St. Louis on the Air

When Megan Green became St. Louis Board of Aldermen President in 2022, she made reforming development tax incentives a top priority. Critics of using tax increment financing and abatements say the incentives take away tax revenue that could otherwise have gone toward benefiting public schools and other services. In this episode, we hear STLPR economic development reporter Kavahn Mansouri's conversation with Green. Then, Mansouri discusses the bigger picture around development in St. Louis.

A 20-foot-tall concrete spiral was recently completed at the Audubon Center at Riverlands nature reserve near St. Louis. The structure's practical use will be as a bird blind — a temporary home for migratory birds. But there's something else that's fascinating about this structure: A novel method of shaping concrete. To get to the bottom of this spiral (and inside its concrete walls) we talk with Pablo Moyano Fernández, associate professor of architecture at WashU's Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts. Moyano Fernández is the creator of that structure, called "Avis Spiralis."

The American prairie once stretched across Missouri and Illinois, a vast grassland teeming with wildlife and rich biodiversity. Today, less than 1% of that prairie remains — disappearing even faster than the Amazon rainforest. In this encore presentation, environmental journalists Dave Hage and Josephine Marcotty discuss how prairies were destroyed, why their loss is one of the world's greatest ecological disasters, and what it will take to bring it back. Hage and Marcotty are authors of the new book, “Sea of Grass: The Conquest, Ruin and Redemption of Nature on the American Prairie.”

President Donald Trump made startling demands to take over Greenland this week. And Missouri's U.S. Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt have reacted much differently to the prospects of the United States taking over the Danish island. On the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, we talk with Washington University and Arizona State University's Steve Smith about the differing reactions to Trump's Greenland push.

Governor Mike Kehoe's plan to phase out Missouri's income tax over five years — and replace much of the revenue with a sales tax on services — has sparked a heated debate. Supporters say it could boost population growth, while critics warn of higher costs and fiscal risks. One of the main proponents of eliminating the income tax is Sen. Ben Brown, a Republican from Washington, Missouri. Brown discusses the proposal on the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air.

House Majority Leader Alex Riley will become Missouri's Speaker of the House next year. But before getting to that powerful post, the Springfield Republican will need to help his caucus get through a difficult 2026 session – especially with uncertainty that major bills will get through the Senate. Riley joins the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air to talk about his legislative vision.

In 2023 Matt Vogel was in London for the coronation of King Charles III. In the royal box, Vogel also had a very special frog with him: Kermit the Frog. Vogel is the puppeteer behind Kermit, Big Bird, Count von Count and more. The Webster University alum joined “St. Louis on the Air” in May 2023 to talk about his remarkable career before he delivered the commencement speech at his alma mater.

In 2025, college graduates faced a job market flooded with many applicants and significantly fewer jobs. Federal funding cuts, rescinded grant opportunities and the rising use of artificial intelligence in the screening process made landing full-time employment challenging. Some graduates say they felt dehumanized and frustrated by the lack of communication from employers. They share their stories in this episode alongside reporter Daniel Wheaton, who recently reported on this topic for the Midwest Newsroom.

Photojournalist Wiley Price captured images of St. Louis' Black community for the St. Louis American, one of the oldest African American weekly papers in the country. After 42 years with the paper, Price retired in December 2025. In this episode, Price talks about his career and experiences behind the camera lens, what he learned while on assignment, and how he came to be as recognizable as the subjects in his photographs.

It's been more than five years since cannabis became legal in Missouri. But rules that govern that multi-billion-dollar industry continue to change, from restrictions on THC content in hemp to protections from predatory contracts in the state's microbusiness program. To navigate these recent updates, we sit down with journalist Rebecca Rivas, who reports on the cannabis industry for the Missouri Independent. She discusses why Missouri lawmakers have struggled for four years running to regulate hemp, and also breaks down the local impact of President Trump's December executive order to reschedule marijuana.

Andrew Weil spent almost 20 years with the Landmarks Association of St. Louis before he resigned as executive director at the end of last year. His long career included projects to protect Sugarloaf Mound and the city's historic water towers. In his first post-resignation interview, Weil reflects on those cases and other examples of how preservationists have tried, and sometimes failed, to save St. Louis' physical heritage over the past two decades. In addition to a discussion of the success and setbacks of preservation, Weil also talked about the long pattern of “catastrophic fires” that pose particular danger to the city's historic churches.

The St. Louis Art Museum's exhibition “Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea” presents visitors with the monumental work of the German-born artist, including six 30-foot-tall paintings. The artist is renowned for using different textures to create vast landscapes. In this encore, museum director Min Jung Kim discusses the installation, Keifer's 60-year career and how Keifer was inspired by St. Louis and the Mississippi River. The exhibit closes Jan. 25.

