WGLT's Sound Ideas

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra [ISO] will bring a visually inspired performance to the stage this month, featuring world-renowned pianist Jeremy Denk in his Bloomington-Normal debut, plus a U.S. premiere by composer Bernd Richard Deutsch and Mussorgsky's celebrated Pictures at an Exhibition. Pictures in Motion is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21 in the newly renovated concert hall at Illinois State University's Center for the Performing Arts. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The front of the sweatshirt reads simply, “Hockey is for Everyone.” Lauralai Zink wears it proudly, and believes the words with all her heart. The 17-year-old doesn’t play the game, but lives and breathes it. She eagerly shares her passion and now, courtesy of the National Hockey League, will have the opportunity to do so on a national stage. A Normal West High School senior, Zink has been selected to serve among 27 NHL Power Players, a program in which a board of young hockey fans advise the league on hockey-related topics important to their generation. The goal is to attract more youth to the game. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Chris Koos said he expects the Town of Normal will have new zoning rules in place by the end of the year to help address the housing shortage, though proposals are not likely to significantly expand the housing supply. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A larger-than-life opera is taking shape in Normal. MIOpera will be back on stage Saturday after a hosting a series of concerts that featured Black stories and voices earlier this year. For its next show, Semele by 17th century German-British composer George Frideric Handel, the Twin Cities-based opera company is collaborating with the Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana [BACH] for the first time. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Central Illinois political leaders say they learned a lesson from Tuesday night’s results in the 2026 midterm election: voters are speaking for change. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time in 44 years, a Democrat will hold countywide elected office in McLean County. Democrat Joshua Crockett defeated incumbent Republican Kathy Michael on Tuesday as she sought a fifth term as McLean County clerk. With all but a handful of precincts left to count, McLean County Democratic Party Chair Patrick Cortesi declared victory at around 9:30 p.m. with Crockett ultimately edging out Michael by a 12-point margin. Crockett was leading with 56% of the vote with 100% of precincts reporting unofficial results. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

McLean County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston said she was pleased with the results and that voters "voted in their best interests." Johnston said people are more attuned to politics thanks to national issues, but that she didn't think it was the only reason Democrats saw success locally. "It's really about the candidates themselves," she said. "We've continued for eight years to increase the caliber of candidates that we have and it's really resonated with the voters." Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National issues were top of mind for a number of voters as they went to the polls on Tuesday. Election officials also say turnout shows this isn't "just another midterm." WGLT's Braden Fogerson reports. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WGLT News Director Eric Stock talks with host Ben Howell about the races and issues that our newsroom are watching Tuesday night as results come in. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gabby Lerche is like a lot of parents in Bloomington-Normal. She and her husband have to figure out how to feed their family every night, while juggling a hectic schedule of activities, at a time when both groceries and restaurants are extra expensive. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Officials on Monday shared new information regarding a mass shooting near Illinois Wesleyan University on Halloween night. McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder identified 19-year-old Giana Dettloff, a college student from Carol Stream, as the person shot and killed in the incident. A ninth victim was also identified during a press conference gathering public officials with members of the media at Bloomington Police headquarters. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Illinois State men's basketball team has gotten better each season during Ryan Pedon's four years as head coach. From 11 wins in 2023 to 23 wins last season and a trip to the NIT Final Four. But Pedon makes clear that he's not satisfied. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One person was killed and seven others injured in an early morning shooting at a party near Illinois Wesleyan University on Sunday, Bloomington Police said. It’s the second mass shooting near a college campus in Bloomington-Normal this year. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Illinois State women's basketball team has its sights set on another postseason run in 2027. Head coach Kristen Gillespie and the Redbirds prepare for another season amidst a changing landscape in college basketball. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Austin folk rocker Shakey Graves visits Bloomington this weekend. More than a decade since Graves played the NPR Tiny Desk, he’s got new music about becoming a dad and other big and little fond moments along the way. On WGLT’s Sound Ideas, Graves said he's glad people loved his Tiny Desk Concert — but there's one catch. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bloomington City Council will consider several items to boost redevelopment of Eastland Mall as an East Peoria developer is under contract to purchase the property. The city announced Friday in a press release that East Peoria-based Cullinan Properties is under contract to purchase the entire 53-acre site for $11.3 million. According to the city, the deal could close as early as November. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halloween is a fun time for kids to get creative with costumes and go door to door collecting candy from friends and neighbors. But it becomes more "trick" than treat when the kids have food allergies. One wrong piece of candy with the wrong ingredients can have dire consequences. Red Sneakers for Oakley is an advocacy, education, and practical group started by families whose children face some of these issues every day. Lindsey Spangler of Peoria, whose daughter battles food allergy issues, saw the need to spread the word, educate the community and help raise funds for the efforts to share EpiPens with first responders, schools and the community. