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

The two candidates for Normal Township supervisor have opposing views on making the public assistance program more efficient. Township duties are to determine the value of property for taxation, to take care of roads not maintained by other government entities, and to distribute welfare to the local poor who are not eligible for other public aid.

A longtime district volunteer will face off against a professional educator in the only head-to-head matchup for Unit 5 school board in the April 4 election. Taunia Leffler and Solomon "Sol" Roberts-Lieb, both of south Bloomington, are vying for one of three 4-year terms on the Unit 5 school board. Because of limits on how many board members can reside in certain areas of the district, either Leffler or Roberts-Lieb can win —but not both. Incumbents Joseph Cleary of Normal and Meta Mickens-Baker

There’s plenty of musical time travel on this week’s Radio Munson from Hollywood to New Orleans, from San Antonio to Chicago, and from Newport Rhode Island to the trenches in France during the First World War. Drummer Buddy Rich punches your ticket opening Don’s show with “Chicago (That Toddlin’ Town)".

Bloomington High School presents the classic musical, Fiddler on the Roof . Directed by Miranda Buob, herself a graduate of the school, the show is heavy on tradition.

Two central Illinois men are biking across Death Valley to raise money to fight climate change. Michael Brown is the Executive Director of the Ecology Action Center . Proceeds from the ride will benefit the center. Kevin Loeske owns Peeler's Ovenworks, a mobile, rentable, wood-fired pizza oven. Both are participating in the Climate Ride Death Valley , Feb. 25 to March 2. Despite the current political climate, including a gag-order affecting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, both Brown

We're currently in a time of tumult, anger, and fear over immigration in this country. This figured prominently during the presidential campaign and continues with the deportation enforcement policy of the Trump administration.

Hear about the Indivisible Movement in central Illinois. Organizers including Dante Lotzen, with Indivisible 13, say the era of politics is over. Efforts in the 13th and 18th congressional districts have simply been requested dialogue with constituents. Congressman Darin LaHood and Rodney Davis have not responded. Plus, what happens when the rallies are over and the banners come down on immigration reform? What is daily life like for immigrants try to establish home places? Also, listen about

When planning your yard, it's best to keep in mind you pets and how they will use the space. Doing so will keep you both happy -- and your pets healthy.

Political speeches at award shows are nothing new, and this season has been especially spicy. Are they appropriate? GLT's Culture Maven, Shari Zeck, talks with Laura Kennedy about political speeches at the Oscars and readies you for some "Trump Talk" from the stage on Sunday. Get a peek at a new exhibit documenting the long rivalry between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs. Also, discover how a bike ride across Death Valley can fight climate change. We'll hear from a couple of

A backer of Classical music Composer Jean Sibelius wrote him before he composed the second Symphony that it was time or him to go to Italy, "a country where one learns cantabile, balance and harmony, plasticity and symmetry of lines, a country where everything is beautiful, even the ugly. You remember what Italy meant for Tchaikovsky’s development and for Richard Strauss."

The president of Illinois State University said a proposal in Springfield requiring public universities to admit first-time freshman applicants who finish with a high grade point average could have unintended consequences. The bill, which cleared a house committee last week, would require schools admit students who scored in the top 10 percent of their high school's graduating class. During Sound Ideas, Larry Dietz said there are too many variables at play when admitting students. "There's a

The Los Angeles based bluesy roots-rock band "The Record Company" brings its swagger to Bloomington to play The Castle Theater February 26. The band has seen its arrow pointing upward since the release of its debut album "Give It Back To You" last February. Former GLT staffer and occasional music critic Taylor Bauer sat down in the GLT Studio's with Jon Norton to talk about the The Record Company and its critically acclaimed debut album.

Of all the Academy Award predictions one could make this year, there's one sure bet: that some winners will go political in their thank you speeches. After all, it's a Hollywood tradition.