WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

Donald Trump narrowly defeated Hillary Clinton in McLean County 45 to 44 percent, but his support in the rural areas was solid. You'll hear from two McLean County Trump voters, Brandon Hepner and Brian Taylor, who say there are things about Trump they don't like, but more importantly, his election signals a new wave of conservatism. Adam Nielsen with the Illinois Farm Bureau says the new Congress presents some new opportunities to create a nuanced immigration system. ISU's football team is

President-elect Trump has proposed a trillion-dollars in infrastructure spending. The question is how to pay for all of it. Find out what one central Illinois congressman is thinking when the bill comes due. Central Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis talks funding options with Charlie Schlenker. The Town of Normal is raising property taxes to fund pensions. Mayor Chris Koos is in the studio to talk about that and brewery tap rooms. And just in time for Thanksgiving, our recommendations for films

Downtown Bloomington's Abundant Life in Christ Church is expanding its offerings for the homeless to include the very needy. Pastor Charles Ahrens tells Willis Kern low-income residents living in and near downtown are the fastest growing group now served at the Church. Hear what Habitat for Humanity of McLean County is building for itself after years of building for others. And hear from the founding members of the band Poster Children, currently doing some reunion gigs…while mentoring another

We've heard many anecdotes of worried immigrant, minority, and religiously diverse children following the vitriolic Presidential campaign. They are in Bloomington Normal too. Hear from NCHS government teacher Kelly Keogh about how he's had to help kids since the election, defusing fear of deportation and other issues. Plus, the Illinois Symphony orchestra plays holiday pops with the second of its Music Director candidates, folksinger Carrie Newcomer has new work out, an uplifting take of life

Hear from one of the four announced candidates for Bloomington Mayor. Ward 1 Alderman Kevin Lower says he's running because the current administration isn't focused on the needs of city residents. Lower discusses city spending, economic incentives, and all of those “no” votes. Laura Kennedy talks with the photographer behind the new collection of landscapes called “A Prairie State of Mind.” And Jon Norton goes one on one with Edward David Anderson. He’s on stage at the Castle theater this

President-elect Donald Trump's comments about Muslims during the presidential campaign continued to resonate long after he spoke them. But now that he is headed to the White House, those words take on added meaning for many. You'll hear from a member of the Bloomington-Normal Muslim community, and others who belong to groups impacted by comments Trump made during the campaign. Potential new wind farms in McLean County will have to watch out for wildlife and save extra money for when they may be

Go live to Downtown Bloomington for a gathering of elected officials to reassure the community they're working together to mend the wounds of the Presidential election. Ward 7 alderman Scott Black organized the event at the Convergence of Purpose statue outside the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. GLT's Willis Kern is there and Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner is in the studio for reaction and to share what he thinks about increased tax levies for the city and the Bloomington Library.

On Point host and Radio Faces Guest Tom Ashbrook talks about Donald Trump’s attitude toward the news media. He also reveals some secrets of his career, dubbing vintage Kung Fu movies. Laura Kennedy has the interview. There are 16,000 foster children in Illinois and less than seven percent of them will go to college. Charlie Schlenker talks with a former foster kid who’s now in college and a social worker. And just before Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials appear on Conan tomorrow night, Jon Norton

On Veterans Day some former soldiers need more than the honor we accord them. They need help. Hear about a Bloomington Normal founded group Healing Outside of a Hospital, or Hooah. Listen about military memorabilia from the teachers regiment in the civil war and other students turned soldiers from ISU. And, an in depth chat with an Illinois State University political scientist who studies globalization, applying pushback in other countries to what happened here this week.

Donald Trump's stunning victory in the presidential election is being felt in many ways. Pundits and pollsters are trying to figure out how his electoral vote totals were underestimated. You'll hear from Illinois State University political scientists Erik Rankin and Tom McClure, who analyze the results, and deliver parting shots to both parties. A new exhibit at the University Galleries in Normal takes a close-up look at what inspires female contemporary artists. And an event this weekend in