WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

On today's episode, you'll hear from the leader of a rural hospital in Tazewell County about the staffing challenges posed by COVID. Plus, U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood comments on that same issue. And Sarah Nardi reports on the adoption journey of a Bloomington couple.

The wave of omicron cases is making life tough for event planners. And a standout athlete at Illinois Wesleyan University does crochet in her free time. Elmily Kleffman says she enjoys donating the small caps she makes. Hear from a new state representative candidate. And everyone knows the Morton Pumpkin Festival, but Eureka had it first.

State Senator Dave Koehler hopes his new law will reduce gun violence. His Firearm Owner Identification Modernization Act updates the process of renewing a Firearm Owner Identification card with some plusses and minuses. OSF Saint Joseph Medical Center is taking steps to compensate for backbreaking COVID patient loads but the crush of patients and staff shortages caused by COVID have forced central Illinois hospitals to delay elective surgeries. And hear how to muster comedy in dark times. A Daily Show writer visits Bloomington Normal.

Insulin costs are ten times higher than they used to be and some diabetics in central Illinois are taking their lives in their hands by rationing insulin to save money. Plus, a central Illinois hospital bites the dust. In a new episode of Food Trek, hear how a bio diverse prairie that stored carbon turned into a monocrop contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. And people in Bloomington Normal long term care facilities have a sense of déjà vu from the pandemic, though there is one BIG difference.

Trash hauling in McLean County is a million dollar a year business and a new disposal operator want a piece of it. Plus, the bedrock of democracy has long been thought to be the middle class and that part of society is shrinking in Illinois. The 1800s were the golden era of patent medicine, and a huckster from Bloomington played a prominent part in the national snake oil business...In this episode of our series McHistory, hear about Wakefields Blackberry Balsam. And an Illinois Wesleyan speaker dispels misconceptions about mRNA technology.

People are buying new homes in McLean County faster than they can be built. Eric Stock reports prospective buyers have learned they need money, patience, and a little luck to end up in the home they want. The Central Illinois Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is asking the city of Bloomington to hold off on a contract for cameras that can record license plate numbers of vehicles that drive by a proposed set of ten cameras to be placed in the community. And Town of Normal Council members have approved spending about 140-thousand-dollars on an outdoor fitness training circuit center. Charlie Schlenker talks with Mayor Chris Koos, who says it's a quality of life measure for the community.

On today's episode, Lyndsay Jones explores the rise of pop-up COVID testing sites in Bloomington-Normal. Plus, Eric Stock interviews McLean County's public health chief about the latest on COVID. A new episode of Sound Health focuses on mental health in winter. And Datebook has a preview of a photography exhibit at the Normal Public Library.

On today's show, you'll hear from U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin on the anniversary of the Jan. 6 insurrection. Plus, an interview with Normal Town Council member Scott Preston. You'll also hear from Rick Darke, an author and horticulturalist who advocates for incorporating more native plants into our lawns and gardens. And an interview with the state climatologist about our warming weather.

On today's episode, you'll hear an interview with Normal Mayor Koos. Plus, a conversation with longtime conservationist Myra Gordon. And a look at what it's like to be low or no vision in Bloomington-Normal.

On today's episode, you'll hear from an Illinois State University biomathematician on how human behavior is driving evolution in COVID modeling. Plus, you'll meet the new CEO of the Midwest Food Bank and hear an interview with state Sen. Jason Barickman. And Lauren Warnecke previews a new production of "A Raisin in the Sun" at Community Players Theatre.