St. Louis officials announced last week that they plan to use eminent domain on properties near the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in north St. Louis. The majority of those properties are owned by Paul McKee's Northside Regeneration. STLPR economic development reporter Kavahn Mansouri discusses his coverage of this topic — and addresses recent development plans at the Armory which calls for a data center to be built nearby.

Andrew Weil spent almost 20 years with the Landmarks Association of St. Louis before he resigned as executive director at the end of last year. His long career included projects to protect Sugarloaf Mound and the city's historic water towers. In his first post-resignation interview, Weil reflects on those cases and other examples of how preservationists have tried, and sometimes failed, to save St. Louis' physical heritage over the past two decades. In addition to a discussion of the success and setbacks of preservation, Weil also talked about the long pattern of “catastrophic fires” that pose particular danger to the city's historic churches.

Matt Lesch has played the blues for half of his life. At just 14 years old, the multi-instrumentalist caught the ear of a blues great, Big George Brock who became a mentor to him. Since then, the now 28-year-old has been touring the country, joining blues bands and performing his own music as “the Rattlesnake.” He shares how his relationship with blues legends and the emerging generation of blues musicians have inspired him — and his latest album, “Blues Cut Like Glass.”

A new year means a new music round up on St. Louis Public Radio. Jazz musician K Kudda Muzic joins music show originator Miya Norfleet and host Elaine Cha to discuss their favorite jams from local artists. This month's roundup includes music from neo-soul songstress Aida Ade, rapper Mykel Kennedi' a cover from Yannon, and punk band Blight Future. Check out our music playlist! new music roundup playlist.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe's State of the State address on Tuesday wasn't that he wants to eliminate the income tax but that he's putting the plan up for a vote. In an interview with STLPR's Sarah Kellogg and Jason Rosenbaum following the speech, Kehoe discusses his priorities for the year including eliminating the income tax, tornado relief for St. Louis and more.

St. Louis Public Radio's new project, Meet Me, is about connecting across divides to find a way forward in a moment when division seems to dictate so much. There are the invisible lines we draw around politics and even what toppings belong on a pizza. And then, there are the big ones, like the 150-year-old divide between St. Louis city and county. We talk with Meet Me producers Luis Antonio Perez and Paola Rodriguez about the project that includes a newsletter, podcast and more.

Researchers say 2025 was a year of major changes and uncertainty. STLPR senior environment and data reporter Kate Grumke shares how the Trump administration's cuts to federal grant funding and the federal workforce may affect vital research — especially around climate disasters — in the coming years.

Former supporters of an orphanage with deep ties to Missouri are still reacting to the abrupt closure of Niños de México. Operated for decades by a Franklin County-based charity, the orphanage was the subject of an independent investigation by the nonprofit Godly Response to Abuse in a Christian Environment. GRACE Investigators documented numerous cases of child abuse at the orphanage, carried out by multiple perpetrators and covered up by its executive director. Eric Miller and Julie Heifner volunteered and worked at the orphanage for years before attempting to alert Niños leadership to ongoing abuse. Miller and Heifner discuss the details of their journeys — from Niños believers to whistleblowers — and how survivors of abuse at Niños finally had their voices heard.

Forest Park celebrates 150 years this year. Today, it's considered one of the top attractions to St. Louis with 1,300 acres of nature reserve, recreation locations and cultural institutions. However the Forest Park we know today has gone through several changes, many of which reflect the changes faced by the entire region. The Missouri History Museum has opened a new exhibit, “Yours Forever: Forest Park at 150,” to chronicle the evolution of Forest Park through urban design woes, natural disasters and more. Missouri Historical Society public historian Amanda Clark and Forest Park Forever's vice-president of community initiatives Anne Grossman discuss the park's history and how community input will shape the future of Forest Park.

Nearly 600 pigeons of dazzling variety competed this weekend at the annual Spirit of St. Louis Winter Pigeon Show. Held at Purina Farms, the competition showcased a flock of some of the finest pigeons in the country, with competitors representing Missouri, Illinois and at least 15 other states. We get to know several competitors and learn about their fanciest pigeons, from the frillbacks to the show rollers. Producer Danny Wicentowski explores the pigeon show and shares details about the judging process that separates champion pigeons from the rest of the flock.

Lindenwood University senior Juan Beltran knows how to throw a party. That includes coffee raves for people of all ages who want to dance and socialize — minus late hours and alcohol. Beltran talks about co-creating Sunday House Club, a live DJ'ed coffee “rave” series held during Sunday brunch hours at St. Louis area cafés. In addition to describing the series' beginnings and responses so far, Beltran shares how he hopes to establish these coffee parties as a community staple.

