WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

The thrash of shootings in Bloomington last year is being blamed on so-called "hybrid" gang members." Police Chief Brendon Heffner says those younger gang members are not just a problem for police. GLT's Charlie Schlenker talks with the police chief about the semi-beneficial role of Orthodox gangs in suppressing street violence. Plus, hear about the Body Cam Pilot Program and possible immigration enforcement. There are steps to get your pets in harmony with your landscape. Patrick Murphy checks

It's been five years since Unit 5 schools saw re-districting. Hear about the school district redistricting process. Superintendent Mark Daniel says it's time to start the process again. Daniel goes in-depth on redistricting during an interview with GLT's Charlie Schlenker. Willis Kern talks with an Illinois State University graduate who helped build a modest Illinois company into a world-wide leader in the household product dispenser industry. Steve Hagge was the keynote speaker during Illinois

Hear about the Indivisible Movement in central Illinois. Organizers including Dante Lotzen, with Indivisible 13, say the era of politics is over. Efforts in the 13th and 18th congressional districts have simply been requested dialogue with constituents. Congressman Darin LaHood and Rodney Davis have not responded. Plus, what happens when the rallies are over and the banners come down on immigration reform? What is daily life like for immigrants try to establish home places? Also, listen about

Political speeches at award shows are nothing new, and this season has been especially spicy. Are they appropriate? GLT's Culture Maven, Shari Zeck, talks with Laura Kennedy about political speeches at the Oscars and readies you for some "Trump Talk" from the stage on Sunday. Get a peek at a new exhibit documenting the long rivalry between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs. Also, discover how a bike ride across Death Valley can fight climate change. We'll hear from a couple of

Bloomington wants to end its 30 year west-side tax zone deal with Normal. Charlie Schlenker has an in-depth report with representatives of both sides. The community's chief economic developer is in the studio to weigh in. You'll hear from Kyle Ham, CEO of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council. Also, Illinois State University President Larry Dietz talks about higher education funding and the search for a new vice president as well as new university trustees.

Find out how to reduce Illinois' burgeoning prison population and help those released successfully reenter society. Former McLean County Chief Judge Elizabeth Robb talks with GLT's Judy Valente about her work on the governor's commission on criminal justice and sentencing reform. Willis Kern talks with the first of two Democratic challengers to announce a campaign against Governor Bruce Rauner. Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar spoke in Normal. Also, Jon Norton catches up with the band Old Shoe that

As the clock ticks toward the loss of 21 soccer fields on airport land, the debate about what to do intensifies. GLT Correspondent Colleen Reynolds talks with the players in this community discussion. Some are for and some against a multi-million dollar, multi-sports complex. Unit Five Superintendent Mark Daniel is accepting praise from the governor for dual credit programs, but says the district would have been offering them anyway. Charlie Schlenker has our regular interview with the school

Downtown revitalization figured strongly in answers during the GLT Bloomington Mayoral candidates forum. Willis Kern hosted the forum, broadcast live.

While you overdose on leftover Valentine's Day chocolate, keep in mind chocolate actually goes back centuries. It was even a form of currency. Charlie Schlenker talks with an Illinois State University anthropologist about the evolution of chocolate. It's the 50th anniversary of a play based on Shakespeare's Hamlet . Hear from the director of Illinois State University's production of Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead . Also, get caught up on dining out in Bloomington Normal. You'll hear

Famed actor and Illinois State University alumni Jane Lynch made her mark in the Christopher Guest movie parodies of the folk music and dog show worlds: “A Mighty Wind” and “Best in Show.” Charlie Schlenker has the interview with Lynch who may be best known for the TV show Glee . Lynch will get an honorary degree on Thursday . Hear from the granddaughter of the founder of the Catholic Worker Movement. Judy Valente talks with Kate Hennessy who has written a new memoir about her mother and her