On today's episode, Nightshop's closing leaves a void in Bloomington-Normal's music scene, the top arts and culture moments of Bloomington-Normal in 2024, Women United promotes children's literacy with the help of Dolly Parton, plus a reading of  "A Visit from Saint Nicholas."

On today's episode, Nightshop's closing leaves a void in Bloomington-Normal's music scene, the top arts and culture moments of Bloomington-Normal in 2024, Women United promotes children's literacy with the help of Dolly Parton, plus a reading of&nbsp; "A Visit from Saint Nicholas."

WGLT's Sound Ideas - Friday 12/20/2024

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/090e86c6-4ab6-4873-b560-afff01256522/clips/01c46bdb-ce9a-4af4-9653-b24c0153eb9f/transcript

Please enjoy "Twas the Night Before #Christmas" (aka "A Visit from Saint Nicholas"), as read by WGLT’s Charlie Schlenker. Happy holidays from all of us at WGLT!

Please enjoy "Twas the Night Before #Christmas" (aka "A Visit from Saint Nicholas"), as read by WGLT&rsquo;s Charlie Schlenker. Happy holidays from all of us at WGLT!

"Twas the Night Before Christmas," read by Charlie Schlenker

Bloomington-Normal has seen an increase in homegrown musical acts in recent years, but the number of performance spaces in the community keeps dropping. A live music venue that opened to great fanfare in downtown Bloomington in 2018 will be live one last time this weekend.

Bloomington-Normal has seen an increase in homegrown musical acts in recent years, but the number of performance spaces in the community keeps dropping. A live music venue that opened to great fanfare in downtown Bloomington in 2018 will be live one last time this weekend.

Nightshop closing leaves void in Bloomington-Normal music scene

Each week, our Datebook series shares arts features and fun things to do around the Twin Cities. The pulse of any community beats through its culture—and 2024 was one for the books.

Each week, our Datebook series shares arts features and fun things to do around the Twin Cities. The pulse of any community beats through its culture&mdash;and 2024 was one for the books.

The year that was: Looking back on B-N arts and culture in 2024

Nonprofit partners, including Chestnut Health Systems and the Regional Office of Education, will work with Lifelong Access to provide wrap-around support for youth and teens.

Nonprofit partners, including Chestnut Health Systems and the Regional Office of Education, will work with Lifelong Access to provide wrap-around support for youth and teens.

Lifelong Access gets $21M to transform Pantagraph building into a youth health care hub

There was a lot of enthusiasm when Dolly Parton’s children’s literacy program first came to McLean County almost two years ago. Now, local organizers with Women United want to keep that momentum going.

There was a lot of enthusiasm when Dolly Parton&rsquo;s children&rsquo;s literacy program first came to McLean County almost two years ago. Now, local organizers with Women United want to keep that momentum going.

What's next for Dolly Parton’s book program in McLean County

The Unit 5 and District 87 school boards and several other districts in McLean County have voted to put a sales tax referendum on the April 1 ballot. The proposed 1% sales tax would raise money for school facilities, school resource officers, and mental health programming.

The Unit 5 and District 87 school boards and several other districts in McLean County have voted to put a sales tax referendum on the April 1 ballot. The proposed 1% sales tax would raise money for school facilities, school resource officers, and mental health programming.

District 87 and Unit 5 boards approve putting sales tax referendum question on April ballot

There is no “one size fits all” roadmap for victims looking to find their way out of an abusive relationship. Jocelyn’s story of feeling lost and then finding ways to advocate for herself is one potential path, and it includes stops at many of the resources and organizations in place to help victims in McLean County. Other victims interviewed by WGLT found the circuitous process to be confusing or overwhelming.

There is no &ldquo;one size fits all&rdquo; roadmap for victims looking to find their way out of an abusive relationship. Jocelyn&rsquo;s story of feeling lost and then finding ways to advocate for herself is one potential path, and it includes stops at many of the resources and organizations in place to help victims in McLean County. Other victims interviewed by WGLT found the circuitous process to be confusing or overwhelming.

Domestic abuse victims share how they advocate for themselves in an imperfect system

Heartland Community College's Workforce Equity Initiative teaches low-income people the skills needed to work higher-paying jobs.

Heartland Community College's Workforce Equity Initiative teaches low-income people the skills needed to work higher-paying jobs.

