WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

The closure of Macy's in Eastland Mall is a symbol of retail upheaval nationwide according to Bloomington City Council candidates in wards one, five, and seven. Willis Kern hosted the live broadcasted forum.

McLean County residents are hesitant to invest in new transportation technology and have made it clear in a recent survey, maintain the current road network before expanding it. Mike McCurdy talks with McLean County Regional Planning Commission Transportation Planner Jennifer Sicks and said less sprawl means less expansion of the transportation network. Find out what happens when a woman has to make a choice between putting food on the table for her family or buying feminine hygiene products.

Hear our regular conversation with Mayor Tari Renner. City Manager David Hales may be looking for a job. You'll hear Renner’s reaction. Hales was a finalist for a job in Racine WI. Mayor Renner also talks about fire response times, the city’s audit, and the coliseum. Dr. David Gill is one of the speakers at a Stand Up For Justice Rally on the lawn of the Bloomington Center for the Performing arts Tuesday evening. He’s also running against 13 th District Congressman Rodney Davis. Hear what he

The district 87 school tax rate is dropping slightly and superintendent Barry Reilly is more optimistic than you might think. The superintendent talks with GLT’s Charlie Schlenker about growth in the Bloomington Normal tax base over the last several years. Hear about an expanded role for the West Bloomington Revitalization Project. The WBRP has purchased new property and will soon open a Bicycle Co-op. Willis Kern has the interview. And Judy Valente talks with actor John O’Hurley – on stage as

Sexual assault victims and senior citizens that use a program at the YWCA continue to be at the mercy of dwindling state funds. During "Streched Thinner," YWCA's Liz German gives an update on financial problems caused by the state budget impasse. Plus, check in with the head of Children's Home and Aid in the twin cities with Lisa Piper. Rickielee Benecke, the head of Advocacy and Development for Life, and Diane Shultz of the Baby Fold together paint the not-so-pretty picture that will most

The GOP proposal to replace the Affordable Care Act would give blot grants to states fro Medacaid dramatically changing that entitlement. An Illinois Wesleyan University political scientist agrees with Democrats that it would be a slow poison to the Medacaid program. Greg Shaw talks with GLT's Charlie Schlenker about the proposals impact to the old, young, and low income. After the MetroZone dispute, can soccer be the issue that brings Bloomington and Normal back together again. Hear what one

Illinois State University is not technically a "sanctuary campus," but professors have formed an organization to offer support for undocumented students and their families. You'll hear Judy Valente's conversation with Professor Beth Hatt and Maura Toro-Morn. Illinois State University's President Larry Dietz gives a budget update including the latest push by state Democrats to force a compromise. Also, the unlikely mash-up of hip hop, R&B, bluegrass, and rock with the violin has been a huge

Hear how the town and the city might move past the "he said she said" phase of the Metro Zone dispute. The town council discussed it at their Monday meeting. Hear what Major Chris Koos said about where the community goes from here and about the new town budget. Discover how nature and found materials meet in the art of Bill Conger. Laura Kennedy walks through the latest exhibit with the artist. We remember BPCA Director Tina Salamone; she passed away unexpectedly Monday. Judy Valente has the

The Catholic church is receiving renewed criticism over its handling of sexual abuse allegations after a member of an international commission resigned in protest. Hear from Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke who served on a similar United States commission. GLT's Judy Valente has the interview with Justice Burke. The McLean County Behavioral Health Coordinating Council is now about a year old. Get an update from the McLean County Board Chair on steps to address mental health needs in the

President Trump wants local law enforcement agencies to take on a greater immigration policy role. McLean County Sheriff John Sandage says he's not expecting changes. Sandage thinks border cities will manifest most of President Trump's deportation efforts. The sheriff updates the situation. Hear about efforts to bring greater diversity to labor unions. Judy Valente talks with Alvis Martin, who is the chief lobbyist for the Chicago Laborer's Union. He spoke this week at Illinois State University.