St. Louis on the Air

As COVID-19 cases drop in the St. Louis region and across the U.S., researchers are wasting no time in the development of vaccines for other emerging diseases. SLU researcher Dr. Sarah George discusses vaccines in the works now and answers listener questions about antibodies, boosters and public health precautions.

Pam Hupp is now a suspect in three murders (and has been convicted of one). Defense attorney Joel Schwartz discusses the long road to exonerate his client Russ Faria and bring attention to the O’Fallon, Missouri, woman now charged with killing Faria’s wife.

St. Louis-area pedestrian deaths increased in 2021 from the prior year. And while car crashes with injuries slightly decreased, that’s no reason to celebrate — 2020 saw record-high numbers. Trailnet’s Sam McCrory discusses a new study outlining the problem and offering possible solutions.

Kim Daniel waited 10 years to get housing through her Section 8 voucher. Eventually, her voucher was approved in her ideal neighborhood, but a surprise health issue left her disabled — and almost cost her the housing she waited so long for.

Since 2014, Humans of St. Louis has crafted approximately 3,500 portraits of St. Louisans. Now, highlights are compiled in a book. Co-author Lindy Drew and poet Pacia Elaine Anderson explain how it came together.

Collecting the hair of prominent people was once a thriving hobby. Historian Keith Beutler of Missouri Baptist University explains how that hobby hit a fever pitch with George Washington — and continues today.

Ever wondered about who lived in your house — and what they did? An expert from the Missouri History Museum details how to research your home’s history, while locals who unearthed details about their house share their stories.

After a bout with COVID, St. Louis musician Kevin Buckley had to get out of the house. He traveled to one of the largest springs in the country — in the heart of Missouri’s Ozarks. That’s where he drew inspiration for his new debut solo album, “Big Spring.”

“That’s What She Said” has become a biannual hit in Champaign, Illinois, bringing a cast of local women together to tell their stories in a one-night-only event. Producer/director Jenny Pratt explains why she’s bringing the show to St. Louis and discusses the process with cast member Rhoda Banks.

Researchers at WashU are studying how psychedelics like psilocybin can be used therapeutically. They discuss its uses — and its limits — during what they say is a “renaissance” of research into the impact of psychedelic drugs.

Travel writer Dean Klinkenberg is convinced St. Louis is missing out by not having a marina within its borders. He discusses how a modest marina could withstand floods — and why the fear of barge traffic shouldn’t be enough to torpedo the idea.

Valencia Miller, a.k.a. Miss V, learned to tattoo from two tattoo legends in Hawaii. Now, as the first Black woman to open a tattoo shop in St. Louis, she’s brought her talents to Lafayette Square.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch journalist Josh Renaud heard gasps from across the newsroom when Missouri Gov. Mike Parson publicly accused him of being a hacker. The ordeal has caused anxiety and sleepless nights. Now that prosecutors have declined to file criminal charges, Renaud is telling his side of the story.

Jon and Willie McMiller went from rehabbing homes in their native north St. Louis County to filming a pilot for HGTV. They talk about their hopes to land an HGTV series, the breakout family member in My Flipping Family and what their show could do for St. Louis.

In the half-century between the Louisiana Purchase and the Emancipation Proclamation, approximately 400 enslaved people sued for their freedom at the St. Louis courthouse. St. Louis Circuit Court Judge David Mason and attorney Paul Venker discuss how that history has now led to a memorial bearing the names of the people suing.

Republican infighting in the Missouri Senate means there's still no approved congressional map. It’s caused hours of debate, a filibuster and many, many late nights. STLPR statehouse reporter Sarah Kellogg explains why this is taking place. She also discusses the House-approved supplemental budget bill and a resolution to make changes to the state’s ballot initiative process.

In the last week, two temporary safe haven shelters closed their doors — leaving homeless people outside during frigid weather. Volunteers and providers are calling on St. Louis officials to create more shelter capacity to prevent deaths.

In the middle of winter’s coldest month, we make time to celebrate love. What better way to get in the mood than to listen to some love songs? In this episode, area songwriters share the best love songs they’ve written, as well as their all time favorites.

Filmmaker Rick Beyer discusses the work of the Ghost Army in World War II, which used subterfuge to fight the Nazis. He also explains how efforts in Missouri helped lead to a congressional medal for the unit’s 1,100 veterans.

Two Mizzou researchers detail how the Clean Water Act has fallen short — and offer specific policy solutions to clean up the “nonpoint source pollution” that escapes its regulations. They believe those changes would significantly improve the quality of U.S. lakes, rivers, wetlands and coastal areas.

Felipe Zapata credits his time in St. Louis for helping his work as the botanical adviser for “Encanto.” The native of Colombia earned his Ph. D. at UMSL and studied at the Missouri Botanical Garden. He called his time working on the film “amazing.”

Pauline Lee went from figure skating in the Olympics for Taiwan to teaching at SLU. She and UMSL Anthropology Professor Susan Brownell discuss the 2022 Beijing Games.

David Cross discusses his new standup comedy special, his work on “Station Eleven,” why “Arrested Development” is indisputably done and how he got over his negative feelings about St. Louis.

After the January death of firefighter Ben Polson, St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson talks about renewed efforts to rate the structural integrity of vacant buildings — and whether more vacant homes should be torn down.

Sauce Magazine Executive Editor Meera Nagarajan explains why Peruvian fine dining, a sweet shop and a wine bar top this month’s hit list — and shares good news for lovers of vegan tacos.