St. Louis on the Air

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As U.S. refugee cap drops, a St. Louis race takes on new urgency Apr 13, 2026

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Refugee resettlement in the U.S. is at a historic low. At the start of his second term, President Donald Trump set the refugee cap at 7,500 for fiscal year 2026, down from 125,000. That reality adds urgency to Race for Refugees, a 5K and 1-mile fun run that returns to Tower Grove Park this Saturday, April 18. We talked with race founder Heather Huewe and organizer Samson Hillary of the International Institute of St. Louis about why the event matters now.

St. Louis musicians shine in NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest Apr 10, 2026

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Over 40 local artists entered into NPR’s 2026 Tiny Desk Contest. “St. Louis on the Air” producer Miya Norfleet and STLPR reporter Chad Davis talk about some of their favorite St. Louis submissions and the artists behind them.

STAGES St. Louis co-founder Jack Lane paves path to Broadway and London Apr 10, 2026

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After decades shaping St. Louis theater, STAGES St. Louis co-founder Jack Lane has stepped into a new spotlight. Following the 2023 death of his husband and creative partner Michael Hamilton, Lane reflects on grief, legacy and what it means to keep moving forward. Now 69, he’s shifting from behind-the-scenes support to lead producer, with four Tony Awards already to his name and a new Olivier Award nomination for a revival of “Evita.” At the same time, his musical “The Karate Kid,” which debuted in Kirkwood, is launching a U.K. tour. STLPR’s Jeremy D. Goodwin talks with Lane about his path from St. Louis to Broadway and London.

An Iranian-American considers the impossibility of staying grounded amid war and oppression Apr 09, 2026

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Woman grandmaster in chess Dorsa Derakhshani came to the U.S. from Iran to attend St. Louis University. Now a Mizzou medical student, St. Louis Chess Club instructor and U.S. citizen, Derakhshani is watching the war from her Missouri home, unable to communicate with her family and friends still living in Iran. She shares how growing up under the Iranian regime influences her perspective on the conflict, the need for greater compassion for the plight of the Iranian people — including those in the Iranian diaspora — and her hopes for the future.

A chance for a new Green Revolution brought a plant scientist from the UK to St. Louis Apr 08, 2026

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This year, plant scientist Giles Oldroyd left his previous post at the University of Cambridge to become the new president of the Danforth Plant Science Center. Oldroyd has spent decades studying how plants thrive and communicate with the world around them. He’s now leading a research nonprofit with a mission to use plant science to “improve the human condition.” In conversation with STLPR Senior Environment and Data Reporter Kate Grumke, Oldroyd shares insights from his work in plant genetics, agriculture and sustainability.

Key takeaways from Tuesday’s Missouri municipal election results Apr 08, 2026

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Missouri voters went to the polls Tuesday and weighed in on a slate of municipal races, including St. Louis’ overwhelming renewal of the 1% earnings tax and a closely watched Francis Howell school board race that signaled a rebuke of focusing on culture war issues. STLPR reporters Hiba Ahmad and Rachel Lippmann break down the key results.

How Diadie Bathily brought West African dance to St. Louis — and the Oscars Apr 07, 2026

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Diadie Bathily is on a mission to share his culture. Born in Ivory Coast, he’s taken his knowledge of traditional West African dance around the world. That love for dance and culture led him to call St. Louis home and thrusted him into the spotlight at the 98th Academy Awards, alongside ballet star Misty Copeland, for a performance of “I Lied to You” from the “Sinners” soundtrack. Bathily shares what the Oscars performance means to him, his mission to share West African cultures and leading his dance company Afriky Lolo for 20 years.

Laumeier Sculpture Park celebrates 50 years of intersecting art and nature Apr 07, 2026

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Laumeier Sculpture Park kicks off its half-century anniversary with “Begin Again: 50 Years and Counting.” The exhibition reflects on five decades of artistic milestones, rare archival materials and ephemeral works that have defined the park’s legacy. Curated by Dana Turkovic, it offers a look into the intersection of art, nature and public engagement that has made Laumeier a cultural gem in St. Louis. We talk with Turkovic and Juan William Chávez, an artist, cultural activist and 2026 Visiting Artist in Residence at the park, to learn more about the exhibition’s highlights.

Why St. Louis is home to one of the nation’s best Irish music scenes Apr 06, 2026

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St. Louis is a premiere destination for traditional Irish musicians from across the pond and throughout the U.S. In this encore episode, we explore the people and institutions that have fostered the region’s Irish music scene since the 1970s. We also get a preview of this year’s St. Louis Tionól — an annual, four-day Irish arts and culture festival featuring music, dancing and community.

Tuesday's municipal elections could bring massive change to Francis Howell School Board Apr 03, 2026

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Municipal elections often don’t get as much round-the-clock attention as hotly contested congressional elections. But some decisions voters could make this Tuesday could have a profound impact on how St. Louis area cities are governed and financed. We talk with STLPR education reporter Hiba Ahmad on "The Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air" about the closely-watched election in St. Charles County to fill out the Francis Howell School Board.

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