Back in 1972, Lee Hendrix started a job as a deckhand on a towboat on the Mississippi River. It was the start of a more than 50-year career traversing America’s waterways. Hendrix, a St. Louis native, would later pilot towboats and passenger ships — and work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Hendrix discusses his 2024 memoir as well as new writing on the effects of tariffs on the barge industry and the history of the Chain of Rocks.

Missouri's parole system governs the lives of some 52,000 people, more than twice the number locked up in the state’s prisons. But its rules haven’t been updated since 2017, and those who work inside the system say the process is often confusing, complicated and broken. Under an executive order signed by Governor Mike Kehoe early this year, a special working group has been meeting to address its problems. We meet three of the group's members to learn about the parole system, the people inside it, and the most pressing problems in need of solutions.

Fried chicken is among the top five most popular foods in the U.S., according to recent YouGov data. With National Fried Chicken Day on the horizon, we discuss some regional favorite restaurants, preparations and flavors.

The Missouri Department of Corrections recently asked people to stop donating quilting supplies. The rush of donations followed the hit Netflix documentary, "The Quilters," which follows a special program in a Missouri maximum security prison, two hours southwest of St. Louis, where the inmates create quilts for foster children waiting for adoption. We'll talk with the filmmaker Jenifer McShane about the film, quilts, prisons and second chances

Why doesn't St. Louis have its own hot dog, like the iconic Chicago dog? That question was on restauranter Steve Ewing's mind when he created a March-madness style bracket and asked St. Louisans to choose the hot dog that best represented their city. Then, in 2022, the Board of Aldermen declared the competition's winner the Official Hot Dog of St. Louis. In this encore presentation, Ewing shares how to make a St. Louis hot dog and the inspiration behind its ingredients.

Ten years ago, multidisciplinary artist Brock Seals was inspired to produce an event that gives emerging artists an opportunity to showcase their work, and to connect with fellow artists as well as potential fans and patrons. The annual showcase has become a space for up-and-coming artists to cut their teeth in a professional creative environment. Seals is joined by “Art, Mimosas and Pancakes” music director Julian Keaton to discuss what’s in store for this year’s event and ways they’ve grown as professionals over the years.

Fried chicken ranks among the top five most popular foods in the U.S., beating out apple pie and even outranking hot dogs. This coming Sunday is National Fried Chicken Day, dedicated to all things chicken, crispy and crunchy. Adrian Miller, aka the Soul Food Scholar and author of the James Beard Award-winning book “Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine, One Plate at a Time,” shares his insights into the history of fried chicken, where it got its start, the stigma associated with it and the ways the dish is celebrated today.

After an EF3 tornado tore the roof of Gloria Nolan’s home in north St. Louis near Fairground Park, she and her family remain displaced. They’re living in a temporary home and expect to wait at least a year for their home to be repaired. More than six weeks after the tornado, Nolan discusses how she’s navigating insurance, inspections, and uncertainty — and what the long road to recovery might look like in her neighborhood.

Since March 19, more than 200 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees have been held at the Phelps County Jail in Rolla, Missouri. Some are there for only one day, while others have been detained for more than two months. With no possessions and limited contact with family or legal help, many face an uncertain future. A group of about 50 local activists is stepping up, helping detainees reach their loved ones and offering small but meaningful acts of comfort and kindness. We talk about the work of Abide in Love with STLPR editors Jonathan Ahl and Brian Munoz.

June was packed with restaurant news across the region. Two food trucks — Bougie Bites and Fufu n’ Sauce — opened brick-and-mortar locations in Overland and Vinita Park, respectively. Lefty’s Bagels debuted in Creve Coeur, and Grace Meat + Three launched Grace Chicken + Fish in Crestwood. In Waterloo, country artist Alexandra Kay opened the Coffee Girl Cafe. STLPR digital editor Jessica Rogen and host Elaine Cha break down the latest openings and closings in the St. Louis food scene.