St. Louis on the Air

In the final week of the Missouri legislative session, lawmakers could pass a bill that would return control of the St. Louis Police Department to the state. The state controlled the police department for 152 years until, in 2013, the city regained control. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas knows state control well. His city is the only in Missouri that’s under state control, and he shares what a state takeover would mean for St. Louis.

It was just last Thursday that St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner announced she will resign June 1. But that’s not good enough for Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who is seeking her immediate removal. STLPR politics correspondent Jason Rosenbaum discusses Bailey’s actions as well as the person who Gov. Mike Parson might choose to replace Gardner.

A star high school football player in St. Louis, Damion Baker’s life was cut short in an unsolved shooting in August 2022. Before his death, Damion had made plans to launch a nonprofit that would teach young people job skills. That dream is now a reality in the form of the D-Bake Foundation. The foundation’s founder, An'namarie Baker, discusses her son’s life, his mission, and how pre-apprenticeship classes can help people get on the path to a career.

Friction between the House and Senate has delayed some major policy priorities until the final days of the Missouri legislative session, including two anti-trans rights bills and a bill that would make it harder to amend the state constitution through the initiative petition process. STLPR reporter Sarah Kellogg shares how the last week of the session may shake out.

A federal investigation found that Missouri hospitals violated federal law by denying a woman an emergency abortion when her water broke at 17 weeks. Mylissa Farmer shares what happened when doctors refused to provide an abortion, even though she was told her life was in danger and that the fetus was no longer viable — when Missouri law superseded her need for emergency healthcare. Also, National Women’s Law Center attorney Michelle Banker discusses what comes next for Missouri hospitals in the wake of the investigation.

The St. Louis Cardinals are not having a good season: they reign supreme at the bottom of the NL standings. But the team made an announcement earlier this week that was a reminder of better times. Third baseman and St. Louis native David Freese will be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame this summer. In this encore, St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Benjamin Hochman talks about the remarkable 2011 season when Freese was World Series MVP.

Sixty percent of North American songbirds, 40% of the continent’s waterfowl and many species of shorebirds will migrate through St. Louis in the next few weeks. Regional Audubon Conservation Science Manager Tara Hohman shares tips for bird-watching this spring, the threats facing many bird species traveling through the area and what people can do to help revitalize bird habitat in the region.

Facing a move by the Missouri attorney general to oust her, a contempt of court charge and increasing public and legislative pressure, Gardner announced Thursday that she will resign effective June 1. STLPR correspondent Jason Rosenbaum breaks down the story and what happens next.

Cinema St. Louis Artistic Director Chris Clark gives a preview of this year's QFest and reflects on the role of an LGBTQ film festival in Missouri at a time when trans rights are under attack in the state.

Missouri’s teacher shortage has been a problem for many years. Now, education advocates report that teachers are leaving the field at an unprecedented rate, while the rate of college graduates obtaining teachers’ certificates also plummets. Advocates discuss the state of Missouri’s teacher shortage and what needs to happen in order for more people, especially those of more diverse backgrounds, to consider the profession.

Three educators report facing anti-trans discrimination at Kirkwood School District. They say they are considering leaving Missouri in order to continue teaching. STLPR education reporter Kate Grumke joins with the details on this story.

Maplewood has agreed to pay a $3.25 million settlement to potentially thousands of people jailed and fined by its system of predatory court fees and police. We'll talk to ArchCity Defender attorney Nathaniel Carroll about the impact of the city's practices, why he calls it a “debtors’ prison,” and what this settlement means for the similar lawsuits the firm is leading against other municipalities in St. Louis County.

Historian John C. McManus’ latest book opens with Gen. Douglas MacArthur aboard the USS Boise plunging through the deep blue waters of the South China Sea in January 1945. The Missouri S&T professor’s book, “To the End of the Earth: The US Army and the Downfall of Japan, 1945,” completes his trilogy that focuses on the U.S. Army during the Pacific War.

Typically, bands and music groups make stars of the lead singer: the “front man” and spokesperson who gets all the eyes and attention. Most fans don't consider the team of people working behind the scenes to make the music radio-ready — especially those who produce, mix, and master the audio. Music producers are integral to the music-making process. In this encore episode, producer Miya Norfleet explores the Fresh Produce Champions Battle and sits down with emcees, judges, and participants of the competition.

The Jazz St. Louis Board of Directors is coming to the defense of its president and CEO, Victor Goines. A story in the Riverfront Times last week detailed issues that some Jazz St. Louis staff and supporters have had with the organization’s new leader including alleged bullying. Public scrutiny of Goines’ leadership started after St. Louis artist Cbabi Bayoc posted on Instagram an account of how Goines’ passed on his T-shirt design that was to be used as part of a Young Friends board fundraiser.

A judge has begun the process to hold St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner and her deputy, Chris Desilets, in "indirect criminal contempt” because he missed a trial and a hearing this week related to an armed robbery case. Attorneys Sarah Swatosh, Bill Freivogel and Arindam Kar discuss that case and other legal issues.

