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WGLT's Sound Ideas is our flagship news program. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share.This 30-minute newsmagazine is produced Monday through Friday.You can also subscribe to the Sound Ideas - Full Episodes podcast.
Full episodes of WGLT's newsmagazine covering central Illinois. Sound Ideas airs weekdays at 5 p.m.
Next to Normal Story Slam is a monthly storytelling event held at the McLean County Arts Center in Bloomington, Ill. People tell personal stories that revolve around a chosen theme. It is an opportunity to listen, connect and share. Stories are periodically shared on WGLT's Sound Ideas.
WGLT's Music Director Jon Norton interviews big names and emerging talent from the music world as their travels take them into Central Illinois. Discover eclectic music spanning blues, rock, jazz, and more.
Reporting from in and around Illinois.Listen to Statewide across Illinois in:Bloomington/Normal – WGLT 89.1 (Fridays 11 a.m. - Noon)Carbondale – WSIU 91.9 (Fridays 2-3 p.m. and Sundays 6-7 a.m.)Mount Vernon - WVSI 88.9 (Fridays 2-3 p.m. and Sundays 6-7 a.m.)Olney - WUSI 90.3 (Fridays 2-3 p.m. and Sundays 6-7 a.m.)Quad Cities - WVIK 105.7 HD-2 (Fridays 11 a.m. - noon)Rockford/DeKalb – WNIJ 89.5 (Saturdays 6-7 a.m., Sundays 2-3 p.m.)Springfield/Decatur - WUIS 91.9 (Fridays 11 a.m. - Noon, 11 p ...
From controlling critters to whacking weeds to finding just the right plant for your plot, WGLT's Grow is your source for sage gardening advice and down-to-earth tips.The last episode of Grow aired Oct. 1. The show is now on hiatus.
McHistory goes back in time to explore big moments and small stories from McLean County history. McHistory episodes can be heard periodically on WGLT's Sound Ideas. The series is produced in partnership with the McLean County Museum of History.
On today's episode, the Illinois Democratic Party intervenes into the Unit 5 school board race to try to defeat what it calls "extreme conservatives," Bloomington Police order a tent encampment along Constitution Trail to move, plus two Normal Community High School seniors bring an Indian festival of colors to Bloomington.…
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Tent dwellers near Bloomington shelter seek other options after the city forces them to move
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Six people living in tents along Constitution Trail in Bloomington have been given until Thursday to relocate. They are staying near the Home Sweet Home Ministries shelter, which doesn't have extra room; several residents say they were kicked out for breaking the shelter's rules.By Eric Stock
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What a communitywide Holi celebration means to two high schoolers from Bloomington-Normal
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Two Bloomington-Normal high schoolers are inviting you to participate in one of their Indian culture’s most important celebrations – Holi, the Festival of Colors.By Ryan Denham
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Democratic Party of Illinois enters a politically crowded Unit 5 school board race
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The Democratic Party of Illinois says it’s spending an “unprecedented” $300,000 to try and swing school board races in favor of 84 candidates statewide, including four running for the Unit 5 school board on April 4.By Ryan Denham
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Heartland Community College board candidates push outreach to boost nontraditional enrollment
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The Heartland Community College Board of Trustees has two open seats on the ballot for the April 4 election. Two incumbents and one challenger are running. The terms are for six years.By Eric Stock
On today's episode, developers want to run a carbon dioxide pipeline through central Illinois, three candidates are running for Heartland Community College board, plus a snapshot of early voting in McLean County and a full breakdown of the courtroom testimony that pulled back the curtain on how Illinois’ former House Speaker operated in Springfield…
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6,000+ voters in McLean County have cast ballots for the April 4 election
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As the April 4 election draws closer, McLean County election officials say voter turnout may be higher than expected. More than 6,000 people have already voted.By Colin Hardman
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ISU science and tech week to feature aerospace engineer and TV host Emily Calandrelli
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Aerospace engineer Emily Calandrelli headlines Illinois State University's 2023 Science and Technology Week. The MIT grad worked at NASA and now is an author and television host who makes science fun and approachable.By Lauren Warnecke
On today's episode, an analysis of the Normal police department video which led to a federal lawsuit, the Prairie Central community hosts a vigil for two of its students who were killed in a ski accident, plus Netflix Jr. star Emily Calandrelli hosts a talk at ISU on how to get more women in STEM careers.…
