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

You’ve heard the expression, democracy can be messy. Well, two Illinois State University professors would add part of the debris is left by politicians who often ignite fear and anger by using their fiery rhetoric on would-be voters. It’s a strategy as old as democracy because the seasoned researchers say it often works. Illinois State University Political Science Professor Dr. Carl Palmer says history is rife with examples of ugly campaigns. He points to more modern-day examples with Lyndon

Illinois State University Political Scientists Erik Rankin and Tom McClure analyze the debate between Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Tim Kaine and his Republican counterpart, Mike Pence. You'll hear from some of the Normal Community High School students who took part in Tuesday's mock election, choosing the Democrat Hillary Clinton as the next president. And the Georgia Songbird makes a return appearance in the midwest this weekend. Jon Norton catches up with blues singer-songwriter E.G.

Both Vice Presidential candidates did their jobs in the debate Tuesday evening. That's according to ISU political scientists Tom McClure and Erik Rankin.

The Mayor of Normal says the City Manager met almost all of his goals last year. And the ones Mark Peterson did not achieve had to do with government mandates getting in the way. Speaking on GLT's Sound Ideas, Mayor Chris Koos said Peterson is at the top of his game.

Spiritual healing is offered on a regular basis at a church in central Illinois. Go inside one of the few, remaining free-standing spiritualist churches in America--it's in LeRoy. GLT's Judy Valente is your guide. There's a solid chance the U.S. could elect the first female president. Hillary Clinton is a trailblazer but there are other prominent women before her who've sought the nation's highest public office. Jon Norton talks with an Illinois State University history professor. And the Town

One way to save money is to save things you own, like clothing. "Fix It Friday," which is scheduled for Oct. 7 in Uptown Normal, is a cooperative effort at Illinois State University between Fashion Design and Merchandising students and the Office of Sustainability.

Tour the latest exhibit at Illinois State's University Galleries with famed artist and ISU grad Wonsook Kim. Decades after she exhibited as a student, Kim talks about her work on display. You'll get the latest on the Bloomington-Normal Restaurant Scene with Larry Carius, and hear a preview of this week's Homecoming activities at Illinois State.

For the first time in U.S. history, a woman tops the ticket of a major U.S. political party. Illinois State University Associate Professor of History Dr. Kyle Ciani said that is a big deal. "I think it's important for the nation, I think it's important historically" said Ciani. "I think it's also very important in juxtaposition to who the Republican candidate is."

Montreal has enacted a new breed-specific legislation in response to a recent deadly pit bull attack in the city. A 55-year old woman was mauled to death by a dog that was described as a pit bull. Officers shot and killed the animal, and the tragedy has spurred the city into action.

It’s a colonial-style brick church with tall pillars and Georgian windows in downtown Leroy. Seated on a stool in the church basement, Pastor Emeritus Sharon Bianchi answers questions about the spirit world from visitors and congregation members. Are there guardian angels? Is there such a thing as a bad spirit? And this one, about why a heated room might suddenly feel cold.

Delavan, Illinois native Cody Diekhoff (a.k.a Chicago Farmer) said he had no idea what he wanted to do with his life while growing up. And it frustrated him. "I remember my councilor and parents asking me what I wanted to do after high school" said Diekhoff. And I said 'I don't know.' They asked me what I liked to do, and I said 'I like to go around breaking things.'" When he came home from school one day and announced that he wanted to be a musician, he said his parents were thrilled.

It's our regular recap of the week's top local news stories. Last week: Unit 5 gave First Student until November to fix its transportation issues.The Bloomington-Normal McDonald's owners announced their retirement.Congressional candidate David Gill continued his fight to have his name printed on the ballot.Catch up on these stories and more in just five minutes.

Illinois State University Homecoming is October 3 through 9, with A Normal Tradition as the theme for this year's festivities.

The McLean County Museum of History is offering a dramatic look at voices from the past in its cemetery walk this weekend. The walk averages thirty five hundred to thirty seven hundred people per year. Most are school children during the week.

A battlefield is a noisy place. And that can have long term consequences for soldiers. An ISU researcher is coordinating a huge study of military personnel and their hearing health after explosions with a group of military scientists in San Diego.