Living in St. Louis means having some knowledge of the city’s remarkable claims to fame. Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis’ signature accent, the infamous, vertically sliced St. Louis bagel and being the site of the 1904 World’s Fair. The Missouri History Museum looks to tell the complete history of the fair by revamping their exhibit on the fair to prominently feature perspectives and interpretations of people of color at the turn of the century.

Founded in 2012, STL Youth Jobs seeks to prepare a new generation of workers with soft-skills, like how to perform well in a job interview, and hard skills, like knowing safety regulations of specific industries. Since the first group of “job seekers,” the organization has gone from finding employment for 200 area youth in 2013 — to 800 in 2019.

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones delivered her second annual State of the City address on Tuesday night. In this one-on-one conversation with Mayor Jones, she outlines her priorities that include addressing public safety and spending American Rescue Plan Act funds. She’s also not backing down on her criticism of Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner.

Missouri is on the brink of becoming the first state to implement sweeping restrictions on gender-affirming care for adults. Trans people and providers are raising alarm over new rules issued by Attorney General Andrew Bailey. The rules require trans people prove their gender identity is not being influenced by other people or by a “social contagion" — which trans people say is an impossible standard. We talk with two trans people who say they are terrified by the new rules, as well as Planned Parenthood's Dr. Colleen McNicholas.

Not only have public restrooms never been truly public, they’ve disappeared from America’s major metro areas, says historian Bryant Simon. We explore the rise and fall of America’s public restroom campaign and meet the woman behind the “Bathrooms In St. Louis” Instagram page.

In 50 years, hip-hop has become one of the most popular music genres in the world. In its early days, the recipe for a hip-hop duo or group was simple: two turntables for the disc jockey and a microphone for the emcee. Darian Wigfall, who DJs under the moniker DJ Whiz, shares the fundamentals of DJing — and why he feels vinyl is the best way to get into the craft.

A protest on Monday in front of a nondescript office building just across the street from CityPark in St. Louis highlighted what a group of local asylum seekers says is mistreatment by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement contractor. Two asylum seekers share their experiences and we hear from the co-founder of Migrantes Unidos, a mutual support group for immigrants who have been forced to wear ankle monitors.

Marian O'Shea Wernicke’s new novel "Out of Ireland" tells the story of a brother-sister pair who emigrate from Ireland to America in the late 1860s. The St. Louis native discusses the book’s real world inspirations, including the work of St. Louis’ notorious Irish gangs and her great-grandmother’s experiences.

This week, a Missouri Senate committee restored all $4.5 million in funding for the state’s 160 local public libraries. But the battle over Missouri’s libraries is about more than money. It’s about books, censorship, parents and students. Joe Kohlburn, of the Missouri Library Association, discusses the state of Missouri’s public libraries, and why many librarians are fearful for the future of their institutions.

Missouri legislators are considering a number of issues: expanding I-70, foreign ownership of farmland, anti-trans legislation, sports better, state control of St. Louis’ police department and more. STLPR statehouse reporter Sarah Kellogg discusses what’s happening in Jefferson City three weeks before the legislature’s May 12 adjournment.

The origins of 420 Day are hazy. The number has been linked to rumored police radio codes that supposedly indicate whether there is marijuana on a suspect and it’s also a reference to a popular after school meeting time to smoke, popularized by a group of Californian teens in the 1970s. Either way, 420 Day is becoming a larger holiday as more U.S. states legalize the substance for recreational use. Several St. Louisans told St. Louis on the Air it is high time for Missouri to celebrate legalized recreational cannabis — and that there is still work to be done.

Last Thursday, Ralph Yarl, a 16-year-old Black teen in Kansas City, went to the wrong house to pick up his younger twin brothers. Andrew Lester, the 84-year-old white man who resides at that wrong address, shot Yarl – twice. STLPR political correspondent Jason Rosenbaum discusses the racial dynamics at play and we hear his conversation with SLU Law Professor Anders Walker.

Charles the great horned owl lost both his mate and their eggs in December. It was tough news for Mark H. X. Glenshaw, the naturalist who has documented Charles’ life for 17 years. However, things are now looking up for Charles. Glenshaw shares the details in a special “owl prowl” edition of the show.

As Ramadan nears its end and Eid draws closer, a co-founder of the sustainability committee at the Daar Ul-Islam mosque talks about how sustainability practices in Islam are especially important during Ramadan.

Spring is here and gardeners are ready to get back to their yards, porches and balconies to bring life back to their dwellings. Many are hesitant to get started because of the unpredictable weather and a steadily changing climate. But the Kemper Center of Home Gardening at Missouri Botanical Garden is here to help.

For 25 years, musicians of all levels have gathered for the annual St. Louis Tionól — not just to perform traditional Irish music, but to bask in the companionship of fellow performers and attendees. As festival co-founder Mike Mullins puts it, “The heart of Irish music is a social event.”

