St. Louis on the Air

Republican infighting in the Missouri Senate means there's still no approved congressional map. It’s caused hours of debate, a filibuster and many, many late nights. STLPR statehouse reporter Sarah Kellogg explains why this is taking place. She also discusses the House-approved supplemental budget bill and a resolution to make changes to the state’s ballot initiative process.

In the last week, two temporary safe haven shelters closed their doors — leaving homeless people outside during frigid weather. Volunteers and providers are calling on St. Louis officials to create more shelter capacity to prevent deaths.

In the middle of winter’s coldest month, we make time to celebrate love. What better way to get in the mood than to listen to some love songs? In this episode, area songwriters share the best love songs they’ve written, as well as their all time favorites.

Filmmaker Rick Beyer discusses the work of the Ghost Army in World War II, which used subterfuge to fight the Nazis. He also explains how efforts in Missouri helped lead to a congressional medal for the unit’s 1,100 veterans.

Two Mizzou researchers detail how the Clean Water Act has fallen short — and offer specific policy solutions to clean up the “nonpoint source pollution” that escapes its regulations. They believe those changes would significantly improve the quality of U.S. lakes, rivers, wetlands and coastal areas.

Felipe Zapata credits his time in St. Louis for helping his work as the botanical adviser for “Encanto.” The native of Colombia earned his Ph.D. at UMSL and studied at the Missouri Botanical Garden. He called his time working on the film “amazing.”

Pauline Lee went from figure skating in the Olympics for Taiwan to teaching at SLU. She and UMSL Anthropology Professor Susan Brownell discuss the 2022 Beijing Games.

David Cross discusses his new standup comedy special, his work on “Station Eleven,” why “Arrested Development” is indisputably done and how he got over his negative feelings about St. Louis.

After the January death of firefighter Ben Polson, St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson talks about renewed efforts to rate the structural integrity of vacant buildings — and whether more vacant homes should be torn down.

Sauce Magazine Executive Editor Meera Nagarajan explains why Peruvian fine dining, a sweet shop and a wine bar top this month’s hit list — and shares good news for lovers of vegan tacos.

Michael Politte was convicted of killing his mother as a teen, but has always insisted he didn’t do it. His sister Melonie and attorney Megan Crane discuss the news of his favorable decision from the parole board — and what comes next in his quest for exoneration.

The STL Reentry Collective is on a mission to reimagine how people adapt to life after prison. The organizers, formerly incarcerated individuals themselves, are focused on addressing the trauma they say often lands people back in prison.

Wash U law professor Neil Richards discusses how knowledge is power, and what that means for our privacy as tech companies and governments seek to surveil us. He also shares where he sees hope even with privacy’s continued erosion in the digital age.

Atlantic contributor Ian Bogost discusses why Wordle is such a hit, what that tells us about the moment we live in, and the importance games play in society. He also explains how his background as a video game designer fits into his new role as director of Wash U’s film and media studies program.

Rare earth minerals — the commodities used to manufacture everything from smartphones to missile systems to electric vehicles — are in high demand. Missouri State Geologist Joe Gillman discusses the search for critical minerals in the Midwest.

In sixth grade, Emma Lembke couldn’t wait for permission to explore social media. But by high school, she found herself disgusted with her apps. Now she and other teens are building a movement for change.

St. Louis officials abruptly canceled plans to fund a low-barrier shelter with Bridge of Hope in January. The nonprofit’s executive director discusses how that decision came as a shock, and whether she’s willing to work with the city again.

Rabbi Daniel Bogard and Wash U Law Professor John Inazu share their thoughts on recent comments by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, who said he’d only hire a health director who shared his “Christian values.”

Rabbi Daniel Bogard and Wash U Law Professor John Inazu share their thoughts on recent comments by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, who said he’d only hire a health director who shared his “Christian values.”

"Chicago," "Jersey Boys" and "King Lear" received the most nominations from the St. Louis Theater Circle. The Muny and the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis received 27 nominations each. Local theater critics Gerry Kowarsky and Tina Farmer discussed the state of the local theater scene and how the group is changing its acting categories.

Katie Gatewood was removed from her job as a councilwoman in O’Fallon, Missouri, after digging into the now former police chief’s past in Texas. Gatewood’s attorney Dave Roland shares why he believes the council violated her constitutional rights.

Journalist Kelly Bauer discusses her investigation into the Center for COVID Control, a testing company that reaped $155 million from the federal government from 300 sites across the U.S., including four in St. Louis. Bauer’s investigation found that the company mishandled both COVID-19 tests and personal data.

Metro Transit’s restrictions on photography spur a broad conversation about what rights photographers have involving public places, government buildings and private citizens. Washington University’s Lisa Hoppenjans shares insight on the evolving First Amendment case law.

An hour-long episode of “In Their Words” had its Nine PBS premiere last July. It airs again tonight at 8. The episode features everyone from Berry’s widow and children to musician Keith Richards and St. Louis developer Joe Edwards. We listen back to our conversation from last summer about the episode.

A panel of attorneys discusses Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s lawsuits against 45 local districts, as well as a huge controversy over a sexual assault case in Quincy and a recent 8th circuit ruling on St. Louis police officers’ “kettling” arrests.

