St. Louis on the Air

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"St. Louis on the Air" Extended: Fans Share Their Thoughts On "Country Grammar's" Impact Jun 26, 2020

Show notes

"St. Louis on the Air" hears from residents sharing their fondest memories of Nelly's "Country Grammar" and what they admire most about Nelly’s success and representation of the region.

SLU Researcher Worries Pandemic Will Be Normalized — Unless Social Norms Change Jun 26, 2020

Show notes

As an assistant professor of health management and policy at St. Louis University, Michael Rozier is used to thinking a lot about matters of public health — and finding plenty of reasons for hope. But last week, with COVID-19 case numbers in the U.S. suggesting any end to the pandemic is still a long way off, he took to Twitter to offer some less-than-optimistic predictions. In this episode, Rozier joins host Sarah Fenske for a look at how and why people are — and in other cases aren’t — working to change key social norms during an ongoing pandemic. Rozier, who is also a Jesuit priest, emphasizes that this crisis is still solvable. The conversation also includes comments from acclaimed restaurateur Gerard Craft and St. Louis-based rideshare driver Bob Ell.

At 20, Nelly’s ‘Country Grammar’ Still Makes St. Louis Proud Jun 26, 2020

Show notes

Twenty years ago, a record release on June 27 changed the course of St. Louis’ presence in the hip-hop world and overall cultural identity. Cornell Haynes Jr., a.k.a. Nelly, debuted his first solo album, “Country Grammar,” bringing national attention to St. Louis’ distinct accent and steez. The album rose to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and is in a rare class of hip-hop albums to be awarded a diamond certification, having sold more than 10 million copies. Host Sarah Fenske revisits that moment with Vango Jones. Jones is a St. Louis native, and he recently wrote an in-depth piece for the St. Louis American about how “Country Grammar” helped shape St. Louis pride in many aspects, from sports to fashion. Residents also share their fondest memories and what they admire most about Nelly’s success and representation of the region.

Sheriff, Advocates Brace For Surge Of Evictions In St. Louis Jun 25, 2020

Show notes

When the coronavirus pandemic forced St. Louis courts to close, there were about 150 eviction cases in the works. Since then, the St. Louis Sheriff's Department says phones have been ringing off the hook with requests from landlords whose tenants have failed to pay rent. In this episode, Sarah Fenske talks with Sheriff Vernon Betts about how his office is preparing for a surge in evictions once the courts fully reopen. Several housing advocates also join the discussion to contextualize the broader housing crisis they foresee if hundreds of St. Louisans end up being evicted in the months ahead.

St. Louis' LGBTQ Film Festival Goes Virtual For 13th Annual Run Jun 25, 2020

Show notes

Host Sarah Fenske explores the 13th annual QFest, presented by Cinema St. Louis. The film festival showcases contemporary gay cinema, spotlights the lives of LGBTQ people and celebrates queer culture. Joining the discussion is Chris Clark, Cinema St. Louis' artistic director and QFest organizer, to talk through what this year's festival has to offer. Also joining the discussion is local director Dan Steadman, who’s participating in QFest for the first time and has two short films on the lineup.

How A MoBot Entomologist Became A 'Single Bug Dad' Jun 24, 2020

Show notes

Earlier this year, the federal government intercepted an unusual find: egg cases holding what could become hundreds of black market praying mantises. Host Sarah Fenske explores how those egg cases ended up at the Missouri Botanical Garden —and what happened when they hatched.

Ali Araghi Discusses 'The Immortals of Tehran' Jun 24, 2020

Show notes

The author of the “The Immortals of Tehran” is an Iranian translator and writer. He was born in Tehran. But for the past four years, he’s lived here in St. Louis, where he's a PhD student at Washington University. He discusses his new book, and time in the Midwest, with host Sarah Fenske.

COVID-19 Treatment Developed In St. Louis To Begin Human Trials Jun 23, 2020

Show notes

A drug developed in St. Louis is beginning human trials with the idea of helping those most at risk of dying from COVID-19. ATI-450 was originally developed by Confluence Discovery Technologies in 2013 as a treatment for autoimmune diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. Confluence co-founder Joe Monahan discusses with host Sarah Fenske how it might now also help with the new coronavirus -- and what it will take to bring it to market.

Crime Victim Center Responds To Surge In Domestic Violence Cases Jun 22, 2020

Show notes

Nearly 90% of the Crime Victim Center’s cases deal with domestic violence, and according to the nonprofit’s executive director Marti Kelly, there is currently an increase in such cases in the St. Louis region. She believes this is due to recent stay-at-home orders. In this episode, Sarah Fenske talks with Kelly about the organization's work, and domestic violence survivor Alexis shares how the Crime Victim Center helped her and her son in the courtroom.

Body Cameras Will Bring Changes To St. Louis' Police Department Jun 22, 2020

Show notes

The city of St. Louis approved a $5.7 million contract last week to outfit its police officers with body cameras. City officials said some cops could be wearing cameras within a month. But the policies surrounding the cameras remain unclear. The spokesman for the city’s police union argued in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that any changes to equipment need the union’s approval. The city counselor disagrees, saying the power rests solely on Chief John Hayden. And with the union spokesman (a controversial figure in his own right) claiming he has “no confidence” in Hayden, the details could become a flashpoint. Public Safety Director Jimmie Edwards joins host Sarah Fenske to discuss the body cameras and the devilish details that could keep the police union and transparency advocates at loggerheads in their implementation.

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