WGLT's Sound Ideas

On today's episode, primary care doctors are filling a needed mental health care gap in Bloomington-Normal; Nomad Theatre confronts ethical and comedic implications of AI and the arts; three YMCA workers are honored for saving a member's life; and a look back on some of Sen. Dick Durbin's sharpest floor speeches. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three Bloomington-Normal YMCA employees received National Lifesaving Awards Monday from the American Red Cross of Central Illinois. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Primary care is where people go when they have symptoms of an unknown illness or for an annual physical. Providers in Bloomington-Normal want to make sure people know their main doctor can also provide mental health support. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nomad Theatre Company, a production company that holds plays in real-life settings other than a stage, is nearing the end of its first full season since becoming a nonprofit, year-round organization. This weekend, Nomad will bring The AI Plays to The Coffeehouse & Deli in Uptown Normal. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several service providers in Bloomington-Normal say proposed Medicaid cuts threaten healthcare locally. The U.S. House recently passed a measure that would slice $880 billion over the next decade. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin will not seek a sixth term next year, confirming to WBEZ in an Illinois exclusive that he will leave office in 2027 in a long-awaited move certain to set off a massive, intraparty succession fight. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, proposed cuts to Medicaid have social service providers and some Democratic lawmakers concerned, longtime Democratic lawmaker Dick Durbin announces he won't seek another term, and a Bloomington woman prays at the tomb of Pope Francis. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloomington Central Catholic High School Assistant Principal Lauren Booth happened to be in Rome when Pope Francis died on April 21. She shares her thoughts of Pope Francis and how he impacted Central Catholic and young people in general. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Students at Central Catholic High School in Bloomington are reflecting on the life and legacy of Pope Francis in the wake of his death. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, an Earth Day story about plastics in everything we eat and drink, reflections on the life and legacy of Pope Francis from younger Catholics, Bloomington Police report steady crime rates but higher for gun crimes, a panel at Heartland Community College details the barriers that still exist after serving behind bars, plus the first of this year's Black history essay winners for the city of Bloomington. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloomington Police report steady crime rates, but higher for gun crimes. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Panelists came together Thursday in Normal to share their stories and talk about the psychological impacts of adjusting from being incarcerated to getting back to everyday life. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you’re a hot cup of tea and meditate kind of person or a toss the leftover pizza in the microwave kind of person, you probably ate plastic this morning. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spravato is the only form of ketamine approved by the Food and Drug Administration and covered by insurance for mental health treatment. Central Illinois providers say the drug could be more accessible for patients in need. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Collin Schopp from our sister station WCBU talks to Peoria Bishop Louis Tylka about Pope Francis' life and legacy. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, the Catholic Bishop for Bloomington-Normal reflects on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, Bloomington-Normal residents will see higher power bills soon, a medication hospitals have used for years is showing promise as a treatment for depression. 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.

A retired teacher, coach and athletic director, Brian Knutson of Bloomington has watched the Masters every April on TV. That changed this year, when he was given two tickets for each round of the Masters’ four-day run. So when Rory McIlroy completed golf’s career Grand Slam on Sunday, sinking a birdie putt on the 18th hole to win a playoff over Justin Rose, Knutson was in the fourth row of green-side chairs. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Unit 5 school board on Wednesday discussed results of a phone use study, following a study that began in July of phone use and discipline in schools — with potential changes to the district’s policy in mind. 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 explore new cell phone policies as the state considers a ban in the classroom, developers get pushback on plans to demolish three downtown Bloomington buildings, a Bloomington man stood within feet of history at the Masters, plus the Bloomington-Normal Youth Symphony grows in numbers and in rigor. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.