St. Louis on the Air

Missouri anti-abortion group Coalition Life calls itself “America’s largest professional sidewalk counseling organization" — and it's benefitting from millions in public funds while also taking its message outside the state. ProPublica's Jeremy Kohler shares his latest investigation into how Missouri is subsidizing anti-abortion groups and pregnancy centers through tax credits, and what that means for Missourians when abortion is almost completely banned under state law.

A panel of attorneys discuss local and regional legal issues, including the latest attempts by death row inmate Marcellus Williams to make his case for innocence, and an update on a $495 million verdict against the manufacturers of Similac baby formula.

In 1993, a turtle whose shell grew around a discarded plastic 6-pack ring was found in the St. Louis region. She was named Peanut, and she’s become one of the best-known animal ambassadors for litter awareness ever since. We celebrate Peanut’s 40th birthday and talk about her story with her caretaker, Missouri Department of Conservation naturalist Matthew Cavanaugh. Tierra Curry of the Center for Biological Diversity and David Mizejewskiv of the National Wildlife Federation also join the conversation to discuss the power of individual animals’ stories, like Peanut’s, to promote social change.

Missouri AFL-CIO President Jake Hummel, who heads the state's umbrella organization for most unions, said organized labor wants to see candidates who protect workers. On the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, Hummel discusses the state of labor in Missouri and its relevance in local and state politics.

Third-party candidates often struggle to gain traction in a political system dominated by Republicans and Democrats. Jared Young, a businessman from Webb City, is seeking Missouri’s U.S. Senate seat as a member of the newly formed Better Party. On the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air we hear why, and talk with St. Louis University political science professor Christopher Duncan about the role and relevance of third parties.

Reporters from Reuters investigating the impact of radioactive waste near West Lake Landfill tracked down dozens of former and current residents of Spanish Village in Bridgeton, finding more than 30 people diagnosed “with types of cancer that have been linked to radiation.” Two members of the team that produced it, reporters Michelle Conlin and Mike Pell, discuss their findings, and how a little-known federal agency is has become “a shield for polluters.”

Museums only show about 2% of their collections to the public. Archivist and entrepreneur Emma Prince deals with the other 98%. Prince talks about founding the St. Louis-based company Backlog, and describes its work building archives for libraries, schools and other organizations, and helping individuals learn about their family history.

Self-care is often marketed as an individual, consumption-driven activity. Soul Spa Collective, a new wellness group in St. Louis, is challenging that. Collective co-founders Jessica Wernli and Steven Hunt talk about the group’s Self Care Sunday series, and its focus on promoting self-care practices that prioritize community connection.

Music at the Intersection is back for its third year — and they are bringing living legends and beloved local acts on stage together. Acts include Chaka Khan, Black Pumas, Chingy and Keyon Harrold. Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s Chris Hansen, executive director, and Larry Morris, director of programs and partnerships, shared what audiences can expect during the festival.

Many educators say their districts aren’t supplying everything their students need. Non-profit groups, community organizations and even the courts are stepping in to help meet needs across the Midwest, but education advocates say it’s not a long-term solution.