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Wednesday, May 7 - Measles cases put local health officials on high alert

1 day 20 hours ago
Cases of measles – the viral infection that can be life-threatening – have exploded across the country this year, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates. St. Louis Public Radio’s Sarah Fentem reports: Missouri and Southern Illinois have seen a handful of cases this year, but the risk is growing as vaccination rates fall.

Monday, May 5 - Let's talk about Queer Fight Club

3 days 21 hours ago
When you hear "Fight Club," you may think of the movie where guys beat each other up for fun. But a local group of LGBTQ kickboxers has made its own club of the same name to learn self-defense. As St. Louis Public Radio’s Abigail Wetteroff reports, these fighters are packing punches and fostering a safe space.

Friday, May 2 - Searching for answers in a tragic loss, and finding a new story in classic work

6 days 20 hours ago
A Colombian man from St. Louis died in ICE custody last month after being detained in a Missouri jail. He left his country seeking a better life with his family. Now his mother is searching for answers. Plus, a huge ensemble of musicians, actors and singers will perform a classic work in St. Louis this weekend, including some of the most famous music you may not realize you already love.

Thursday, May 1 - MO workers get paid sick leave

1 week ago
Most Missouri workers will now accumulate an hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, as part of voters' approval of Proposition A last fall. But as STLPR's Evy Lewis reports, efforts to undo or change Prop A’s provisions have also been underway in the state legislature.

Wednesday, April 30 - Will tariffs fertilize the local floral industry?

1 week 1 day ago
The floral industry has a new thorn in its side—tariffs. In the U.S., the bulk of cut flowers making their way into floral shops throughout the country are imported. The Trump administration’s tariffs mean local florists might have to pivot towards homegrown alternatives. But as St. Louis Public Radio’s Marissanne Lewis-Thompson reports local flower farmers say it will be a challenge to meet the demand without federal funding.

Tuesday, April 29 - Playing chicken

1 week 2 days ago
People are flocking to backyard chickens this year, in part due to the sky-high cost of eggs at the grocery store. Some first-timers have turned to chicken rentals to try out ownership for a few months.

Friday, April 25 - STL man dies under ICE's watch

1 week 6 days ago
Lucy Garzón risked everything to keep her children safe, then ended up losing a son to the very country she hoped would protect him. STLPR's Brian Munoz and Chad Davis, and The Midwest Newsroom's Kavahn Mansouri report. Plus: STLPR's Hiba Ahmad takes us to a new literacy program available through St. Louis County Library.

Thursday, April 24 - Durbin bows out

2 weeks ago
The end of a political era in Illinois is here. Five-term Democratic U.S. Senator and East St Louis native Dick Durbin has decided he will not be seeking re-election next year. Durbin spoke with Dave McKinney to break the news that is sure to set off a major contest to succeed him.

Wednesday, April 23 - Charting the future for MO's Children's Division

2 weeks 1 day ago
After being appointed to lead the Missouri Children’s Division, Sara Smith is facing the difficult challenge of having enough staff — and following through with legislative initiatives aimed at keeping families together. St. Louis Public Radio’s Jason Rosenbaum has more on Smith’s vision for protecting Missouri’s children.

Tuesday, April 22 - Fears new UM ICE policy could come 'at the expense of the students'

2 weeks 2 days ago
UM System President Mun Choi signed an executive order last month outlining a process for law enforcement compliance. It was passed as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, agents are going to campuses around the country to detain those whose speech the Trump administration disagrees with. Aminah Jenkins reports on how the UM policy works for both staff and students.

Friday, April 18 - Baby steps into the spotlight

2 weeks 6 days ago
The Asian elephant born at the St. Louis Zoo last fall is preparing to meet the public. But before that can happen, the keepers have been helping little “Jet” reach some important milestones. We paid a visit the Zoo to learn more about what he’s been up to.

Thursday. April 17 - Jail reform advocate is "hopeful, but focused"

3 weeks ago
Janis Mensah is the former vice-chair of the St. Louis Detention Facilities Oversight Board, and is scheduled to go on trial next month for charges stemming from a 2023 arrest at the City Justice Center. Mensah says police beat them unconscious while waiting to see a detainee, but police say Mensah ignored orders and refused to leave. Mensah spoke with STLPR’s Lacretia Wimbley about the need for greater transparency at the jail, where 19 detainees have died since 2020.

Wednesday, April 16 - A second try at the Second Amendment Preservation Act

3 weeks 1 day ago
Missouri Republican lawmakers are working to pass a second version of the Second Amendment Preservation Act this session, after the first version was struck down as unconstitutional. The Midwest Newsroom's Kavahn Mansouri reports on how the bill was brought back to the table, and why law enforcement groups aren’t happy about it.

Tuesday, April 15 - Preparing for, and pushing back on, change in STL

3 weeks 2 days ago
The president of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen is suing to knock down parts of a new law placing a gubernatorial board in charge of the city’s police department, and Cara Spencer says goodbye to her aldermanic colleagues before being sworn in as mayor today. Plus, a look at what impact a looming "enrollment cliff" could have on Missouri education institutions.

Monday, April 14 - How Downtown can get its groove back

3 weeks 3 days ago
St. Louis’ reputation was rattled a year ago when the Wall Street Journal described the region’s downtown as a ‘real estate nightmare.’ A year later, the city has made strides, starting by tackling two prominent vacant properties. But St. Louis Public Radio’s Eric Schmid reports a full rebound will take many more years of sustained effort by civic and business leaders across the region and state.