St. Louis on the Air

Michael Politte was convicted of killing his mother as a teen, but has always insisted he didn’t do it. His sister Melonie and attorney Megan Crane discuss the news of his favorable decision from the parole board — and what comes next in his quest for exoneration.

The STL Reentry Collective is on a mission to reimagine how people adapt to life after prison. The organizers, formerly incarcerated individuals themselves, are focused on addressing the trauma they say often lands people back in prison.

Wash U law professor Neil Richards discusses how knowledge is power, and what that means for our privacy as tech companies and governments seek to surveil us. He also shares where he sees hope even with privacy’s continued erosion in the digital age.

Atlantic contributor Ian Bogost discusses why Wordle is such a hit, what that tells us about the moment we live in, and the importance games play in society. He also explains how his background as a video game designer fits into his new role as director of Wash U’s film and media studies program.

Rare earth minerals — the commodities used to manufacture everything from smartphones to missile systems to electric vehicles — are in high demand. Missouri State Geologist Joe Gillman discusses the search for critical minerals in the Midwest.

In sixth grade, Emma Lembke couldn’t wait for permission to explore social media. But by high school, she found herself disgusted with her apps. Now she and other teens are building a movement for change.

St. Louis officials abruptly canceled plans to fund a low-barrier shelter with Bridge of Hope in January. The nonprofit’s executive director discusses how that decision came as a shock, and whether she’s willing to work with the city again.

Rabbi Daniel Bogard and Wash U Law Professor John Inazu share their thoughts on recent comments by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, who said he’d only hire a health director who shared his “Christian values.”

Rabbi Daniel Bogard and Wash U Law Professor John Inazu share their thoughts on recent comments by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, who said he’d only hire a health director who shared his “Christian values.”

"Chicago," "Jersey Boys" and "King Lear" received the most nominations from the St. Louis Theater Circle. The Muny and the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis received 27 nominations each. Local theater critics Gerry Kowarsky and Tina Farmer discussed the state of the local theater scene and how the group is changing its acting categories.

Katie Gatewood was removed from her job as a councilwoman in O’Fallon, Missouri, after digging into the now former police chief’s past in Texas. Gatewood’s attorney Dave Roland shares why he believes the council violated her constitutional rights.

Journalist Kelly Bauer discusses her investigation into the Center for COVID Control, a testing company that reaped $155 million from the federal government from 300 sites across the U.S., including four in St. Louis. Bauer’s investigation found that the company mishandled both COVID-19 tests and personal data.

Metro Transit’s restrictions on photography spur a broad conversation about what rights photographers have involving public places, government buildings and private citizens. Washington University’s Lisa Hoppenjans shares insight on the evolving First Amendment case law.

An hour-long episode of “In Their Words” had its Nine PBS premiere last July. It airs again tonight at 8. The episode features everyone from Berry’s widow and children to musician Keith Richards and St. Louis developer Joe Edwards. We listen back to our conversation from last summer about the episode.

A panel of attorneys discusses Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s lawsuits against 45 local districts, as well as a huge controversy over a sexual assault case in Quincy and a recent 8th circuit ruling on St. Louis police officers’ “kettling” arrests.

People with disabilities have been left in the lurch as the Medicaid-funded direct care provider system sees its worst staff shortage in decades. Providers and parents discuss the fallout — and whether the state is doing enough in response.

The singer began arranging covers of Stephen Sondheim songs three years ago — just for personal enjoyment. Now her indie-folk tribute to the late Broadway legend is headed to St. Louis.

When St. Louis gastroenterologist Dr. Leonard Weinstock realized how much long-haul COVID-19 had in common with a little-known syndrome, he snapped to attention. He and a patient discuss how his research has led to a potential breakthrough in treating her long COVID.

Leah Rothman and Kay Lincoln discuss the case for Rodney Lincoln’s innocence and the new podcast that details his wrongful conviction for the murder of JoAnn Tate.

Jazz drummer Montez Coleman, a native of East St. Louis who returned to the Gateway City after years in New York City, recently died at age 48. Fellow musicians remember him as a joy-filled performer — and friend.

A new study suggests that even more than sleep quantity, sleep consistency is critical for young adults’ happiness and cognitive functioning. Washington University psychologist Tim Bono discusses what we can all take from its findings — and how to fine-tune our sleep patterns.

Lipedema is a big problem for many women — yet the condition is frequently misdiagnosed. Dr. Thomas Wright discusses what happens when it goes untreated, and how a new study at Washington University School of Medicine seeks to advance understanding of its biology.

Dr. Hannah Ha recently uncovered a surprising secret about her mother: Before fleeing Vietnam, Phương Tâm had been a rock star in her native Saigon. Ha and music producer Mark Gergis discuss South Vietnam’s thriving 1960s music scene — and how they compiled Tâm’s decades-old recordings in a new album.

Marc Connor of Rootberry and Rita Childers of Core + Rind both started exploring vegan food after they found it left them more energized and healthier. Now, they’re on a mission to bring plant-based foods to even the most stubborn carnivores — and they’re doing it from St. Louis.

Three elephants at the St. Louis Zoo recently celebrated their 50th birthday. It’s a remarkable milestone, and zoological manager Katie Pilgram-Kloppe explains how the zoo provides specialized care for its “golden girls.”