Samantha Hill

A study done by Illinois Wesleyan University scientists finds nearly half of deer meet processed in central Illinois has fragments of lead shot in it. The story from professors Aaron Schultz Wilson and Given Harper. Plus, a discussion of state finances and how the proposed change in the income tax structure would change them. And there's no sign the pandemic caused jump in pet adoptions is slowing. 

Heartland community college will likely take a couple months to recover from that destructive October 5th cyber attack. Chief Information Officer Scott Bross says the FBI is investigating. Mayor Tari Renner of Bloomington says he's had enough time in office. Plus, outbreaks of COVID-19 at eight Bloomington Normal long term care facilities now outpace the numbers at nursing home during the early part of the pandemic. And nine new restaurants are serving meals amid the pandemic. Hear a check in on the Bloomington Normal Restaurant Scene. 

Unlike in March, health departments have better direction and more tools for schools to address coronavirus flareups and outbreaks. Hear more on school reopening and contact tracing. Plus, a report on the graduated tax initiative. A central Illinois candidate for Illinois Teacher of the Year offers his philosophy of education. And even in the middle of a pandemic, nine restaurants are under construction in the twin cities. Larry Carius talks about the Bloomington Normal Restaurant Scene. 

There was a student spike in COVID cases at ISU at the start of the semester. What about next semester? ISU President Larry Dietz says that's one reason the university will begin testing up to 13 thousand people a week. Plus, hear about the challenge of busing children to school in a socially distanced way. Unit 5 Schools Superintendent Kristen Weikle talks about teacher student bonding during the pandemic. And it's a good year for pumpkins and pumpkin sellers. 

13th district Congressional candidates are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars this year on Facebook. Learn more about social media political campaign strategy this election. Plus, 'a horse, a horse, my kingdom for a virtual horse!' There's a new production of Richard III coming to a screen near you. The federal government will spend more money to reduce human trafficking in central Illinois. And our series on contact tracing continues. 

Rhetoric from the Republican Candidate for the U.S. Senate in Illinois raises the prospect of a new civil war. Hear why even races that used to require mainstream approaches to be successful aren't attracting mainstream candidates. Plus, our series on contact tracing continues. Outgoing Illinois State University Athletics Director Larry Lyons shares how new initiatives on diversity training and racial insensitivity are going after his misstep earlier this year. And Ameren Illinois joins the electric vehicle caravan with a network of charging stations. 

On today's episode, you'll hear from McLean County Democratic Party chair Nikita Richards and McLean County Republican Party chair Connie Beard discuss the graduated income tax proposal. Find all of our election coverage at WGLT.org/Election. 

On today's episode, Sen. Dick Durbin talks about the prospects for another round of coronavirus relief. You'll hear about the physical toll of pandemic stress. And ISU and IWU make alternative plans for Homecoming. 

On today's episode of Sound Ideas, you'll hear a debate between two candidates running for McLean County Board in District 3, which includes southwest Bloomington. They are Democrat R.J. McCracken and Libertarian Derek Evans.