People with disabilities have been left in the lurch as the Medicaid-funded direct care provider system sees its worst staff shortage in decades. Providers and parents discuss the fallout — and whether the state is doing enough in response.

The singer began arranging covers of Stephen Sondheim songs three years ago — just for personal enjoyment. Now her indie-folk tribute to the late Broadway legend is headed to St. Louis.

When St. Louis gastroenterologist Dr. Leonard Weinstock realized how much long-haul COVID-19 had in common with a little-known syndrome, he snapped to attention. He and a patient discuss how his research has led to a potential breakthrough in treating her long COVID.

Leah Rothman and Kay Lincoln discuss the case for Rodney Lincoln’s innocence and the new podcast that details his wrongful conviction for the murder of JoAnn Tate.

Jazz drummer Montez Coleman, a native of East St. Louis who returned to the Gateway City after years in New York City, recently died at age 48. Fellow musicians remember him as a joy-filled performer — and friend.

A new study suggests that even more than sleep quantity, sleep consistency is critical for young adults’ happiness and cognitive functioning. Washington University psychologist Tim Bono discusses what we can all take from its findings — and how to fine-tune our sleep patterns.

Lipedema is a big problem for many women — yet the condition is frequently misdiagnosed. Dr. Thomas Wright discusses what happens when it goes untreated, and how a new study at Washington University School of Medicine seeks to advance understanding of its biology.

Dr. Hannah Ha recently uncovered a surprising secret about her mother: Before fleeing Vietnam, Phương Tâm had been a rock star in her native Saigon. Ha and music producer Mark Gergis discuss South Vietnam’s thriving 1960s music scene — and how they compiled Tâm’s decades-old recordings in a new album.

Marc Connor of Rootberry and Rita Childers of Core + Rind both started exploring vegan food after they found it left them more energized and healthier. Now, they’re on a mission to bring plant-based foods to even the most stubborn carnivores — and they’re doing it from St. Louis.

Three elephants at the St. Louis Zoo recently celebrated their 50th birthday. It’s a remarkable milestone, and zoological manager Katie Pilgram-Kloppe explains how the zoo provides specialized care for its “golden girls.”

Speedskater Ian Quinn heads to the Winter Games in Beijing on Thursday. He discusses his humble beginnings as an 8-year-old kid in St. Louis and the changes he made to win a spot on the Olympic team after two previous attempts.

North St. Louis County residents lack options for high quality, affordable produce. A Red Circle is raising money for something its executive director believes will help meet the need: a community-owned and operated grocery store.

The former director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources discusses the unprecedented buyout effort in lead-contaminated Herculaneum, Missouri, in 2003 — and what we can learn from that effort today.

Former Winfield, Missouri, police chief Betty Frizzell discusses how a toxic stew of mental illness, opioid abuse and domestic violence set her family on a tragic path — and her efforts to fight for her sister, who is now serving a life sentence for murder.

St. Louis has gone without a curbside recycling program for eight months now. 28th Ward Alderwoman Heather Navarro discusses what it will take for the city to again separate recyclables from trash.

A federal judge in St. Louis has spent years dealing with the case of the Missouri Primate Foundation, a Festus-based breeding compound where chimps were allegedly held in squalid conditions. Now the legal battle has a new focus: Did celebrity chimp Tonka die, or was he spirited away in violation of court orders?

Occupational therapy students help St. Louis’ homeless residents learn life skills, from setting goals to shopping. Washington University Assistant Professor Quinn Tyminski discusses the program’s benefits to both students and those they serve.

Listen to our special coverage of Gov. Mike Parson’s annual State of the State Address and the Democratic response from state Sen. Lauren Arthur. STLPR host Sarah Fenske guides our coverage along with statehouse reporter Sarah Kellogg and political correspondent Jo Mannies.

Bernie Lee of Akar and Kurt Bellon of Izumi discuss the communal St. Louis food scene, how it’s changed in the past few years — and how it feels to be recognized as an international hot spot for food.

Wolves are often villainized in media and folklore. The Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka, Missouri is on a mission to break that stereotype. Among other programs, the center invites people on wolf howls to learn more about these shy animals.

Dr. Lauren Mitchell and Dr. Jennifer Allen explain why they’ve joined estimated 30-plus Missouri physicians by establishing clinics outside the insurance-based system. Direct primary care clinics charge monthly fees, but doctors say they are overall more affordable and more flexible for patients.

Five new restaurants ranging from late-night hot spots to coffee shops get Sauce Magazine's nod this January.

Community advocates had publicly opposed First Mid Bank & Trust’s plans to purchase St. Louis-based Jefferson Bank. Now they’ve dropped their opposition after reaching a community benefits agreement with First Mid that includes the opening of two new bank branches to serve low-to-moderate-income and minority communities.

Missouri’s current Sunshine Law says citizens cannot be charged for any records review done by government attorneys, but a bill being prioritized by Gov. Mike Parson could change that. Advocates explain how it would affect access to records in Missouri.

Justin King, 28, was killed by a neighbor in Bourbon, Missouri. The county prosecutor says the shooting was self-defense under Missouri law, but civil rights activists say that’s not the full story.