St. Louis on the Air

Congressman Mark Alford, R-Cass County, isn’t shying away from doing town hall meetings while Congress is in recess. He’s planning a four-day swing next week through the 4th Congressional District, which takes in portions of the Kansas City area and Mid-Missouri. On the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, Alford talks about holding town hall meetings and why he supported defunding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

The Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Harris-Stowe State University provides mentorship and resources to support Black entrepreneurs in overcoming systemic barriers. We talk with Kristy Jackson, the center’s executive director, and Emilia Robertson, CEO of ShotsByEmilia and a 2022 program graduate, about how the center empowers innovators, preserves Black history, and inspires the next generation of leaders.

The reciprocal tariffs President Trump announced in April went into effect this month. It’s too early to tell exactly how these tariff increases for 70 international trading partners will impact St. Louis directly, but economists are looking to history and data for insights into possible effects. Max Dvorkin of the Federal Reserve Bank - St. Louis shared what he and fellow economists are tracking. Global Food Group’s Shayn Prapaislip and Sincerely, the Craft’s Jade Moore provided updates on how their respective businesses are faring as they navigate tariff-related aspects of the changing business landscape.

Citing dumpster contamination and the high cost of providing the service, the City of St. Louis is officially moving away from alleyway recycling. But Jess Watson, executive director of earthday365, is not giving up hope that it could return in the future. She discusses the challenges and costs involved in recycling with host Elaine Cha, and residents share what they think of the city’s decision.

Weeks of high temperatures in St. Louis is raising concerns about heat illness. Clinical assistant professor and community pharmacist Catherine Gilmore joins St. Louis on the Air to discuss the science behind what happens to the body when it fails to regulate heat, and how certain types of medication can increase the risk of heat intolerance.

Ten years ago, the killing of a Black 18-year-old in St. Louis named Mansur Ball-Bey ignited protests and calls for justice. At the center of this killing were competing claims about whether Mansur was armed and why police opened fire. But in January this year, at trial for a wrongful death lawsuit, a federal jury awarded Ball-Bey’s family $19 million. Along with attorneys Javad Khazaeli and Jermaine Wooten, Mansur’s father Dennis Ball-Bey brings us inside the story of that trial, the key evidence that turned the case on its head, and why, instead of paying millions, the City of St. Louis is now fighting for a new trial.

After months of uncertainty following the loss of federal funding, the International Institute of St. Louis’ Festival of Nations is returning to Tower Grove Park this weekend. Terry Bates, director of marketing and communications for the Institute, shares how donors stepped up to make sure the festival would stay on track, and what makes the annual event – a St. Louis staple for decades – important to the Institute’s mission of serving refugee and immigrant families.

Sumner High School students began the year not at their historic north St. Louis campus, but at Stevens Middle School. It’s a temporary home after damage from the May 16 tornado forced their temporary relocation. Alumni turned out in force to welcome them, determined to keep Sumner’s legacy alive. We hear from STLPR reporter Andrea Henderson and alumna Jackie Vanderford, Class of 1963, on the school’s history, traditions and uncertain future.

The Mississippi River is only 1,800 feet wide between St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois, but the “us versus them” mentality can be felt throughout the region. Anthony Lucius is determined to create connection between the two cities through music. His latest album, “SKWAD Goals Vol. 1,” brings musicians together from both sides of the river. Lucius gives a behind the scenes look at the making of “SKWAD Goals” and talks about his plans for Vol. 2.

On this month’s music round-up, DJ KC Mackey joins St. Louis on the Air’s Miya Norfleet and Elaine Cha to discuss their favorite new releases from local artists. Songs like “Come Back” by Paige Alyssa ooze sensuality and swag while Daemon and Trackstar the DJ challenge the state of the world on the powerful “Red Pill 84”.