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On today's episode of Sound Ideas, you'll hear from the leaders of two Bloomington-Normal school districts. Plus, Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe talks about sewer improvements in the wake of historic flooding.

Meet the finalists for Bloomington Police Chief. The head of a city oversight board board says either one would be good. Both say they want to improve community relations. District 87's superintendent says teachers are ready for pushback on masks. There's disproportionate student discipline by race in Unit 5. The head of Unit 5 schools says professional development is critical to reducing that disparity and having people overcome unconscious biases. And hear the music of Osmium House before it plays in Bloomington tomorrow.

Some school districts in central Illinois may have school boards that don't agree with Gov. JB Pritzker's mask mandate for students Pre-K through 12. But the regional school superintendent for McLean, Logan, Dewitt, and Livingston counties said this week any superintendent that feels squeezed can lean on the state board of education for backup.

Some residents of Bloomington say they feel betrayed by the city in their flooded hour of need. A Bloomington Council member wants the city to offer money to help. And a lawyer says some of his clients may sue over sewage. Being an ER nurse during a pandemic is really really stressful, but they say they take a breath and get their game face on. ER nurses say they'd love to answer questions for those who are vaccine hesitant, but rarely get the chance. And craft beer and jazz is a nice combination. It's happening in Uptown Normal this weekend.

WGLT's The Leadoff is everything you need to know for Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021. You'll hear about flood mitigation options in Bloomington after June's historic rain. Plus, an update on rural EMS staffing issues.

WGLT's The Leadoff is everything you need to know for Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021. You'll hear about the two finalists for Bloomington police chief. Plus, Unit 5 superintendent Kristen Weikle talks about Rivian, Samsung, and capacity for growth.

WGLT's The Leadoff is everything you need to know for Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021. You'll hear from Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth on the situation in Afghanistan. Plus, an ISU grad student works for an NFL team.

WGLT's The Leadoff is everything you need to know to start your day for Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021.

Bloomington Normal is in the hunt for a massive economic development project...a billion dollar electric battery factory on the west side of Normal. It could bring 32-hundred jobs to the twin cities. There have been rumors for a couple years about what extra business Rivian might bring to Bloomington Normal. Last week there was a hint the community is in the running for a big get. Then today Dick Durbin named the prospect, Samsung. Hear reaction from Bloomington Normal Mayors, economic development and transportation leaders, and a state lawmaker for the community.

Just because people CAN go out for arts events after they are vaccinated might not mean they WILL. The notion of accessibility is shifting for arts patrons who worry about breakthrough infections or a need for boosters. Plus, retiring ISU President Larry Dietz joins us for a goodbye interview. Metronet has closed the digital divide in Bloomington Normal a bit and built out its urban infrastructure. Bedroom communities are next. The Mayor of Normal says the long discussed underpass project in Uptown will likely finally appear in next year's town budget.