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Prairie Central community hosts vigil to mourn students Dylan Bazzell and Drew Fehr
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An estimated 600 people took part in a prayer vigil at Prairie Central High School on Saturday to mourns the deaths of students Drew Fehr and Dylan Bazzell, who died in a ski-related accident last Sunday.By Eric Stock
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Experts on policing put Normal arrest video in context
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Video of an arrest at the Normal Police Department has prompted a social media furor, and the incident has resulted in a lawsuit against the department. What civilian eyes may see as an injustice, though, can look perfectly reasonable to those familiar with law enforcement.By Charlie Schlenker
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Roots still firmly in agriculture, but FFA branching out with new career building program
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A new FFA program, Supervised Occupational Experience (SOE), has been introduced to offer students the chance to participate in career-building skills and career exploration opportunities that connect, no matter how indirectly, to the agriculture industry.By Tim Alexander
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Illinois educators try to tackle pandemic learning loss with high-impact tutoring
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When students returned to school last year, it was clear the pandemic took a toll on learning.The state of Illinois invested in a number of strategies to help children recover. A major one was high dosage tutoring.It’s become something of a buzzword, but research shows it can be highly effective.Illinois State University is working on a program tha…
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New website makes it easier to eat local in Bloomington-Normal
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EatLocalBN.com compiles more than 400 restaurants in McLean County into easy-to-sort lists. They can be filtered by everything from location, price, and the type of food.By Erik Dedo
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Prairie Cities Soccer League moves spring and fall seasons to Eastview church fields and reconsiders Sale Barn move
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The future home of the Prairie Cities Soccer League once again is up in the air.By Michele Steinbacher
On today's episode, Some Unit 5 parents and property owners who want to vote on the tax referendum legally can't, a documentary class believes it can help convicted killer Jamie Snow get a new trial, Lauren Warnecke takes one last spin around a soon-to-close skating rink in Bloomington, plus a new website that promotes eating local in McLean County…
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This Unit 5 homeowner and parent really wants to vote on the tax referendum. But legally he can't.
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Unit 5’s non-citizen stakeholders are largely left out of the public debate over the tax referendum — the outcome of which will impact them just like everyone else. Non-citizens can’t vote in Illinois elections, although a bill in Springfield would change that.By Ryan Denham
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It’s the final days for Skate N Place, leaving Bloomington-Normal with nowhere to roll
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The 50-year-old roller rink known as Skate N Place will close April 2. Remaining skates include theme nights, kids sessions and a tribute to the longstanding Twin City hangout.By Lauren Warnecke
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Documentary class with track record of exonerations takes up the Jamie Snow case
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Students in the Making an Exoneree class have reviewed 25 cases since 2018. Five of those defendants have been exonerated or released.By Edith Brady-Lunny
On today's episode, the town of Normal warns council member Stan Nord over claims of election interference in the Unit 5 tax referendum, Illinois State University works to close the achievement gap that the COVID pandemic only made worse, Illinois' new school superintendent shares how the state is helping students recover academically and emotional…
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Stan Nord chided for Unit 5 referendum meddling as police review electioneering complaints
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While Stan Nord’s actions have drawn particular attention due to his status as an elected official, they are not the first instance of community members attempting to use communication, or contact with the Normal Police Department to impact the electoral process.By Lyndsay Jones, Charlie Schlenker
