St. Louis on the Air

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She spent years fighting the EPA over atomic waste. A new cleanup effort is 'decades too late' Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

In January, the Environmental Protection Agency reported that radioactive contamination at the West Lake Landfill Superfund Site is more widespread than previously known. To clean the site, the agency will now have to dig up and dispose of an additional 20,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil and debris — more than three football fields piled one yard high with material. Nearby resident Dawn Chapman has pushed for accountability and cleanup of the site for 12 years. She’s frustrated that it’s taken decades for the agency to announce what community members — many of whom have died or suffered illness from the exposure — have known for years. She shares her hopes and fears for the future alongside Missouri Independent reporter Allison Kite.

How a childhood in St. Louis inspired Mr. Johnson of 'Abbott Elementary' Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

William Stanford Davis, who plays the quick-witted custodian Mr. Johnson on the ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary,” draws inspiration for the character from his conspiracy theorist grandmother and the observant school custodians of his youth. The St. Louis native shares how his upbringing shapes his approach to Mr. Johnson’s character, how St. Louis prepared him to never stop pursuing his Hollywood dreams, and his goal to give back to the city’s school system.

An urban farm in north St. Louis is producing more than fresh produce Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

New Roots Urban Farm owner and co-director Antajuan Adams Sr. shares how the farm gives back to the St. Louis community by providing fresh produce to low-income families. It also gives aspiring farmers tools and resources needed to make their own farms thrive. Adams also shares why it’s important to give back to the neighborhood which he grew up in and how he started a gardening program at a youth detention center.

How an immigrant in St. Louis connects home cooks through her food app Habuyta Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

Orly Peters immigrated from Israel to St. Louis in 2011. It was a struggle to adjust to life in the midwest, but cooking recipes from her culture gave her family a sense of comfort. Peters talks about the inspiration behind her food app ‘Habayta’ and shares why it is targeted towards immigrants. Faiza Muhambi, owner of Faiza’s Kitchen, speaks about her life as an immigrant and how Habuyta has supported her while launching her own food business.

Artifacts including 1819 ‘Slave badge’ come to Lincoln Museum Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

Two artifacts from the period of slavery in the U.S.and the Civil War are going on display for the first time at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois. Among them are an 1819 "slave badge" that enslaved people were required to wear in Charleston, South Carolina, and a Civil War recruitment poster from 1863. The museum's executive director, Christina Schutt discusses the meaning behind both artifacts. And Reggie Guyton, writer and actor of the one-act play, “Small Beginnings,” shares his insights from Robert Small’s dramatic story of escape and bravery.

Immigrants and aid groups scramble amid ICE rumors and frozen funding Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

Immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in St. Louis are facing new challenges under the administration of President Donald Trump. Reports of federal immigration agents sightings have sent panic through the region, while local immigration groups are working with people to address those fears — and to try to separate rumors from reality. St. Louis Public Radio’s race, identity and culture reporter Andrea Henderson discusses her recent reporting on the new “ICE activity hotline.” She also shares insights from her reporting into how the Trump administration’s plans to freeze federal funding for organizations that serve immigrants and refugees will impact St. Louis.

There’s still time to submit a Tiny Desk Contest video. Here’s what you need to know Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

If you’re reading this before 10:59 p.m., Central Standard Time, on February 10, 2025, you still have time to enter NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest. “St. Louis on the Air” producer Miya Norfleet shares what she’s noticed in submissions so far, runs through Tiny Desk Contest requirements and encourages St. Louis-area musicians to upload their video before the deadline hits.

With GOP ascending, Peter Kinder takes party helm Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

Missouri Republicans have a new party leader: Former Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder. The Cape Girardeau native took the helm as chairman of the Missouri Republican Party earlier this month, and is trying to steer the state’s dominant political party away from factionalism and electoral backsliding. On this episode of the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, Kinder shares his vision for the state party – and how he plans to approach next year’s midterm election cycle.

NPR’s Steve Inskeep discusses Lincoln and journalism before St. Louis stop Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

“Morning Edition” and “Up First” co-host Steve Inskeep will be at St. Louis County Library’s Clark Family Branch this Wednesday to discuss his book, “Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America.” In this episode, Inskeep discusses Lincoln’s legacy in light of Trump’s second inauguration. We also discuss current journalism practices and how people are consuming news.

St. Louis Board of Aldermen punts Rams bills until after the spring election Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

Members of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen this week chose to end discussions on allocating $294 million in Rams settlement money without any agreement. They likely will not resume consideration of any spending proposals until after board elections this spring. STLPR economic development reporter Eric Schmid discusses the twists and turns of the Rams saga including now-retracted assertions that aldermen were drinking on the job.

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