast of GLT’s entire Landlord v. Tenant 4-part investigative series. GLT’s Judy Valente explores low-income housing issues in Bloomington-Normal.

How we get our news is changing. Some consumers say they want unfiltered news. So what happens when they get it? GLT's Ryan Denham talks with Mark Embry, the creator of a popular local Facebook group where news and controversy go hand in hand. Democratic candidate for governor JB Pritzker is in the studio. Hear what he thinks of his opponents, Illinois' economy-and how to boost it, and how downstate communities and McLean County factor into his campaign strategy. And Jon Norton catches up with

Ceramic faces are on display in three local nature centers, telling a visual history of the Illinois prairie. GLT correspondent Bryan Bloodworth reports on the future of the Normal CornBelters baseball team. GLT’s Judy Valente talks to an Illinois State University professor about a new Center for a Sustainable Water Future. And we preview two exhibits at the McLean County Arts Center.

It’s a conversation with Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner about guns and kids. Many downstate cities say they are dealing with more minors with guns committing crimes. Heffner talks with GLT's Ryan Denham about striking the right balance for punishment. Town of Normal City Manager Mark Peterson is in the studio and talks about a sales tax rebate deal approved by council for a shopping center, how those deals come together, and why he thinks they’re good for the town. And find out if the

Governor Bruce Rauner has criticized the number of taxing bodies in the state. But, a McLean County League of Women Voters study shows they are at least working well. The League's Sally Rudolph also says there are challenges ahead for small governments in the area. Charlie Schlenker has the interview. Hear about the challenges in hiring more minority teachers. You’ll hear from District 87 Schools Superintendent Barry Reilly. And ISU’s Homecoming is getting underway. Laura Kennedy gets up you to

Singer Wayne Messmer joins GLT’s Jon Norton for an interview as he visits his alma mater, Illinois Wesleyan University. McLean County Chamber of Commerce CEO Charlie Moore talks about a field trip to Arkansas to investigate a possible multi-sport complex in Bloomington-Normal. A local university hires a new coach for its emerging competitive video gaming team. And District 87 Barry Reilly talks about lower-than-expected costs for a Bloomington High School renovation project.

The basics cost a lot, especially when you don’t have money. Robert Bosquez and Ryan Heeren with the WBRP's Tool Library talk the Bed Blitz program, providing beds to children who don’t have one. Hear about a big effort to makes sure every bed gets a quilt. You’ll hear the music of Magpie Salute, birds of a feather, led by a founding member of the Black Crowes, making music together at the Castle Theater. And during an edition of grow, discover just the right amount of garden decorations to make