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Doctors want earlier colorectal cancer screenings as cases rise among younger adults
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A new study shows younger adults make up a much larger percentage of colorectal cancer patients than a few decades ago.By Eric Stock
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District 87 asks for legislative waiver to buy building for Pre-K expansion
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District 87 schools in Bloomington want to expand early childhood education, but there are some hoops to jump through to get a new facility.By Charlie Schlenker
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Sen. Koehler's bill revives CIRA's long-sought countywide expansion of tax base
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A plan to expand the property-tax base for the Central Illinois Regional Airport – from Bloomington and Normal city limits to the entire county – has resurfaced in a new bill in Springfield. It’s drawing early opposition from the head of a group of small-town McLean County mayors.By Ryan Denham, Collin Schopp, Eric Stock
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ISU and OSF formalize partnership in health care research
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OSF HealthCare and Illinois State University have announced a new partnership that leaders say will improve access to healthcare, meet social needs and boost economic development.By Megan Spoerlein, Eric Stock
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Statewide: The love/hate relationship with St. Louis-style pizza
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While the city's signature pie looks similar to many others, it is unique. The main reason: the cheese.By Sean Crawford
On today's episode, a lawmaker proposes expanding the tax base for Central Illinois Regional Airport, U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood says he was wrongly targeted by the FBI, Illinois State University collaborates with OSF HealthCare, plus FFA (formerly) Future Farmers of America is breaking new ground.By Samantha Hill
On today's episode, how proposed reductions to band and orchestra will affect music education in Unit 5, how the Silicon Valley Bank collapse impacts health tech startups in OSF HealthCare's portfolio, plus the wacky works from mid-century Chicago’s vibrant visual arts scene on display at University Galleries in Normal.…
On today's episode, Unit 5 parents, students and coaches explain what's at stake if junior high and freshman sports are eliminated; Normal's city manager discusses how several bank collapses might impact the economy and municipal governments; plus we’ll hear the wiretaps federal prosecutors are playing for a Chicago jury in a corruption trial that’…
On today's all-music episode, you'll hear from Chicago Farmer ahead of their milestone Midwest tour. Plus, professional drummer Andrew "Blaze" Thomas from Bloomington-Normal talks about his pivot to history. And Bloomington-based rapper Darius talks about his new album.By Samantha Hill
On today's episode, the Unit 5 referendum divides school board candidates, plus a preview of the Normal Town Council race.By Samantha Hill
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Statewide: A fan pays tribute to a ballpark and a team in Last Comiskey
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The longtime home of the Chicago White Sox, Comiskey Park, met the wrecking ball more than three decades ago. But a documentary recalls the final season and what made the site so unique.By Sean Crawford
On today's episode, a preview of the Unit 5 school board race, Bloomington-Normal hosted a conference to help women break the glass ceiling in education, plus Heartland Community College sees an increase in enrollment at a time when community colleges nationally are seeing fewer students.By Samantha Hill
On today's episode, Embattled COVID testing company owner Aaron Rossi pledged $3 million for an ISU athletics facility, an ESPN sportscaster tells educators how she sound her voice in an industry dominated by men, plus jury selection begins in the case of four former Commonwealth Edison officials accused of bribing ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael…
On today's episode, a Bloomington nonprofit fields calls for the new 988 suicide hotline, District 87 seeks a new building to expand early childhood education, a meteorologist provides a spring forecast for central Illinois farmers, plus the Illinois Arts Council Agency tours the state looking for feedback on how to fund local arts projects.…
On today’s episode, you’ll hear about how changes to Daylight Saving Time could impact those with Alzheimer’s. Plus, how to get started as a cottage food operator. And Lauren Warnecke fills up your weekend calendar with two new episodes of WGLT’s Datebook.By Samantha Hill
On today's episode, problems at a low-income housing project in Bloomington have caught the city's and state's attention, a Normal Community High School teacher is named Illinois' Bilingual Teacher of the Year, plus an ISU students gets national attention for his essay about Black misrepresentation in the media.…
