St. Louis on the Air

Andrew Weil spent almost 20 years with the Landmarks Association of St. Louis before he resigned as executive director at the end of last year. His long career included projects to protect Sugarloaf Mound and the city’s historic water towers. In his first post-resignation interview, Weil reflects on those cases and other examples of how preservationists have tried, and sometimes failed, to save St. Louis’ physical heritage over the past two decades. In addition to a discussion of the success and setbacks of preservation, Weil also talked about the long pattern of “catastrophic fires” that pose particular danger to the city’s historic churches.

Matt Lesch has played the blues for half of his life. At just 14 years old, the multi-instrumentalist caught the ear of a blues great, Big George Brock who became a mentor to him. Since then, the now 28-year-old has been touring the country, joining blues bands and performing his own music as “the Rattlesnake.” He shares how his relationship with blues legends and the emerging generation of blues musicians have inspired him — and his latest album, “Blues Cut Like Glass.”

A new year means a new music round up on St. Louis Public Radio. Jazz musician K Kudda Muzic joins music show originator Miya Norfleet and host Elaine Cha to discuss their favorite jams from local artists. This month’s roundup includes music from neo-soul songstress Aida Ade, rapper Mykel Kennedi’ a cover from Yannon, and punk band Blight Future. Check out our music playlist! new music roundup playlist.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe’s State of the State address on Tuesday wasn’t that he wants to eliminate the income tax but that he’s putting the plan up for a vote. In an interview with STLPR’s Sarah Kellogg and Jason Rosenbaum following the speech, Kehoe discusses his priorities for the year including eliminating the income tax, tornado relief for St. Louis and more.

St. Louis Public Radio’s new project, Meet Me, is about connecting across divides to find a way forward in a moment when division seems to dictate so much. There are the invisible lines we draw around politics and even what toppings belong on a pizza. And then, there are the big ones, like the 150-year-old divide between St. Louis city and county. We talk with Meet Me producers Luis Antonio Perez and Paola Rodriguez about the project that includes a newsletter, podcast and more.

Researchers say 2025 was a year of major changes and uncertainty. STLPR senior environment and data reporter Kate Grumke shares how the Trump administration’s cuts to federal grant funding and the federal workforce may affect vital research — especially around climate disasters — in the coming years.

Former supporters of an orphanage with deep ties to Missouri are still reacting to the abrupt closure of Niños de México. Operated for decades by a Franklin County-based charity, the orphanage was the subject of an independent investigation by the nonprofit Godly Response to Abuse in a Christian Environment. GRACE Investigators documented numerous cases of child abuse at the orphanage, carried out by multiple perpetrators and covered up by its executive director. Eric Miller and Julie Heifner volunteered and worked at the orphanage for years before attempting to alert Niños leadership to ongoing abuse. Miller and Heifner discuss the details of their journeys — from Niños believers to whistleblowers — and how survivors of abuse at Niños finally had their voices heard.

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.