Over the course of the last week, more than 93,000 fans made their way to Enterprise Center to see some of the best skaters in the world at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Not only were national champions crowned, an Olympic team was named that will compete at the Winter Games in Milan next month. STLPR's Brian Munoz and Alex Heuer talk about their coverage of the championships — and what they meant to St. Louis.

It's been more than a year since Gov. Mike Kehoe announced that state government veteran Jessica Bax would lead the Missouri Department of Social Services. It's arguably the most challenging state governmental department in Missouri that oversees Medicaid, benefits like SNAP and TANF and the state's Children Division. Bax joined “the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air” to talk about the big changes ahead for the state's Medicaid program – and a plan to help retain investigators looking into allegations of child abuse and neglect.

The Missouri General Assembly is back in session. And it's an open question whether lawmakers can overcome low expectations, especially with Democrats in the Senate still upset by how the GOP cut off debate during the 2025 session. STLPR's Sarah Kellogg previews the big issues ahead on the latest episode of the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air.

Abortion access in Missouri is at a crossroads. Although legalized by a public referendum in 2024, abortion services did not storm back in Missouri in 2025. Now, advocates for reproductive rights are preparing for a major trial starting Monday that could determine the future of abortion in the state. Planned Parenthood Great Rivers CEO Margot Riphagen looks back on the year in abortion access, the status of medication abortions in Missouri, and what she and her organization expect from the trial.

Black mothers are dying due to pregnancy-related causes at a higher rate than their white counterparts. Birthing advocates say that more than training is needed to decrease the disparity. Lora Gulley, Elena Jenkins and LaKisha Redditt discuss the effects of centuries of medical racism, childbirth alternatives like doula services and midwifery, and what work can be done to reduce pregnancy- and birth-related deaths.

Suffering, grief and death are inescapable components of human experience. Confronting such hardship, says poet Vincent Casaregola, can be a way to embrace life and find meaning. His new collection “Vital Signs” explores the trauma that stems from illness, injury and violence. In this episode, Casaregola reflects on lessons from pandemics throughout human history, the need for awareness and empathy to address issues like homelessness and gun violence, and how writing about trauma has helped him navigate his own grief.

For a few days in December, the hits to St. Louis' restaurant and bar scene kept coming. Familiar spots like Wheelhouse, New Society and Rock Star Tacos closed. But there were bright spots, too. New places like Scottish Arms and London Tea Room found new life. STLPR's Jessica Rogen and Abby Llorico talk about the latest openings and closings in St. Louis' dining scene.

In Forest Park sits the nation's largest and oldest outdoor theater venue, The Muny. In its 107 seasons, the theater has produced numerous classics – some of which have received a fresh coat of paint to bring them into the modern era. The updated works include “The Wiz”, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “Meet Me in St. Louis”. Mike Isaacson, The Muny's executive producer and artistic director, discusses the importance of updating these great American musicals and why the Tony Award-winning theater is the perfect place to play with new concepts for outdated shows.

After Robin Proudie learned that 25 of her ancestors were born into enslavement by St. Louis University Jesuit Catholics, she founded Descendants of St. Louis University Enslaved to ensure institutional accountability and commemoration of the enslaved people who helped build the school. Proudie, now a SLU undergrad, provides an update on the group's work to secure an official public apology from the university, a permanent monument and cash reparations.

2025 was a historic year for the St. Louis region, with issues like tornado recovery and redistricting dominating the headlines. Those issues, and more, will come to shape the news of 2026. On this special reporter roundtable edition of St. Louis on the Air, three STLPR reporters discuss their biggest stories of 2025 and share their thoughts on their ongoing coverage. Economic Development Reporter Kavahn Mansouri, General Assignment Reporter Lacretia Wimbley and Politics Correspondent Jason Rosenbaum take us inside their biggest stories of the past year, from tornado recovery, data centers, jail deaths, and more.

The 2017 slaughterhouse escape of six steers turned "The St. Louis Six" into animal rescue celebrities and inspired an expansion of the California-based nonprofit Gentle Barn to Missouri. But the sanctuary's abrupt closure in October 2024 left its former volunteers and staff feeling abandoned. In this encore edition of a St. Louis on the Air episode that first aired March 6, producer Danny Wicentowski goes inside the final days of the sanctuary's existence and the aftermath of its closure. The investigation confirms the deaths of five former residents of Missouri's Gentle Barn. We also hear from Gentle Barn co-founder Ellie Laks, who defends the decision to close and addresses the animal deaths at the nonprofit's Tennessee sanctuary.

