WGLT's Sound Ideas

On this Peal Harbor Day, let's reflect on the experiences of a soldier from Normal in Europe during World War II. In this episode of our series McHistory, we find out from a soldier's diary what it was like to be a prisoner of war. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Peoria-based roots pop band Way Down Wanderers brings its 10th anniversary tour to Bloomington's Castle Theatre on Dec. 16. In the last decade, the group has put out three albums and a couple EPs, hit nearly every state in the U.S. and played in Canada and the U.K. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, the debut of a new WGLT series that goes behind the scenes with community artists, Bloomington-based The Something Brothers release a new CD and The Way Down Wanderers mark 10 years of music with a Bloomington concert. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vehicle thefts continue to increase in Illinois and across the country — and Bloomington-Normal is not immune. WGLT student reporter Megan Spoerlein reports. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Stephens of Normal loves spending time with kids, but kids don’t know they’re spending time with him. That’s because this time of year Stephens wears a big, fluffy, white beard, and a red suit and hat. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Illinois is building a network of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) — a national program designed to strengthen mental health and substance use services in communities. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gov. JB Pritzker recently voiced support for the Chicago Hub Improvement Program [CHIP], a plan that also holds promise for Amtrak service through Bloomington-Normal. The investment in transportation infrastructure would fix several problems at Union Station and connect it to two potential passenger-focused main lines. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet John Stephens of Normal, who's been playing Santa for over 50 years. You can see him every year at Santa's Station in Uptown Normal. WGLT's Ryan Denham reports. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, a new state report shows industrial agricultural operations remain a major contributor to water pollution in Illinois, the latest edition of McHistory tells the story of a World War II POW from Normal, plus meet one of Santa's helpers who helps make kids' wishes come true. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You had to hear Horton Field House, not hear about it. The noise generated was otherworldly, and not a single decibel could escape Horton’s clutches. WGLT correspondent Randy Kindred reports. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Illinois High School Association says the return of the state football finals to Normal was a success. The finals have been held over the last 25 years at the University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University, before returning to Hancock Stadium. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, a passenger rail advocate backs a long-awaited proposal to improve Amtrak's on-time performance, a federal grant helps a McLean County nonprofit expand mental health care, plus a former Redbird player and retired broadcaster reflect on Horton Field House ahead of ISU basketball's return this weekend. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Normal Mayor Chris Koos said the town bears some responsibility for the problems in the Savannah Green subdivision that will be costly to fix, including the town council approving nearly $4 million to repair crumbling streets and alleys. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert Santos — head of the U.S. Census Bureau — Zoomed into Illinois State University on Monday to address the 2023 Minority Health Conference. His virtual keynote speech covered how health professionals, including those local to McLean County, can use Census tools and data to decrease health disparities. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Normal's mayor discusses a proposed housing project, a minority health conference at ISU details how census data can reduce health disparities, plus the Illinois High School Association recaps the return of the state football finals to Normal. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Illinois winters aren't getting as cold as they used to. That's not just an anecdotal statement, but a measurable climate shift scientists are able to track and interpret. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, a new reports details Illinois prisons are crumbling, McLean County hears plans for a second waste transfer site in south Bloomington, plus a new map shows how climate change impacts what plants can grow in central Illinois. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A series of public hearings on a proposed new waste transfer station in south Bloomington ended a day early on Thursday, propelling Lakeshore Recycling Systems' (LRS) application into its next phase. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The final report from a consulting firm hired by the state has found three of Illinois’ 27 prison facilities, including the Pontiac and Logan correctional centers, approaching “inoperable,” and a list of more than $2.5 billion in overdue repairs in aging institutions across the state. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Illinois Symphony plays its first chamber concert of the season this weekend with a trio of works highlighting the orchestra’s string section at Second Presbyterian Church in Bloomington. Music director candidate Naomi Woo was scheduled to lead the orchestra Saturday. Due to a sudden family emergency, Woo is unable to attend and guest conductor Alejandro Gómez Guillén has stepped in with about a week’s notice, leading the ISO in works by Mozart, Beethoven and Caroline Shaw under the umbrella title, “Sizzling Strings.” Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.