Missourians will decide the fate of Amendment 4, which requires constitutional amendments put on the ballot through the initiative petition process to pass in eight out of eight congressional districts. We hear from both sides of the debate on the latest episode of the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air. Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins argues the pro side of Amendment 4, while Missourians for Fair Taxation’s Scott Charton explains why it should fail.

Missourians will be deciding on a lot of high-stakes ballot initiatives on Aug. 4. Some of them are attracting passionate debate – and spurring high-dollar ad campaigns. That’s not what’s happening with Amendment 1. Thus far, there’s no organized opposition for the reauthorization of a one-tenth of one percent sales tax that funds soil and water conservation projects and Missouri’s state parks. Missouri Parks Association executive director Kendra Varns Wallis joins the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air to make the case to pass Amendment 1.

St. Charles County Republicans are engaged in their most competitive GOP primary for county executive in years. On this episode of the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, we explore why the contest between incumbent Steve Ehlmann, former state Sen. Bill Eigel, and former Lake Saint Louis Mayor Jason Law are provoking questions about whether the county’s future growth is sustainable.

Gabe Moskoff fell in love with hip-hop as a teen in Madison, WI and dreamt of going to college on the East Coast where his favorite hip-hop acts are from. He ended up in St. Louis instead to study at Washington University, and his response to an email and access to WashU’s student radio station led to Moskoff becoming Trackstar the DJ:a member of the acclaimed group Run the Jewels who has toured across the world, and worked with Wu Tang Clan, Rage Against the Machine, and Dave Chappelle. Trackstar is bringing local and national DJs to MATI for his Trackstar and Friends set at Sophie's Artist Lounge, and joining Killer Mike at the Big Top on Saturday, July 18.

For decades, Kirkwood’s municipal electric department was so successful that it generated millions in profits while funding other government services. Then, a revelation came last fall: the department was in the hole for more than $15 million. Will there be any repercussions for the two highly paid public servants responsible for managing and overseeing the department’s spending? Where did the massive deficit come from in the first place? Investigative journalist Mike Fitzgerald and Kirkwood resident Jack Cancila discuss the case and what may be uncovered by an independent forensic audit.

Technology has made a lot of things better and more convenient — but somewhere along the way, it’s also made some parts of everyday life a little less satisfying. In this episode, Washington University professor Ian Bogost discusses his new book, “The Small Stuff: How to Lead a More Gratifying Life.” Bogost argues modern technology has stripped away many of the small, everyday experiences that once brought us joy. Rather than advocating for a return to the past, he encourages us to pay closer attention to simple moments that can still bring gratification and a greater sense of connection to the world around us.

There’s no single way to succeed in the restaurant industry. In June, St. Louisans said goodbye to several beloved eateries — including O’Fashion Donuts — even as they fell in love with fresh concepts like Chico Bueno in the Grove. This month, STLPR’s Jessica Rogen and Abby Llorico talk about the latest openings and closings in the region’s food and dining scenes, their favorite new dishes and how some restaurants have found their way back from closure.

Loryn Nalic, chef and co-owner of Balkan Treat Box in St. Louis brought home the Best Chef: Midwest honor at the 2026 James Beard Awards. This recognition marks the first time in nearly a decade that a St. Louis-area chef has won one of the U.S. culinary world’s highest honors. Nalic reflects on the achievement, what it’s taken to get to this point, the importance of preserving cultural traditions, and balancing creativity and innovation in cooking.

On July 11, WerQfest returns to the Grove Business District to celebrate Black queer music and culture in St. Louis. The event’s 2026 theme is “Express Yourself,” a spirit that has animated every WerQfest since its debut in 2020. The event was created to give St. Louisans who identify as Black and queer an opportunity to be their authentic selves, fostering community with music, resources, and showcasing the city’s talented residents. WerQfest co-founder Tre G and performer Volume Speaks discuss how WerQfest has evolved since its premiere and why this year focuses on women and femme artists.

On Sunday, July 12, the Missouri History Museum will close its “Mill Creek: Black Metropolis” exhibit, which looks back at the history and community members’ lived experiences of Mill Creek Valley: a neighborhood home to nearly 20,000 people that was erased in 1959 as part of St. Louis' push for urban renewal. In this encore presentation from 2025, we hear from Vivian Gibson, memoirist of “The Last Children of Mill Creek," and Malaika Horne Wells, author of "Mother Wit.” The women share their memories of Mill Creek Valley, and their work to collect oral histories from other former residents for the museum’ exhibit. The conversation includes a special preview of the documentary "Remembering Mill Creek: When We Were There."