WGLT's Sound Ideas

A new show at University Galleries put teens in the curator's seat—but the four high schoolers who developed A Conversation Between… want everyone to weigh in. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the surface, legislation that kills the $7,500 tax credit for new electric-vehicle purchases doesn’t look like a big deal for Rivian. But the fate of the EV industry – and, indirectly, the Bloomington-Normal economy – is a lot more interconnected than that one thing. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First responders and other community members got a new perspective on caring for those with dementia during a recent Virtual Dementia Tour event in Normal. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major sewer construction project by the Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District [BNWRD] is moving forward now that a tent encampment in Normal has dispersed. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, how the Big Beautiful Bill could hurt Rivian and other EV makers, people living in tents along Sugar Creek in Normal have all relocated, a simulation in Normal helps caregivers better understand dementia, plus teen artists start a conversation about inspiration in a show at ISU. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, state Rep. Sharon Chung discusses the new state budget, two controversial bills are among those that stalled during the spring session, an assessment of the various education bills which passed, plus Normal Mayor Chris Koos discusses how the town is dealing with much higher construction costs. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public educators got some of what they wanted in the state's recently approved budget, but McLean County superintendents say there are still some issues. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, McLean County educators react to the new state budget, State Rep. Sharon Chung discusses efforts to change higher education funding, plus what that big Meta deal will do for the Clinton nuclear plant that's been on the brink of closing several times before. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Constellation Energy and Meta have announced a 20-year deal that Constellation says will preserve the future of the Clinton nuclear power plant. In this interview with WGLT's Charlie Schlenker, Constellation Senior Vice President of Public Policy Mason Emnett tells us what his company is selling, and what the parent of Facebook and Instagram is buying. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Advocates hoped that this would be the year that lawmakers overhauled how higher education is funded in Illinois. Alas, it was not to be. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, the Clinton nuclear plant will soon help Meta fuel its data centers, Heartland Community College's president is critical of proposed federal education aid cuts, and a training program helps people in Bloomington-Normal respond to someone in mental health crisis. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Facebook owner Meta said Tuesday that it's signed a 20-year agreement to buy about 1.1 gigawatts of electricity from the Clinton nuclear power plant, starting in 2027, to support its "AI ambitions." The deal ensures the closest nuclear plant to Bloomington-Normal will remain open after being at risk for closure. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A program aimed at educating the community about mental health concerns will continue its mission with a session later this week. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tent encampment near AutoZone in Normal was set to disperse Sunday due to a coming construction project, but a few residents still remain. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen says it's time the public speaks about of Republican-based budget cuts, Illinois lawmakers pass a new budget that fell along party lines, farmers are taking on more debt and some students from Bloomington are doing their part to help the food supply -- by tending to their own garden. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Students at the Regional Alternative School [RAS] in Bloomington are getting their hands dirty as they learn the importance of gardening and agriculture by growing their very own food. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Central Illinois lawmakers had predictably partisan reactions to the official state budget for the next fiscal year. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen is urging the public to call Republican lawmakers to protest proposed cuts to food aid and health insurance programs for lower income people. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers continued to take on more debt through the first quarter of 2025, prolonging a trend from last year. That’s as farm incomes have shrunk over the last couple of years, and some worry President Trump’s tariffs could make economic conditions tougher. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.