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule said administrators "have work to do" to restore trust and respect among some university employees after contentious union negotiations and ongoing contract talks. Tarhule also spoke with WGLT about ISU’s enrollment and efforts to improve its student retention rate. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra [ISO] opens its 2026-27 season this week with some of classical music's spookiest selections. The orchestra plays at Illinois State University on Halloween night, officially christening the Performing Arts Center's Carole and Jerry Ringer Stage. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Bloomington-Normal, several drive-thru only coffee spots have popped up in the past few years. Bloom's opened in late 2019 at the site of the former Bevande. Jasper's Java, Scooters Coffee, and Dutch Bros have all opened since 2023. Normal is planning a fifth location called 7 Brew on East College Avenue. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me! host Peter Sagal isn’t afraid to play favorites when it comes to Illinois State University’s long roster of celebrity alumni, including Jane Lynch, Laurie Metcalf, John Malkovich, Sean Hayes and Craig Robinson. His favorite right now is Brendan Hunt, who plays Coach Beard on the Apple TV series Ted Lasso. But that’s just because Hunt has agreed to join Sagal during a live episode of Wait Wait that will be taped Nov. 12 at ISU’s Braden Auditorium. Hunt is an ISU theatre grad from 1996. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A $75,000 contribution from Gov. JB Pritzker’s campaign weeks before the election turbocharged the McLean County Democratic Party’s already substantial financial advantage as the party seeks to defend its county board majority and seize its first countywide elected office in decades. A review of campaign finance records in McLean County also shows donations from an energy company that will be seeking approval for a controversial carbon capture project. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Among the contested races in the upcoming Nov. 3 election is the McLean County clerk. McLean County Democrats see an opening in the race for county clerk as incumbent Republican Kathy Michael has faced scrutiny about her budget and tax errors. If successful, Joshua Crockett would be the first Democrat elected to a countywide office in decades. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems every day there's a new headline about mass layoffs, and yet the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published a mere 1% layoff rate for the month of August. This month, Netflix was the latest in a series of companies announcing layoffs. Business Insider has reported Meta, Amazon, Walmart and Visa have all announced layoffs this year. Illinois State University economics professor George Waters said it's unusual for layoff rates and hiring rates to both be low at the same time. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every winter for the past few years, Bloomington’s city council has enacted an emergency shelter ordinance allowing one of its homeless shelters to expand its capacity during the winter months. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As of Jan. 1, 2027, the state of Illinois will have a new set of regulations and clear cut definitions surrounding e-mobility devices, including e-scooters and e-bikes. Normal City Manager Pam Reece said state law will allow the devices to continue to be used on Constitution Trail. With that and the talks with the interested parties, education is the best way forward, she said. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Longtime members of the Penguin Project of McLean County are returning to new roles as part of the organization’s debut community theater program for adults aged 22 and above with disabilities. Night of the Macabre opens at 7 p.m. Friday at the Astroth Community Education Center auditorium at Heartland Community College in Normal with a pay-what-you-can performance. Additional shows set are set for 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist Scott Pelley said he hasn’t watched 60 Minutes since he was fired four months ago for challenging the show’s new leadership and sticking up for its independence — and that he probably would’ve quit by now even if he hadn’t been fired. Pelley, one of the most accomplished and recognizable journalists in the U.S., will visit Illinois State University on Tuesday night for a Presidential Speaker Series appearance. It’s free and open to the public. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Spanish-language mental health podcast based in Bloomington-Normal aims to help the community understand how to deal with stress. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democrats in McLean County find themselves in an unusual position heading into this election. For the first time, the party is looking to hold on to power on the county board. McLean County's main governing body had historically been led by Republicans. That is, until 2024, when Democrats won a majority of seats on the 20-member board. Democrats hold 12 seats, all in Bloomington-Normal. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In communities like those in McLean County, a community benefits agreement may either be a tool to hold data centers accountable or a list of empty promises. A community benefits agreement [CBA] is a document which can legally require data centers to commit to the investment of specific projects, programs or upgrades within a community. That can range from something like funding a new building in town to replacing aging water pipes. In the City of Bloomington’s newly released draft regulations, CBAs approved by city council would be a requirement. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

