St. Louis on the Air

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Branson has a reputation. A new book explores what’s true — and what’s missed Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

Each year, more than 10 million visitors make their way to Branson, Missouri. Over many decades, the once-small hillside town developed a reputation for being the U.S. capital for performances with overtly religious and patriotic themes, and sometimes, a Christian nationalist bent. Joanna Dee Das’s new book, “Faith, Family, and Flag: Branson Entertainment & the Idea of America,” explores how conservative values and politics have played out on Branson’s stages and with audiences. She also describes what makes Branson an important site for the performing arts and how its presentation of American history, values and politics is far more complicated than its reputation suggests.

Evidence — not politics — is key to tackling gun violence, says WashU dean Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

Firearms are deeply politicized in the United States, hampering regulation and safer gun laws. In St. Louis, 44% of residents say firearm violence is their top public health concern. A new report in JAMA Health Forum outlines a five-step, evidence-based roadmap to safer firearm regulation Dr. Sandro Galea, dean of Washington University’s School of Public Health and editor-in-chief of JAMA Health Forum, discusses why the plan — and public health — are key to addressing gun violence.

Six months post-tornado, a north St. Louis family has its roof back, and seeks answers Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

The Nolan family in St. Louis has been on a long road to recovery since an EF3 tornado tore the roof off their O'Fallon neighborhood home on May 16. We check in with mom Gloria Nolan and her 13-year-old daughter Dylan about how their family's been navigating busy schedules, a new school year, ongoing house repairs and questions they still have about what's next.

Tornado damaged schools could see repairs, reopening as soon as next semester Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

The EF3 tornado that ravaged parts of St. Louis six months ago devastated thousands of homes and businesses — and a dozen buildings in the St. Louis Public Schools district. Seven schools were so severely damaged that students were displaced. Now, SLPS administrators plan to have the schools either reopened or renovated by December 2026. STLPR’s Hiba Ahmed discusses the impact of the school closures, what the plan to reopen looks like and what the community's response has been in the six months since the tornado.

Why St. Louisans affected by the tornado are concerned about the future of their neighborhoods Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

Six months after an EF3 tornado devastated parts of St. Louis, affected residents are still dealing with debris. Others are just now getting their roofs repaired. Without adequate support to rebuild and repair, some are left asking themselves: “What level of degradation to my home am I willing to live with long term?” STLPR engagement producer Paola Rodriguez shares notes from recent conversations with survivors of the May 16 tornado.

What Missouri’s 2026 races could reveal about national enthusiasm Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

With roughly a year before the nation heads to polls for the 2026 midterm elections, STLPR’s Jason Rosenbaum examines some of the Missouri-based races that could foretell a national Democratic wave – or continued GOP dominance. Some of those contests include Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District contest, a slew of high-stakes ballot initiatives – and the race for the 8th Congressional District seat in southeast Missouri.

As the 6-month anniversary of the St. Louis tornado looms, Spencer reflects on recovery Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

Sunday marks six months since a devastating tornado struck St. Louis and St. Louis County. And the recovery process still has a long way to go. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer joins the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air to talk about the challenges of rebuilding parts of the city and whether the St. Louis region needs to work together on emergency management efforts.

St. Louis County Council Chairman Days sees a ‘dire’ budgetary trajectory Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

St. Louis County is facing a sobering financial reality: The budget is nearly $80 million in the red. While a combination of reserve funds and special pots of money like the NFL settlement may bridge the gap this year, policymakers will have to make some tough decisions that may not be popular with residents. STLPR’s Jason Rosenbaum talks with St. Louis County Councilwoman Rita Days about the council’s posture toward the budget — and a public uproar over the future of the county animal shelter.

Australian football club brings hits, kicks and a championship to St. Louis Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

St. Louis is no stranger to sports championships, but you may have missed the news of the St. Louis Australian Football Club’s victory over its division rival Denver in the USAFL championships last month. Club players Dave Zitko and Rhiannon Duryea take us inside the championship season. They also break down the basics of the sport, from the hits, the kicks and many distinctive rules that make it unique.

Why health insurance marketplace premiums are on the rise Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

As open enrollment is underway for people who rely on getting health insurance from the Affordable Care Act marketplace, many are facing steep premium hikes. STLPR health reporter Sarah Fentem talks about what’s driving the increases, how subsidies factor in and what the changes mean for consumers. We also hear real-life stories from people weighing tough coverage decisions.

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