WGLT's Sound Ideas - TopPodcast.com

How the Town of Normal prepares for July 4 fireworks after weeks without rain Jun 29, 2023

There's rain ahead in the forecast, but weeks of drought increase fire risk for communities preparing their July 4 fireworks displays. WGLT talked to officials from the Town of Normal Parks and Recreation and Fire Departments to get the skinny on how they mitigate risk.

Illinois lawmakers passed bills on book bans, abortion rights and other issues Jun 01, 2023

It took more than a week longer than expected, but Illinois lawmakers wrapped up their spring legislative session early Saturday with a budget and hundreds of measures that passed. The spending plan and bills now go to Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Bloomington-Normal resumes student exchange with Asahikawa, Japan, after 3-year hiatus Jun 01, 2023

A student foreign exchange program for Bloomington-Normal has returned after a delay that began with the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers hope the program can grow to where it was decades ago.

One couple's decades-long commitment to a safer, more equitable Bloomington-Normal May 31, 2023

2023 McLean County History Makers Willie and Charles Halbert were selected for their social justice activism and tireless advocacy for equity and inclusion.

New survey from McLean County Fatherhood Coalition finds room for improvement in father-friendliness May 30, 2023

Fathers in McLean County are often underrepresented or marginalized within organizations and programs that serve children and families, according to the results of a new survey.

Prevailing wage dialogue expands in advance of Bloomington council vote on apartment project May 30, 2023

A Bloomington City Council discussion about whether to apply prevailing wage rules to a private development if there are government incentives at stake is spreading beyond the apartment project in question. That's according to deputy city manager Billy Tyus who said in a WGLT interview the ongoing dialogue is not just about wages.

Q&A: Children's Home & Aid rebrands itself as Brightpoint, pivots to family support, equity focus May 27, 2023

A social service agency with roots in Bloomington-Normal for more than a century has changed its name: Children's Home & Aid now is Brightpoin, which kicked off its rebranding campaign this week. Two of its leaders talked with WGLT about the changes.

Let's play two! It’s opening day at the Corn Crib! May 26, 2023

WGLT's Lauren Warnecke stopped by the Corn Crib earlier this week as final preparations were being made for opening day, including Corny's Big Summer Blowout on Saturday night. A few staff members took a brief break in the shade to talk about what goes into creating great game day experiences.

Take off: ISU rocket team lands a win May 26, 2023

Illinois State University has won a Department of Defense-sponsored rocket competition for the second straight time. The U of I Laboratory for Advanced Space Systems hosted the competition in Rantoul.

Gender enrollment gap is wide at ISU, Bradley, Heartland May 25, 2023

More women go to Illinois State University than men — a lot more. The same is true of Bradley University and Heartland Community College. It's part of a nationwide trend that began in the 1980s and has grown since then.

District 87 Q&A on tax incentives, AI, and a retiring administrator May 25, 2023

District 87 superintendent David Mouser said he supports an incentive plan to build a high-end housing complex in Bloomington, despite the potential loss of future tax revenue.

Downtown Bloomington walking tour of social justice sights and stories goes online May 24, 2023

The McLean County Museum of History and Not In Our Town partnered to create an interactive website based on their long-running Social Justice Walking Tour. The D-I-Y tour includes locations pivotal to various social movements related to gender and racial equality, immigrant rights and organized labor.

Durbin says all options are on the table as a Senate committee investigates Supreme Court ethics May 24, 2023

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said Supreme Court justices can't argue that separation of powers shields them from ethics laws.

McLean County cases resurface in attorney general's Catholic abuse report May 24, 2023

Catholic dioceses in Illinois failed to disclose hundreds of abusive clerics before the state opened what would become a yearslong investigation into sex abuse within the church, Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced Tuesday.

Cover crops and conservation tillage could reduce likelihood of highway dust storms May 24, 2023

While the adoption of cover crops-- defined as an overwintering crop raised for the protection and enrichment of the soil-- and other agricultural conservation practices by farmers will not completely eliminate dust storms, widespread usage of sustainable conservation practices by farmers could reduce the chances of another deadly dust storm occurring.

'Miracle' drug: Bloomington-Normal hospitals begin new, faster treatment for stroke victims May 23, 2023

Peg Shea of Bloomington says she's recovering well after being one of the first in the area to receive a new treatment for stroke patients.

Lincoln brought Guy Fraker to Illinois; preserving the landscape came later May 23, 2023

Attorney and Lincoln historian Guy Fraker settled in Bloomington in 1962. He's been a key figure in documenting and promoting Lincoln's legal career in central Illinois, and fell into an avocation in land conservation by accident. Fraker is profiled as part of WGLT's series on the 2023 McLean County History Makers.

Bloomington housing developer sees 'redemption' potential at Coachman site, despite council delay May 23, 2023

Robbie Osenga, the developer of a proposed $18.5 million housing project near downtown Bloomington, said he remains hopeful despite Monday’s city council decision delaying approval.

How the pandemic set the stage for rapid-fire auto insurance rate hikes at State Farm May 22, 2023

In two weeks, State Farm’s auto insurance customers in Illinois will see their rates go up again – for the fourth time in less than a year. Together they’ve raised the average cost about $200.

Survey shows rural McLean County residents are unhappy with their internet service May 22, 2023

McLean County officials are studying the results of what they call an eye-opening survey on rural residents' level of satisfaction with their internet service.

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