In 2025, we said goodbye to a number of remarkable people who lived and worked in the St. Louis region. In this episode, we explore the legacies of beloved journalists including Linda Lockhart; civil rights advocates Anita Lyons Bond and former U.S. Rep. William L. Clay Sr.; and Patrick “PJ” Gannon and Jim Holloran, who, in different ways, were instrumental figures in building up the region's Irish music scene.

This year brought a deluge of political upheaval in Missouri and Illinois, from Trump-backed congressional redistricting in Missouri and a devastating tornado in St. Louis to major leadership changes, legal battles and clashes over voter-approved initiatives. In this episode of the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, we look back on the defining stories of 2025 with STLPR reporters Will Bauer, Sarah Kellogg and Rachel Lippmann.

After 14 years of recording and performing their unique brand of emo indie rock, the St. Louis-based and internationally acclaimed band Foxing is taking an indefinite hiatus. This comes one year after the release of their self-titled album, which features their single “Hell 99.” Weeks before the band hit the stage for the last time in the foreseeable future, STLPR general assignment and arts reporter Chad Davis sat down with Foxing guitarist and vocalist Eric Hudson.

Every month for the past year we have introduced you to new tracks from St. Louis artists. We want to take a look back at those song selections from all 14 episodes to see which ones stand out as our top picks of the year. Host Elaine Cha, music show originator Miya Norfleet and producer Darrious Varner discuss their top tracks from the over 100 songs featured in this first year of our new music round up. Check out our new music roundup playlist.

A Missouri senator facing accusations of assault. A St. Charles judge hauled before a disciplinary panel to explain why he dressed up as Elvis Presley. In both cases, the public figures at the center of these separate scandals sought secrecy to keep their behavior out of the public eye — however, their legal maneuvers are now in the spotlight. In this December edition of the Legal Roundtable, our panel of expert attorneys discusses St. Charles Judge Matthew Thornhill, State Senator Steven Roberts, and more.

The countdown is on. In just one week, Santa Claus will spread Christmas cheer across the world to those on his Nice list. But in St. Louis, Santa, aka Kris Kringle, performs with his band, the Jolly Jingles, at their annual Christmas Extravaganza. They play a medley of traditional Christmas music — and originals — infused with gospel, rock and roll and ska. Kringle sat down with STLPR's visuals editor Brian Munoz to discuss his music, his special brand of holiday joy and the band's new single “Egg Nog: North Pole Rock and Roll.”

In a new portrait series displayed at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, St. Louis-based painter, illustrator, and photographer Cristina Fletes-Mach explores the complex challenge of responding to the question: “Where are you from?” She shares where themes of migration and identity have been part of her personal experiences, why maps are incorporated into the portraits, and what makes an international airport — inherently an in-between space — a fitting venue to show this series of paintings.

St. Louisans deeply mourn restaurants lost across the region. Maybe it's because we have an exceptional restaurant scene supported by a relatively low cost of living and ready access to locally farmed produce. Maybe we're just a sentimental bunch. Whatever the reason, we reflect on the restaurants we lost this year and trends within the St. Louis food scene. We also share what we're looking forward to in 2026.

On September 10, 1910, Thomas Scott Baldwin flew over St. Louis, thrilling 200,000 onlookers along the Mississippi River. That moment of early flight — and many others — is at the heart of Edward McPherson's new book, “Look Out: The Delight and Danger of Taking the Long View.” The Washington University professor writes about aerial photography, long-distance mapping and how seeing from above shapes power, privilege and perspective. The book is rooted in St. Louis, relaying stories about the Mississippian people in present-day Collinsville and the aerial surveillance of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

A notorious "slave pen" in the heart of St. Louis trafficked thousands of men, women and children in the years before the Civil War. In January, a new plaque will be unveiled near its original location, now a parking garage across from Ballpark Village and Busch Stadium. Kenneth Winn, a former Missouri archivist and author of the plaque's inscription, shares the history of the slave pen and its owner Bernard Lynch. Also, reporter Rocky Kistner discusses the years-long effort to place the memorial and his own family's experience in acknowledging an ancestor's ownership of enslaved people in St. Louis.

Two time figure skating champion and 2018 Olympic team bronze medalist Bradie Tennell has come to St. Louis to compete in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. An ankle injury in 2023 forced Tennell to take a step back from the sport. She said she used that time to rediscover the joy of figure skating. Now rejuvenated and prepared for the competition, Tennell discusses her figure skating career and her expectations for the upcoming championships.