WGLT's Sound Ideas

Even for those who are on board recycling in McLean County there’s confusion about what can be recycled, and perhaps some laziness about contamination. Those are among the results of a survey done by the Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development for the Ecology Action Center (EAC) in Normal. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two weeks after the U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] implemented mandatory testing and reporting for interstate movement of dairy cattle in response to the spread of bird flu within the nation’s livestock sector, there are still no confirmed cases of the H5N1 influenza virus in Illinois. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, students at ISU take a new course on how to discern misinformation in media, Bloomington-Normal residents are polled about how much they care about recycling, and the state of Illinois steps up testing to prevent the spread of bird flu in its dairy cattle. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Poet Cathy Gilbert doesn't shy away from tough topics, but her most recent collection was as much a coping mechanism as an artistic expression. Her new book examines becoming a mother for the first time — to twins — as her own mother was dying. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's show, you'll hear more about how Bloomington-Normal is responding to homeless youth in the community. Plus, a Heartland Community College professor and poet shares her experience of becoming a parent for the first time as her own mother was dying. And an interview with We The Kingdom ahead of their show at Grossinger Motors Arena. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Contemporary Christian band We the Kingdom makes their Twin Cities debut this weekend, bringing their unique brand of “rock 'n' rock for the soul” to Grossinger Motors Arena as part of the Church Music Tour with Tremont native Katy Nichole. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new initiative spearheaded by Chestnut Health Systems in Bloomington aims to equip faith groups with information to help them better understand substance abuse and mental health struggles. WGLT's Lyndsay Jones reports. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to helping youth experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness, McLean County schools can play a surprisingly vital role in providing stability and aid — if they’re aware there’s an issue in the first place. Oftentimes, they’re not. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, McLean County schools struggle to identify and help homeless students, a Bloomington-based healthcare provider turns to the faith community to help provide mental health and substance abuse counseling, plus a task force explores whether Illinois should adopt ranked choice voting.] Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Illinois State University professor landed a $1.5 million grant aimed at improving accessibility in high school science education. Special education faculty member Natalie Shaheen will spend the next five years studying specific inequities for blind and low-vision students through a combination of research and case-learning with pre-career teachers. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Efforts to find temporary shelter for people unsheltered in McLean County — including those in the encampment next to Home Sweet Home Ministries (HSHM) shelter in Bloomington — are ramping up. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rivian officials said Tuesday there are early signs of success from their plan to more proactively generate demand for their electric vehicles – a critical step as the company looks to turn a modest gross profit by the end of this year. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Rivian looks for ways to boost sales, a housing group in McLean County sets a deadline to find shelter for the homeless population in Bloomington-Normal, plus an ISU professor wants to make science classrooms more accessible for blind and low vision students. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a sweet deal for the city, Bloomington is now home to candy manufacturer Ferrero's only chocolate factory in North America, an addition that represents continued economic investment in the area and dozens of new jobs. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Normal Mayor Chris Koos, speaking on WGLT's Sound Ideas, said he's now thinking about low interest buydowns of loans to get housing projects started, if a project meets the needs of the town for workforce housing. Such buydowns can lower the effective interest rate for financing used to put up apartment buildings. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United Methodist Church [UMC] has repealed its 50-year ban on LGBTQ clergy, and approved new language opening the door for same sex marriages. WGLT's Lauren Warnecke reports on local reaction. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Final preparations have been made and Prairie Fire Theatre's minivan is packed with a pop-up castle and music munching machine. Count Sticky Fingers and Princess Poco are hitting the road on their way to a school near you. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, the town of Normal adopts new rules to regulate tobacco shops to keep the smokes away from kids, United Methodist church leaders in Bloomington-Normal praise a new rule lifting a ban on gay clergy and gay weddings, plus a theater production goes on a school tour to attract young people to the arts. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After receiving more than $9 million in state funding, the McLean County Center for Human Services plans to develop a new apartment building for low-income renters. WGLT's Lyndsay Jones reports. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you seen a "facility fee" on your medical bills? WGLT's Lyndsay Jones has more on what those are -- and why you might get one on your medical bill. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.