Heartland Community College honors new class of Workforce Equity Initiative scholars

The holidays can be an isolating time of year, particularly for seniors without family nearby. Normal-based nonprofit Faith in Action runs a program that pairs volunteers with seniors for regular conversations to fight loneliness and social isolation — year-round.

The holidays can be an isolating time of year, particularly for seniors without family nearby. Normal-based nonprofit Faith in Action runs a program that pairs volunteers with seniors for regular conversations to fight loneliness and social isolation &mdash; year-round.

Nonprofit in Normal offers program to fight senior loneliness and isolation

Sound Ideas is WGLT's flagship news program. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with Bloomington-Normal newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. This 30-minute newsmagazine is produced Monday through Friday.

Sound Ideas is WGLT's flagship news program. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with Bloomington-Normal newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. This 30-minute newsmagazine is produced Monday through Friday.

WGLT's Sound Ideas

On today's episode, the latest in WGLT’s series on domestic violence in McLean County, educators make the case for a sales tax to support an array of needs in McLean County public schools, and a nonprofit in Normal helps seniors fight loneliness and isolation and students get a second chance through a workforce equity effort at Heartland Community College.

On today's episode, the latest in WGLT&rsquo;s series on domestic violence in McLean County, educators make the case for a sales tax to support an array of needs in McLean County public schools, and a nonprofit in Normal helps seniors fight loneliness and isolation and students get a second chance through a workforce equity effort at Heartland Community College.

WGLT's Sound Ideas - Thursday 12/19/2024

On today's show, you'll hear the second part of WGLT's series about domestic violence in McLean County. Plus, a local couple's wedding is especially timely. And an interview with Normal City Manager Pam Reece.

On today's show, you'll hear the second part of WGLT's series about domestic violence in McLean County. Plus, a local couple's wedding is especially timely. And an interview with Normal City Manager Pam Reece.

WGLT's Sound Ideas - Wednesday 12/18/2024

On today's episode, the first in WGLT's series on domestic violence in McLean County, Bloomington police report a series of burglaries targeting Asian-Americans, McLean County's plans to drop a regional transportation contract leave some neighboring counties scrambling, plus the latest edition of McHistory recalls the first Civil War Christmas in McLean County.

On today's episode, the first in WGLT's series on domestic violence in McLean County, Bloomington police report a series of burglaries targeting Asian-Americans, McLean County's plans to drop a regional transportation contract leave some neighboring counties scrambling, plus the latest edition of McHistory recalls the first Civil War Christmas in McLean County.

WGLT's Sound Ideas - Tuesday 12/17/2024

On today's episode, you'll hear about holiday stress, why we ask too much of ourselves every year, and what we can do about it. Plus, an interview with a Bloomington-Normal basketball coach who just notched her 600th win. And you'll visit Bloomington-Normal's first revolving sushi restaurant.

On today's episode, you'll hear about holiday stress, why we ask too much of ourselves every year, and what we can do about it. Plus, an interview with a Bloomington-Normal basketball coach who just notched her 600th win. And you'll visit Bloomington-Normal's first revolving sushi restaurant.

WGLT's Sound Ideas - Monday 12/16/2024

On today's episode, the city of Bloomington is putting in a hiring freeze to help it get through tough financial times, a soon-to-be ISU graduate takes a non-traditional path to her diploma and Santa is making his list and checking it twice and says all Bloomington-Normal boys and girls are nice.

On today's episode, the city of Bloomington is putting in a hiring freeze to help it get through tough financial times, a soon-to-be ISU graduate takes a non-traditional path to her diploma and Santa is making his list and checking it twice and says all Bloomington-Normal boys and girls are nice.

WGLT's Sound Ideas - Friday 12/13/2024

On today's episode, a Bloomington group that reviews police policy and complaints has had a hard time attracting youth members, some nonprofits worry about a bill in Congress that could make it easier to strip their funding, and a recent ISU grad is working on an app to help young adult cancer patients connect for support.

On today's episode, a Bloomington group that reviews police policy and complaints has had a hard time attracting youth members, some nonprofits worry about a bill in Congress that could make it easier to strip their funding, and a recent ISU grad is working on an app to help young adult cancer patients connect for support.

WGLT's Sound Ideas - Thursday 12/12/2024

On today's episode, a Twin Cities native designs a new state flag for Illinois, McLean County health officials say it's peak season for respiratory illnesses and low vaccination rates are a concern, plus there's no cash required for these two techies offering free computer help in Bloomington-Normal. 

