WGLT's Sound Ideas

Since retiring, David Proeber stayed in Bloomington and has poured more time into conceptual photography projects. As part of a new book release, his latest collection called Visions, Curses and Blessings is featured at McLean County Arts Center. Sculpture Dann Nardi and glass worker Michelle Rial are also featured in the trio of month-long solo exhibitions. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cost of child care in McLean County is now the fourth highest in the state, according to data compiled by the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, high child care costs are limiting the Bloomington-Normal workforce -- and may be slowing the birth rate, a photography exhibit opening in Bloomington ties scripture to a message of how he should -- but often don't -- treat one another, and today's Black History Essay Contest tells the story of a self-made millionaire who still inspires more than a century later. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heartland Head Start interim executive director Chuck Hartseil said it’s not clear what options they would have to sustain programming if Congress were to approve wiping out funding. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican state lawmakers have signaled they want to ban transgender girls from competing on girls school sports teams in Illinois. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Republican lawmakers in Illinois want to ban transgender girls in girls sports, a new problem solving court in McLean County hopes to mend families torn apart by substance abuse, and the Illinois Symphony has a big program planned for its season finale. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leaders steering McLean County's family treatment court describe it as a work in progress, but it's one they hope eventually will spread throughout the state. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration’s dismantling of AmeriCorps has shut down a free legal assistance program at the McLean County courthouse that helped self-represented litigants navigate a wide range of court cases. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concern about car prices amid seesawing tariffs on foreign-made vehicles and parts set forth by President Trump. One of the leading Bloomington-Normal auto dealers says prices haven't noticeably risen yet — and that it's difficult to say how the tariffs will play out. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this special episode of Sound Ideas, a look back on the first 100 days of the second Trump administration in McLean County. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As he prepares to leave office at the end of the month, Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe said he's pleased for the community about the results of his four-year tenure that unlocked many opportunities for the city. Mwilambwe lost in a three-way race for mayor on April 1. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Democratic congressman from the Chicago area brought his concerns about President Trump’s tariffs to a farm just south of Bloomington on Thursday, accusing the administration of sowing “chaos and uncertainty” with its confrontational approach to trade policy. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, an exit interview with Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe, future social workers get hands on experience in a new simulation lab in Normal, Project Oz opens a youth center with critical services, and a Bloomington family pours sweat equity into their new Habitat home. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Habitat for Humanity of McLean County broke ground on its 200th house on Saturday, holding a ceremony to recognize both the home's recipients and agency co-founder Judy Stone. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Those working on the front lines of the state’s child welfare system now have a new, high-tech simulation training space in Normal. Illinois State University and the state’s Department of Children and Family Services [DCFS] teamed up on the new Child Protection Training Academy. Located at The Baby Fold at 614 Oglesby Ave., it's the third of its kind in the state. The ribbon-cutting was Friday. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A nonprofit that serves housing insecure youth and young people with family instability has opened a new Youth Education and Support Center on Bloomington’s west side. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In McLean County, it’s relatively easy for the public to access training on opioid prevention and the opioid overdose reversal drug Narcan. That’s largely due to efforts from health groups and the county government. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Illinois State University students grappled Monday with the aftermath of a second shooting on or very near campus this school year. Classes resumed, but some said they were left feeling uneasy. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.