St. Louis on the Air

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How St. Louis plans to seize Paul McKee-owned land in north city Jan 20, 2026

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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.

Former Landmarks Association director reflects on two decades of preservation work in St. Louis Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

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 ‘the Rattlesnake’ Lesch shows how the blues touch his soul in new album ‘Blues Cut Like Glass’ Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

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.”

New year, new music – here are some recent releases from St. Louis artists you need to hear Jan 16, 2026

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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.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe is banking on voters to phase out state income tax Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

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.

STLPR launches ‘Meet Me’ initiative exploring St. Louis divides Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

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.

Scientists say Trump's second term has been defined by slashed funding, layoffs and uncertainty Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

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 Missouri-linked orphanage say leaders shirked accountability for abuse Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

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.

‘Yours Forever’ Forest Park exhibit takes honest look at 150 years of history Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

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.

Why 600 pigeons and their fanciers flocked to St. Louis for competition Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

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.

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