St. Louis on the Air

People in the St. Louis region are still reeling from the effects of flash flooding last week. In this episode, we hear from those affected. Also, Kayla Reed of Action St. Louis speaks to the lessons learned from the disaster and how best to provide support to those still recovering from flood damage.

For years, residents in University City believed a $190 million development wouldn’t force them to sell their homes through eminent domain. But in June, that’s exactly what developer Larry Chapman requested from the city council. Now, residents like Nichole Angieri are wondering if their homes are next. Bob’s Seafood founder Bob Mepham also joins the show to discuss how the same developer used eminent domain to close his business.

The study of ancient Egypt flourished in the late 1880s as archaeologists and historians sought to study the artifacts and tombs left behind. These early Egyptologists gathered in hotels to discuss what they found, creating “small, ephemeral communities,” writes Missouri University of Science and Technology history professor Kate Sheppard, who discusses her research and new book, “Tea on the Terrace.”

STLPR correspondents Jason Rosenbaum and Rachel Lippmann, and UMSL political scientist Anita Manion, dig into the results from Missouri’s primary elections and share insight on what’s likely in store for the general election in November.

St. Louis broke the record for the most rainfall ever recorded in a single day in the city on July 26. One person died. Hundreds of people, including Hazelwood resident Camila Cage, were rescued by first responders Tuesday morning. Cage joined St. Louis on the Air to discuss what she experienced as the waters rose. Also, St. Louis Public Radio reporter Sarah Fentem provided an update on the effects of the storm.

Two local anti-abortion advocates heralded the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. But they say their work isn’t done even though abortions are illegal in almost all instances in Missouri. This conversation follows one earlier in the week with two abortion rights supporters. Editor’s Note: The guests claimed that “contraceptives can cause what’s called abortifacients,” a drug that causes an abortion. That’s not true. Contraceptives, including Plan B, do not cause an abortion. They prevent fertilization. Pregnancy only occurs when a fertilized egg has been implanted in the wall of the uterus. A guest also claimed that “for a woman to take contraception of any form, it is not healthy for her.” The medical community agrees that while there are some risks associated with birth control, “all methods of contraception are considered okay for healthy women.”

The ability to read is fundamental to learning in all school subjects and every aspect of life. However, Missouri’s kids are ranked below 19 other states in fourth grade reading level. State Sen. Jill Schupp joined St. Louis on the Air to discuss what she and her fellow women State Senators are doing to support students that are struggling in reading, as well as a new children’s book she co-authored with every woman State Senator in Missouri’s history.

Adil Qaisar is ready for take-off. On July 30, the local comedian and the Terminal 5 comedy tour lands in St. Louis, bringing a diverse set of comics and backgrounds to the stage. Qaisar discusses his approach to comedy, the difference between being “a comedian who is Muslim” and “a Muslim comedian,” and more.

St. Louis Public Radio political correspondent and Politically Speaking podcast host Jason Rosenbaum breaks down the issues and challenges facing candidates in the upcoming Senate primary, as well as the race for the next St. Louis County Executive.

On this month’s Legal Roundtable, attorneys Eric Banks, Brenda Talent and Sarah Swatosh tackle three fresh rulings from 8th Circuit Court of Appeals that all concern the ways “qualified immunity” can protect government officials from being sued. The attorneys also dig into the impact of Missouri’s abortion laws, the new (and fiercely disputed) Homer G. Phillips hospital, and more. Sarah Fenske returns as guest host.