There’s a new parent at the World Bird Sanctuary. His name is Murphy. He’s a bald eagle. In March, he began to attract attention when he was spotted incubating a rock in his enclosure. Murphy’s fixation on fatherhood went viral, but his story didn’t end there. Last week, the sanctuary introduced Murphy to an orphaned baby eaglet. World Bird Sanctuary executive director Roger Holloway discusses the incredible story of Murphy, the bird’s unusual journey into parenthood, and what comes next for the now internet-famous pair.

Did pandemic policies that reduced jail populations lead to an increase in violent crime? Two new reports say “no.” Criminologist and professor Beth Huebner and the Freedom Community Center’s Mike Milton discuss the data, and provide an update on how local courts are returning to their pre-pandemic policies — and throwing more people in jail before trial.

First impressions can tell you a lot about a person. The first few words out of a person’s mouth can give you an idea of where somewhere has come from and where they’ve been. Comedian Tru Wag, born Brandon Wagner, is so proud to be from St. Louis that he began making skits and “accent challenges” celebrating his accent on Tik Tok and Instagram, where he has amassed a combined 208,000 followers.

Looking for a new comic book to read? The Wizard’s Wagon has you covered. Owner and comic manager Jon “Fleet” Norfleet knows every book on the shelves cover-to-cover. He thumbs through up to 70 releases every week, with titles ranging from popular comic book properties to new series from Eisner Award-winning comic book writers and artists.

English writer Neil Gaiman has a lot of credits and awards to his name. They include the Newbery and Carnegie Medals for the young adult novel “The Graveyard Book.” He’s also written “Coraline,” “Neverwhere,” “The Ocean at the End of the Lane,” “American Gods,” “Stardust,” and “The Sandman." Gaiman adds to his list of accolades the 2023 St. Louis Literary Award and joins the show ahead of the ceremony.

Abraham Josephine Riesman, the author of “Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America,” recounts how the WWE went through an aggressive expansion in the 1980s, including in St. Louis.

Wildlife “baby season” is underway! Though they may look small and helpless, most baby animals should be left alone — even if they look lost. Wildlife Rescue Center executive director Kim Rutledge discusses how to avoid causing an “accidental abduction” of a baby animal.

This year's festival will feature more than 50 local, regional and national acts. Chris Hansen, executive director of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, discusses the lineup and the festival's special tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

North Indian Hindustani violinist Rupam Ghosh connects with local musicians on a spiritual level as much as a musical one. He discusses his tour through the U.S. sharing North Indian classical music with schools, universities, and nightclubs.

Construction at the Benton Park Tiny House slowed down at the end of 2022. Other than hosting a couple workshops and having their trailer stolen, things have been quiet on the 7,000 square foot lot. Now that St. Louis has shaken off the last of its winter frost, Rikki Watts and Dwayne Tiggs are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

In the St. Louis area 70% of children in foster care identify as Black but only 13% of foster parents identify the same. While interracial foster and adoptive homes can be healthy and safe, providing a racially competent household increases positive outcomes for children. Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition is bringing back a program that hopes to recruit more Black families.

Olivette native and soccer standout Becky Sauerbrunn has been a fixture on the U.S. Women’s National Team for more than a dozen years. She’s been part of two World Cup-winning teams and has earned two Olympic medals. STLPR’s Jeremy D. Goodwin talked with Sauerbrunn about equal pay, trans rights and an MLS team coming to St. Louis. The USWNT plays the Republic of Ireland in an international friendly at CityPark Tuesday night.

At 17, midfielder Miguel Perez is St. Louis City SC’s youngest player. He made his Major League Soccer debut earlier this year and for the Under-19 United States Men’s National team, he scored a goal for his country — all while still enrolled at Pattonville High School. Washington University freshman Julian Trejo discusses his reporting on Perez and details his own experience of playing soccer at a championship level, growing up in Arkansas and coming to St. Louis.

STL Santos offers more to local soccer fans than mere soccer game camaraderie. They operate predominantly in Spanish, raise money for local Hispanic and Latino focused non-profits and unite different cultures across St. Louis.
 
 Find a Spanish language version of this article at stlpr.org/espanol

St. Louis University researchers urge citizen scientists to track mosquito populations this summer via the Mosquito Alert app to help them better understand where mosquito hotbeds are in St. Louis.

SLU Professor Ness Sandoval breaks down census data on "St. Louis on the Air."

St. Louis Public Radio correspondents Jason Rosenbaum and Rachel Lippmann discuss the results of yesterday's municipal elections, where most St. Louis-area voters backed proposals to apply a local sales tax to recreational marijuana. St. Louis voters also elected a new 14-member Board of Aldermen.

This year’s Teen Talent Competition features the Drum Warriors Ensemble, a group of four young Black men from different St. Louis high schools who perform traditional African rhythms. They share how traditional African drumming and dance connects them with their heritage.