On today's episode, a Twin Cities native designs a new state flag for Illinois, McLean County health officials say it's peak season for respiratory illnesses and low vaccination rates are a concern, plus there's no cash required for these two techies offering free computer help in Bloomington-Normal.&nbsp;

WGLT's Sound Ideas - Wednesday 12/11/2024

On today's episode, rural police departments in McLean County embrace a 'different way of policing,' the head of inspections in Normal reflects on all the development he has seen in 40 years with the town, and Illinois students name their favorite books of the year.

On today's episode, rural police departments in McLean County embrace a 'different way of policing,' the head of inspections in Normal reflects on all the development he has seen in 40 years with the town, and Illinois students name their favorite books of the year.

WGLT's Sound Ideas - Tuesday 12/10/2024

On today's episode, McLean County courts are looking for mentors to help young adults who are serving probation; Illinois prosecutors are required to publicly release reports about fatal police shootings, but some prosecutors stay silent; Midwest Food Bank looks to address what it calls unprecedented demand due to increased costs; plus a competition in Bloomington teaches kids STEM through Legos.

On today's episode, McLean County courts are looking for mentors to help young adults who are serving probation; Illinois prosecutors are required to publicly release reports about fatal police shootings, but some prosecutors stay silent; Midwest Food Bank looks to address what it calls unprecedented demand due to increased costs; plus a competition in Bloomington teaches kids STEM through Legos.

WGLT's Sound Ideas - Monday 12/9/2024

WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

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At a "State of the City" event Wednesday at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe said Bloomington is healthy and prosperous with a falling crime rate and good economic development, adding the city continues to "thrive as a hub of opportunity and innovation."

At a "State of the City" event Wednesday at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe said Bloomington is healthy and prosperous with a falling crime rate and good economic development, adding the city continues to "thrive as a hub of opportunity and innovation."

Bloomington Mayor Mwilambwe: 'The state of our city is strong and resilient'

Josllyn Brooks is a sixth grader at Bloomington Junior High School in District 87. In her essay, Brooks tells of a towering figure who broke barriers in sports and society.

Josllyn Brooks is a sixth grader at Bloomington Junior High School in District 87. In her essay, Brooks tells of a towering figure who broke barriers in sports and society.

Josllyn Brooks

Kh'Mara Bowie is a senior at Bloomington High School in District 87. Bowie takes inspiration from someone in the music world who cuts against common stereotypes.

Kh'Mara Bowie is a senior at Bloomington High School in District 87. Bowie takes inspiration from someone in the music world who cuts against common stereotypes.

Kh'mara Bowie

Erioluwa Jegede is a fourth-grade student at Oakland Elementary School in District 87. Jegede honors a number of historical figures and the lessons they have for him.

Erioluwa Jegede is a fourth-grade student at Oakland Elementary School in District 87. Jegede honors a number of historical figures and the lessons they have for him.

Erioluwa Jegede

Heaven'lee Anne Henderson-O'Brien, 15, is a ninth grader at Normal West high school in Unit 5. Henderson-O'Brien tells a famous story, a horrible story of racial violence, and a story she believes must not be forgotten. Note: This reading includes graphic descriptions of violence and racial epithets.

Heaven'lee Anne Henderson-O'Brien, 15, is a ninth grader at Normal West high school in Unit 5. Henderson-O'Brien tells a famous story, a horrible story of racial violence, and a story she believes must not be forgotten. Note: This reading includes graphic descriptions of violence and racial epithets.

Heaven'lee Anne Henderson-O'Brien

Aaliyah Mohapatra is a seventh grader at Chiddix Junior High School in Unit 5. Mohapatra's essay recognizes a poet, a soldier, and an abolitionist author.

Aaliyah Mohapatra is a seventh grader at Chiddix Junior High School in Unit 5. Mohapatra's essay recognizes a poet, a soldier, and an abolitionist author.

Aaliyah Mohapatra

Sarah Guo is a seventh grader at Evans Junior High School in Unit 5. Guo lifts up an early conservationist from undeserved obscurity.

Sarah Guo is a seventh grader at Evans Junior High School in Unit 5. Guo lifts up an early conservationist from undeserved obscurity.

Sarah Guo

Hear the winning essays from the City of Bloomington's 2024 Black History Essay Contest.

Hear the winning essays from the City of Bloomington's 2024 Black History Essay Contest.