McLean County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston won't speculate on whether the Trump administration's rejection of federal storm relief stemming from mid-August storms was political. No matter what the motivation, with damage totals for the county hitting $42.5 million, or roughly half the damage in the state, it’s the county’s job to keep pushing. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heartland Bank and Trust plans to acquire First State Bank, the latest in a series of acquisitions by Heartland Bank as it grows its regional footprint. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s hard to build housing right now, including in Bloomington-Normal. There is a long list of reasons as to why, including the skyrocketing costs of materials, but the high cost of building has developers looking for ways to fund and start projects without breaking the bank. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The City of Bloomington is updating its advertising sign code, which was adopted in 1979 and hasn't been meaningfully updated since then. The city has invited residents, sign contractors and industry professionals to add their voices to the process. It held an open house last month and is now soliciting feedback through an online survey. The survey tool also allows people to drop a pin where they have noticed a particularly good or bad sign. The survey is open through late October. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Students from Illinois State University marched against sexual assault on campus during a Take Back the Night event Thursday. Take Back the Night is an international event organized to end sexual, relationship and domestic violence. The Illinois State event included a march and vigil for attendees to show support for and share stories with others. It's sponsored by many different campus groups. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A state prison in Lincoln is setting a new standard for juvenile corrections. Monarch Youth Center uses a trauma-informed approach that incarcerated youths say is changing their lives for the better. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not In Our Town Bloomington-Normal [NIOT] will screen a new documentary Sunday, Oct. 18, examining how Minnesota residents stood up for their immigrant neighbors. The free screening of Minnesota Neighbors starts at 3 p.m. at the Normal Theater. Film director and NIOT founder Patrice O’Neill said the film covers the winter of 2026, when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement [ICE] intensified its operations in Minneapolis and St. Paul under an initiative known as Operation Metro Surge. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Constant intrusive thoughts that come with obsessive-compulsive disorder [OCD] can be exhausting. That’s an experience shared by Normal’s Claire Nichols. She said when she was a child, her OCD began with frequent bathroom visits. According to mental health professionals, Nichols’ experience is not uncommon. Shannon Griffith, a licensed clinical professional counselor with Normal-based Moonflower Counseling, said on average, diagnosing OCD can take 7 years from when symptoms first start occurring. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A program providing alternative classroom settings at Bloomington High School is up and running in its first full school year. The program is one part of District 87's efforts to improve the graduation rate at the High School. As WGLT Education correspondent Braden Fogerson explains, students are already feeling the difference in their learning. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

McLean County employers have more incentives to help employees access childcare, thanks to two federal tax code changes effective this year. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Both of Cody Muhlbauer’s grandfathers played small college football, one a running back, the other a quarterback. At family gatherings, the game is a frequent topic. Young Cody is making a case for himself. A running back with sprinter’s speed, Muhlbauer has broken Normal West’s career records for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns this season, leading the Class 6A No. 2-ranked Wildcats to a 7-0 record. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the contested races for McLean County Board is in District 10 on Bloomington-Normal's east side, where Democrat Corey Beirne seeks re-election to a second term. His challenger is Republican Matt Steinkoenig. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Fellheimer served as chief judge overseeing the courts in five counties at the height of the pandemic. Retiring Chief Judge Costigan says Fellheimer was anxious to lead the courts during a more "normal" time. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The full audio recording of WGLT's forum between the candidates running for McLean County clerk in the Nov. 3 election. They are Republican incumbent Kathy Michael and Democratic challenger Josh Crockett. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashlee Sang knows what it's like to juggle motherhood alongside career ambitions. She owns her own consulting firm focused on communication and messaging. She's also a mother of two. When she had the opportunity to start a local chapter of the nationwide Made for Mothers group, she leapt at the chance. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If Republicans hope to win back control of the McLean County Board in the upcoming election, they will need to flip three Democratic seats. Taking two seats would lead to a tie. The GOP has its eye on one seat that represents south Bloomington which has no incumbent on the ballot. The two candidates running for the open seat in McLean County Board District 9 [south Bloomington] are both new to the county board but have served the community in different ways. Democrat Jennifer Brown and Republican Kevin Lower are running for the seat currently held by Democrat Natalie Roseman-Mendoza. She's not running for re-election. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new U.S. Department of Education rule making certain lower-paying degrees ineligible for student loans or grants may affect Illinois higher education institutions like Illinois Wesleyan University. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Half of the McLean County Board seats are up for election this November, including one representing parts of Bloomington in District 7. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A journalism professor who has roots in Pekin and Peoria says journalists must do more than cover the news; they must actively build community for local news outlets to survive in a challenging world. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.