Advertise on podcast: WGLT's Sound Ideas

A new Spanish-language mental health podcast based in Bloomington-Normal aims to help the community understand how to deal with stress. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democrats in McLean County find themselves in an unusual position heading into this election. For the first time, the party is looking to hold on to power on the county board. McLean County's main governing body had historically been led by Republicans. That is, until 2024, when Democrats won a majority of seats on the 20-member board. Democrats hold 12 seats, all in Bloomington-Normal. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In communities like those in McLean County, a community benefits agreement may either be a tool to hold data centers accountable or a list of empty promises. A community benefits agreement [CBA] is a document which can legally require data centers to commit to the investment of specific projects, programs or upgrades within a community. That can range from something like funding a new building in town to replacing aging water pipes. In the City of Bloomington’s newly released draft regulations, CBAs approved by city council would be a requirement. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

McLean County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston won't speculate on whether the Trump administration's rejection of federal storm relief stemming from mid-August storms was political. No matter what the motivation, with damage totals for the county hitting $42.5 million, or roughly half the damage in the state, it’s the county’s job to keep pushing. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heartland Bank and Trust plans to acquire First State Bank, the latest in a series of acquisitions by Heartland Bank as it grows its regional footprint. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s hard to build housing right now, including in Bloomington-Normal. There is a long list of reasons as to why, including the skyrocketing costs of materials, but the high cost of building has developers looking for ways to fund and start projects without breaking the bank. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The City of Bloomington is updating its advertising sign code, which was adopted in 1979 and hasn't been meaningfully updated since then. The city has invited residents, sign contractors and industry professionals to add their voices to the process. It held an open house last month and is now soliciting feedback through an online survey. The survey tool also allows people to drop a pin where they have noticed a particularly good or bad sign. The survey is open through late October. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Students from Illinois State University marched against sexual assault on campus during a Take Back the Night event Thursday. Take Back the Night is an international event organized to end sexual, relationship and domestic violence. The Illinois State event included a march and vigil for attendees to show support for and share stories with others. It's sponsored by many different campus groups. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A state prison in Lincoln is setting a new standard for juvenile corrections. Monarch Youth Center uses a trauma-informed approach that incarcerated youths say is changing their lives for the better. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not In Our Town Bloomington-Normal [NIOT] will screen a new documentary Sunday, Oct. 18, examining how Minnesota residents stood up for their immigrant neighbors. The free screening of Minnesota Neighbors starts at 3 p.m. at the Normal Theater. Film director and NIOT founder Patrice O’Neill said the film covers the winter of 2026, when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement [ICE] intensified its operations in Minneapolis and St. Paul under an initiative known as Operation Metro Surge. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Constant intrusive thoughts that come with obsessive-compulsive disorder [OCD] can be exhausting. That’s an experience shared by Normal’s Claire Nichols. She said when she was a child, her OCD began with frequent bathroom visits. According to mental health professionals, Nichols’ experience is not uncommon. Shannon Griffith, a licensed clinical professional counselor with Normal-based Moonflower Counseling, said on average, diagnosing OCD can take 7 years from when symptoms first start occurring. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A program providing alternative classroom settings at Bloomington High School is up and running in its first full school year. The program is one part of District 87's efforts to improve the graduation rate at the High School. As WGLT Education correspondent Braden Fogerson explains, students are already feeling the difference in their learning. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

McLean County employers have more incentives to help employees access childcare, thanks to two federal tax code changes effective this year. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Both of Cody Muhlbauer’s grandfathers played small college football, one a running back, the other a quarterback. At family gatherings, the game is a frequent topic. Young Cody is making a case for himself. A running back with sprinter’s speed, Muhlbauer has broken Normal West’s career records for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns this season, leading the Class 6A No. 2-ranked Wildcats to a 7-0 record. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the contested races for McLean County Board is in District 10 on Bloomington-Normal's east side, where Democrat Corey Beirne seeks re-election to a second term. His challenger is Republican Matt Steinkoenig. Support the show: https://donate.nprstations.org/wglt/wglt-choose-donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.