St. Louis on the Air

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.

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.

Lindenwood University senior Juan Beltran knows how to throw a party. That includes coffee raves for people of all ages who want to dance and socialize — minus late hours and alcohol. Beltran talks about co-creating Sunday House Club, a live DJ'ed coffee “rave” series held during Sunday brunch hours at St. Louis area cafés. In addition to describing the series’ beginnings and responses so far, Beltran shares how he hopes to establish these coffee parties as a community staple.

Over the course of the last week, more than 93,000 fans made their way to Enterprise Center to see some of the best skaters in the world at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Not only were national champions crowned, an Olympic team was named that will compete at the Winter Games in Milan next month. STLPR’s Brian Munoz and Alex Heuer talk about their coverage of the championships — and what they meant to St. Louis.

It’s been more than a year since Gov. Mike Kehoe announced that state government veteran Jessica Bax would lead the Missouri Department of Social Services. It’s arguably the most challenging state governmental department in Missouri that oversees Medicaid, benefits like SNAP and TANF and the state’s Children Division. Bax joined “the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air” to talk about the big changes ahead for the state’s Medicaid program – and a plan to help retain investigators looking into allegations of child abuse and neglect.

The Missouri General Assembly is back in session. And it’s an open question whether lawmakers can overcome low expectations, especially with Democrats in the Senate still upset by how the GOP cut off debate during the 2025 session. STLPR’s Sarah Kellogg previews the big issues ahead on the latest episode of the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air.

Abortion access in Missouri is at a crossroads. Although legalized by a public referendum in 2024, abortion services did not storm back in Missouri in 2025. Now, advocates for reproductive rights are preparing for a major trial starting Monday that could determine the future of abortion in the state. Planned Parenthood Great Rivers CEO Margot Riphagen looks back on the year in abortion access, the status of medication abortions in Missouri, and what she and her organization expect from the trial.

Black mothers are dying due to pregnancy-related causes at a higher rate than their white counterparts. Birthing advocates say that more than training is needed to decrease the disparity. Lora Gulley, Elena Jenkins and LaKisha Redditt discuss the effects of centuries of medical racism, childbirth alternatives like doula services and midwifery, and what work can be done to reduce pregnancy- and birth-related deaths.

Suffering, grief and death are inescapable components of human experience. Confronting such hardship, says poet Vincent Casaregola, can be a way to embrace life and find meaning. His new collection “Vital Signs” explores the trauma that stems from illness, injury and violence. In this episode, Casaregola reflects on lessons from pandemics throughout human history, the need for awareness and empathy to address issues like homelessness and gun violence, and how writing about trauma has helped him navigate his own grief.

For a few days in December, the hits to St. Louis’ restaurant and bar scene kept coming. Familiar spots like Wheelhouse, New Society and Rock Star Tacos closed. But there were bright spots, too. New places like Scottish Arms and London Tea Room found new life. STLPR’s Jessica Rogen and Abby Llorico talk about the latest openings and closings in St. Louis’ dining scene.