WGLT-FM: Assorted stories from WGLT-FM : NPR

A retired Illinois State University political scientist thinks the next Stevenson Lecturer and Adlai E. Stevenson himself would have agreed on many issues.

The changing nature of retail is affecting cities' ability to provide basic services. As an increasing number of people discover the convenience of online shopping, cities are losing essential sales tax revenue, something internet sellers don't pay.

The Agriculture sector is among many U.S. interest groups carefully watching and weighing the young Trump administration in Washington. Candidate Trump staked out ground on the North American Free Trade Agreement that could harm Ag producers. Illinois Farm Bureau Vice President David Erickson Erickson farms 3,400 acres in Knox and Henry Counties near Altona.

The head of the Unit Five School District says he is pushing the panic button firmly about state aid payments. Speaking during GLT's Sound Ideas, Superintendent Mark Daniel said the district will run out of money about the end of the spring legislative session. "We will not be able to have a balanced budget. So we will be in deficit spending: My great concern is if there is no state budget then how are they going to make payments in the future," said Daniel.

"Whenever I call it a jazz band I do air quotes. 'Jazz.'" said Disorganizer mandolin player Stefen Robinson, gesturing with the index and middle fingers of both hands over his head. Why? "Because I don't even know what that means anymore," continued Robinson. "Are you talking about Miles Davis? Are you talking about Wayne Shorter? Are you talking about Kneebody?

Republicans in Springfield voted against the so-called 'lifeline' budget that cleared the Illinois House house last week. The plan appropriates $815 million for things like homeless services, domestic violence programs, and MAP grants for low-income college students. One of those voting against the lifeline plan was Bloomington Republican Dan Brady.

Illinois State University President Larry Dietz talks about his upcoming visits to Springfield to testify before House and Senate Higher Education Appropriations Committees. State funding woes are impacting K-12 as well. Unit Five's Mark Daniel says the district is seriously considering school closures. He speaks with Charlie Schlenker. A member of the Twin Cities-based free jazz quartet Disorganizer talks about jazz, race, and the reasons the group decided to play a Black Lives Matter

A proposed east-side Bloomington sewer project is contrasting the issue of suburban sprawl with the city's own 2015 comprehensive plan, which focuses on infill development.

Illinois State University President Larry Dietz is set to appear before two legislative committees in Springfield this month to testify about the budgeting process--or lack of one. Thursday, he will speak about budget issues to the House Higher Education Appropriations Committee. Then next week, he'll do the same thing on the senate side.

People with disabilities can get federal help, but only if they have less than $2,000 in assets. State Treasurer Mike Frerichs says some parents worry about that. Hear about a new program to allow those with disabilities to save money in a way that won’t jeopardize federal support. Charlie Schlenker has the interview. During an edition of "Animal House," find out how the Normal Public Library’s Pages and Paws program benefits young readers. Laura Kennedy has the story. Newly reelected Mayor Tari

One great way to help kids get more excited about reading is to pair them off with a furry pal.

Today’s programming is made possible in part by GLT Day Sponsor and Multicultural Leadership Program board president, Kari Sandhaas, inviting you to the April 22nd MCLP graduation celebration, with keynote speaker Dr. Kira Hudson Banks, and honoring Dontae Latson and Tejas Jani with the MCLP community service leadership awards. Reservations at www.bn-mclp.org .

The energy economy is changing in a way that there may be no way to save coal and coal jobs as President Trump has pledged.

Spring is in the air -- and so is a multitude of colors!