Black History Month essay contest winners (2024)

Morgan Schulte's career booking live entertainment for the Town of Normal started at the Hammitt School. She brought musicians into her special education classroom to foster empathy and coping skills.

Morgan Schulte's career booking live entertainment for the Town of Normal started at the Hammitt School. She brought musicians into her special education classroom to foster empathy and coping skills.

Bloomington-Normal rocks, thanks to Morgan Schulte

Deanne Bryant launched a district-wide Unit 5 string program in 1969, ensuring access to instruments often left out of school curriculums. Five decades later, Bloomington-Normal is lauded statewide for its high quality music education.

Deanne Bryant launched a district-wide Unit 5 string program in 1969, ensuring access to instruments often left out of school curriculums. Five decades later, Bloomington-Normal is lauded statewide for its high quality music education.

After 55 years on the podium, Deanne Bryant continues to leave a musical mark

Caribel Washington made history, and then she made sure history wouldn’t forget. She is one of WGLT's 21 Women Who Shaped Bloomington-Normal.

Caribel Washington made history, and then she made sure history wouldn’t forget. She is one of WGLT's 21 Women Who Shaped Bloomington-Normal.

Caribel Washington pushed for civil rights and capturing Black history

Because of Jeanne Morris, Bloomington-Normal is a more welcoming place than it was before she got here.

Because of Jeanne Morris, Bloomington-Normal is a more welcoming place than it was before she got here.

Jeanne Morris is a courageous change-agent who helped bring fair housing and early childhood education to B-N

Sonya Mau knows what happens when a community doesn’t invest in cultivating leaders from within. She's one of WGLT's 21 Women Who Shaped Bloomington-Normal.

Sonya Mau knows what happens when a community doesn’t invest in cultivating leaders from within. She's one of WGLT's 21 Women Who Shaped Bloomington-Normal.

Sonya Mau helped bring servant leadership to Bloomington-Normal

Willie Holton Halbert, a leader with the Bloomington-Normal branch of the NAACP, is one of WGLT's 21 Women Who Shaped Bloomington-Normal.

Willie Holton Halbert, a leader with the Bloomington-Normal branch of the NAACP, is one of WGLT's 21 Women Who Shaped Bloomington-Normal.

Willie Holton Halbert dedicated her life to activism and continues to do so in retirement

Myra Gordon got her start volunteering with Operation Recycle, a local group dedicated to sustainability and broadening access to recycling options. It later became the Ecology Action Center.

Myra Gordon got her start volunteering with Operation Recycle, a local group dedicated to sustainability and broadening access to recycling options. It later became the Ecology Action Center.

Myra Gordon grew environmental consciousness

The Rev. Brigitte Black is one of WGLT's 21 Women Who Shaped Bloomington-Normal.

The Rev. Brigitte Black is one of WGLT's 21 Women Who Shaped Bloomington-Normal.

Brigitte Black was a true and tireless fighter for social justice

As head of the Normal-based nonprofit Immigration Project, Charlotte Alvarez connects immigrants living in 86 Illinois counties with legal aid and social service organizations as they navigate a convoluted, inefficient system.

As head of the Normal-based nonprofit Immigration Project, Charlotte Alvarez connects immigrants living in 86 Illinois counties with legal aid and social service organizations as they navigate a convoluted, inefficient system.

Charlotte Alvarez keeps focus on the people at the center of immigration

Beth Robb became the first woman judge and chief judge in the 11th Judicial Circuit, which includes McLean County. She's one of WGLT's 21 Women Who Shaped Bloomington-Normal.

Beth Robb became the first woman judge and chief judge in the 11th Judicial Circuit, which includes McLean County. She's one of WGLT's 21 Women Who Shaped Bloomington-Normal.

Judge Beth Robb helped humanize the courts

March is Women's History Month, and WGLT is recognizing 21 women who shaped Bloomington-Normal. New episodes every weekday in March.

March is Women's History Month, and WGLT is recognizing 21 women who shaped Bloomington-Normal. New episodes every weekday in March.

21 Women Who Shaped Bloomington-Normal

WGLT's Sound Ideas is our flagship news program. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. This 30-minute newsmagazine is produced Monday through Friday. You can also subscribe to the Sound Ideas - Full Episodes podcast.

WGLT's Sound Ideas is our flagship news program. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. This 30-minute newsmagazine is produced Monday through Friday. You can also subscribe to the Sound Ideas - Full Episodes podcast.

WGLT's Sound Ideas

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