Politicians and newsmakers don’t always love it when journalists ask them tough, probing questions or point out the contradictions in their position on an issue. But Charlie Schlenker did it in a way that you just couldn’t help but respect. Schlenker will retire Sept. 30 after 42 years in journalism, including the last 29 here at WGLT.

Politicians and newsmakers don&rsquo;t always love it when journalists ask them tough, probing questions or point out the contradictions in their position on an issue.&nbsp;But Charlie Schlenker did it in a way that you just couldn&rsquo;t help but respect. Schlenker will retire Sept. 30 after 42 years in journalism, including the last 29 here at WGLT.

Sound Ideas is WGLT's signature local news series. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. New episodes air throughout the day on WGLT.

Sound Ideas is WGLT's signature local news series. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. New episodes air throughout the day on WGLT.

WGLT's Sound Ideas

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.

What it was like to be interviewed by retiring WGLT journalist Charlie Schlenker

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/090e86c6-4ab6-4873-b560-afff01256522/clips/71800c12-f824-4827-a3f7-b4cf003d8abe/transcript

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker delivered one of the most high-profile political speeches of his life two years ago at Chicago’s Democratic National Convention. But two years later, Pritzker, 61, said he’s astounded to see photographs and video of that moment. Pritzker is for the first time revealing publicly that he’s lost 80 pounds with the help of a GLP-1 weight loss medication, with plans to lose more. The governor laid bare his previously undisclosed medical history in an hour-long interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, admitting the “food noise” is gone, with daily exercise and the injections fueling weight loss he didn’t think was possible.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker delivered one of the most high-profile political speeches of his life two years ago at Chicago&rsquo;s Democratic National Convention.&nbsp;But two years later, Pritzker, 61, said he&rsquo;s astounded to see photographs and video of that moment.&nbsp;Pritzker is for the first time revealing publicly that he&rsquo;s lost 80 pounds with the help of a GLP-1 weight loss medication, with plans to lose more. The governor laid bare his previously undisclosed medical history in an hour-long interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, admitting the &ldquo;food noise&rdquo; is gone, with daily exercise and the injections fueling weight loss he didn&rsquo;t think was possible.

Gov. Pritzker opens up about his 80 lb. weight loss, use of GLP-1 — ‘I think it’s what I need to succeed’

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/090e86c6-4ab6-4873-b560-afff01256522/clips/237e8349-b41c-4ba5-8851-b4cf003c0126/transcript

McLean County superintendents say revenue from the countywide sales tax is making a difference one year in. The County School Facilities Tax [CSFT] was passed by McLean County voters in April 2025, adding a 1% tax on goods like retail products, fuel and online purchases when it went into effect that July. The revenue from that tax, distributed by the Regional Office of Education, can be used for facilities, in place of property taxes for the purpose of paying off debts, and for school security and mental health needs.

McLean County superintendents say revenue from the countywide sales tax is making a difference one year in.&nbsp;The County School Facilities Tax [CSFT] was passed by McLean County voters in April 2025, adding a 1% tax on goods like retail products, fuel and online purchases when it went into effect that July. The revenue from that tax, distributed by the Regional Office of Education, can be used for facilities, in place of property taxes for the purpose of paying off debts, and for school security and mental health needs.

McLean County superintendents say school sales tax has made a big impact

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/090e86c6-4ab6-4873-b560-afff01256522/clips/11f7a297-9f85-41ab-a328-b4ce00675ca2/transcript

After nearly 30 years at WGLT, award-winning journalist Charlie Schlenker is retiring at the end of the month. To mark the occasion, we turned the tables on one of the best interviewers in the business and asked Charlie to reflect on his career. Charlie tells former WGLT morning host Jon Norton he was surprised by the outpouring of praise when people learned he was retiring.

After nearly 30 years at WGLT, award-winning journalist Charlie Schlenker is retiring at the end of the month. To mark the occasion, we turned the tables on one of the best interviewers in the business and asked Charlie to reflect on his career. Charlie tells former WGLT morning host Jon Norton he was surprised by the outpouring of praise when people learned he was retiring.

Q&A: Charlie Schlenker reflects on 40+ years in journalism

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/090e86c6-4ab6-4873-b560-afff01256522/clips/42e59daf-4b9a-42f3-a7ba-b4cd0150574f/transcript

What it was like to be interviewed by retiring WGLT journalist Charlie Schlenker

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