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Statewide: A program for kids in distress is failing to meet demand
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A new investigation from member station WBEZ finds Illinois' lifeline program for kids is buckling under the weight of demand, along with a lack of funding and capacity.By Sean Crawford
On today's episode, Normal mayor Chris Koos discusses the town's budget and other issues, Heyworth teacher Katie Bruemmer is a finalist for Illinois Teacher of the Year, plus Illinois' new Director of the Department of Natural Resources discusses how climate change impacts the agency's work.By Samantha Hill
On today's episode, a preview of the Bloomington city council Ward 6 race, a proposal to regulate insurance rates in Illinois, a non-profit that hires people with disabilities has helped Rivian's production bottleneck, plus the first-place winner in ISU's Three-Minute Thesis competition.By Samantha Hill
On today's episode, meet the candidates for Bloomington City Council Ward 4, a central Illinois wine trail looks to bring tourists to the region, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias visits local drivers facilities to outline modernization plans, plus hear the People's Choice winner at the Illinois State University 3-Minute Thesis competit…
On today's episode, you'll hear an interview with Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe. Plus, a look at how one renewable energy company is approaching diverse hiring in central Illinois. And a new episode of Datebook shows off a new open mic night in Bloomington.By Samantha Hill
On today's episode, Rivian plans to double production at its EV plant in Normal, a biologist explains how to use 3-D animation helps their research, a new mental health crisis center opens in Bloomington, plus the state of Illinois grants an extension for craft cannabis growers top open.By Samantha Hill
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Statewide: Raising awareness of gambling addiction
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With expanded opportunities to place a bet, it is becoming a problem for more people.By Sean Crawford
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Next to Normal Story Slam: A Brush With ... Storyteller Karla Bailey Smith
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This story from Karla Bailey Smith was recorded Feb. 10, 2023, during the Next to Normal Story Slam at the McLean County Arts Center in Bloomington. The night’s theme was “A brush with...” with all stories centered on that theme. Learn more about upcoming Story Slams at NexttoNormalStorySlam.com.By Colin Winkelmann
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Next to Normal Story Slam: A Brush With ... Storyteller Sally Hoffman
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This story from Sally Hoffman was recorded Feb. 10, 2023, during the Next to Normal Story Slam at the McLean County Arts Center in Bloomington. The night’s theme was “A brush with...” with all stories centered on that theme. Learn more about upcoming Story Slams at NexttoNormalStorySlam.com.By Colin Winkelmann
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Next to Normal Story Slam: A Brush With ... Storyteller Joe Strupek
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This story from Joe Strupek was recorded Feb. 10, 2023, during the Next to Normal Story Slam at the McLean County Arts Center in Bloomington. The night’s theme was “A brush with...” with all stories centered on that theme. Learn more about upcoming Story Slams at NexttoNormalStorySlam.com.By Colin Winkelmann
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Next to Normal Story Slam: A Brush With ... Storyteller Mark Nielson
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This story from Mark Nielson was recorded Feb. 10, 2023, during the Next to Normal Story Slam at the McLean County Arts Center in Bloomington. The night’s theme was “A brush with...” with all stories centered on that theme. Learn more about upcoming Story Slams at NexttoNormalStorySlam.com.By Colin Winkelmann
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Next to Normal Story Slam: A Brush With ... Storyteller Lora Passetti
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This story from Lora Passetti was recorded Feb. 10, 2023, during the Next to Normal Story Slam at the McLean County Arts Center in Bloomington. The night’s theme was “A brush with...” with all stories centered on that theme. Learn more about upcoming Story Slams at NexttoNormalStorySlam.com.By Colin Winkelmann
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Next to Normal Story Slam: A Brush With ... Storyteller Kathi Davis
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This story from Kathi Davis was recorded Feb. 10, 2023, during the Next to Normal Story Slam at the McLean County Arts Center in Bloomington. The night’s theme was “A brush with...” with all stories centered on that theme. Learn more about upcoming Story Slams at NexttoNormalStorySlam.com.By Colin Winkelmann
