WGLT's Sound Ideas

In the SpongeBob Musical, a typical cast has 30 to 35 actors, but in The Penguin Project of McLean County’s production, that number is doubled — one of many modifications made so youth and young adults with special needs are center stage in every role. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The annual Illinois Game Con is Saturday at the Interstate Center—a gamer’s paradise that promises to be bigger and better than ever. The video game and card collectors’ convention has grown to become the largest in Illinois, drawing more than 2,000 people last year. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life and record labels had gotten in Revis’ way—not bad blood or creative differences. The post-grunge band that got its start in Carbondale in the late '90s landed a record deal and moved to LA. The band petered out by 2005. A brief revival came around 2010. But songwriter and rhythm guitarist Nathaniel Cox, vocalist Justin Holman, bassist Bob Thiemann, guitarist Robert Davis and drummer David Piribauer have started to make music again. Revis is back with new songs and a three-city tour featuring the band's original roster. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, a theater group in Bloomington helps young people find their voice and find acceptance, a gamer's paradise comes to Bloomington, plus the Illinois band Revis brings its revival tour to Bloomington. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this edition of WGLT’s Sound Health, Rachel Fehl, an advanced practice nurse with the OSF Weight Management Center in Peoria, explained how the drug works and addressed common misconceptions and accessibility barriers. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloomington's pro hockey team will serve as a developmental franchise for the New York Rangers, thanks to a new affiliation agreement with the National Hockey League team. The Bison's partnership was unveiled at a news conference Thursday at Grossinger Motors Arena, where the team will play its inaugural season starting in the fall. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Koehler, a state senator who represents parts of Bloomington-Normal, said the newly-passed $53.1 billion state budget is about as good a document as can be expected in a difficult year for funding. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, WGLT hosts a Housing Solutions Forum. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police in Normal said two people were shot and killed Wednesday morning in an apparent murder-suicide. WGLT's Lauren Warnecke reports. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Ohio-based nonprofit is starting a new chapter in Eureka, with the goal of offering an off-campus, privately-funded Bible class, during the school day. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, state Senator Dave Koehler discusses the new Illinois budget lawmakers have approved, a public school district in Woodford County has approved Bible instruction during the school day, plus the latest edition of McHistory chronicles the history of elevators. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Entrepreneurship and community service go hand in hand for Bob and Julie Dobski, whose contributions to Bloomington-Normal will be celebrated June 18 at the McLean County History Makers Gala. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been more than two decades since O’Neil Pool in west Bloomington was determined to have outlived its operational capacity. It’s been another three years since construction on the revitalized pool and park now known as the O’Neil Aquatics Center began, but the site is finally opening to the public. Starting Saturday, community members could dip their toes into the new pool and, soon, the splash pad — just in time for summer. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, a profile of McLean County History Makers Bob and Julie Dobski, an audio tour of Bloomington's new aquatic center, plus an examination of Ozempic as a weight-loss medication. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this audio postcard, two teachers from Unit 5 and District 87 reflect on what it's meant to spend the past 30 years in education — what's changed and what's not. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people need music to focus, or complete silence to get a single thing done. These quirks of character might seem insignificant, but science shows the right sensory input can entirely change someone’s mood or productivity. Bloomington-Normal schools and youth-serving organizations are increasingly working this ideology into child development — through sensory rooms. These are spaces equipped with a variety of tactile, auditory, visual and even olfactory tools that provide stimulation to assist with social and emotional skills. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly a year after the soft launch, Atlanta, Illinois officially cuts the ribbon on the American Giants Museum with a weekend-long grand opening. Beginning Friday, staff will introduce the latest addition to the museum’s collection of mid-20th century fiberglass giants, created en masse by International Fiberglass Company as advertisements for filling stations and automotive shops along America's fast-growing interstate highway system. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, two retiring teachers reflect on their decades in the classroom, a Boy Scouts leader in central Illinois explains the planned name change, plus a preview of the American Giants Museum opening in Atlanta. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly 200 years after Native Americans were forced out of Illinois, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation has become the first federally recognized tribal nation in the state after a decision from the U.S. Department of the Interior last week. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloomington's new city manager expects to move expeditiously to address the housing shortage in the Twin Cities. City Manager Jeff Jurgens said in a Sound Ideas interview that there will be a council meeting early next month to talk about barriers to creating new housing and sharing ideas of what the city can do. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.