Total Information AM Weekend

 To kick off its 37th year, Circus Floor had the red and black brass band lead a parade of circus performers through the streets of Grand Center to the big top. That would be the fully air-conditioned, post-pandemic Big Top. Of course, the flying trapeze artists will dazzle as always. Please, hold your applause until then. This year, there are camels, dogs, and a pig performing, along with the St. Louis Arches and the teen acrobats. There's a husband-wife team shooting arrows at each other. Here's Circus Floor Executive Director, Jack Marsh.

Join Kevin Killeen as he encounters a mother and daughter embarking on a summer road trip in their vintage Volkswagen bus. Despite lacking air conditioning, this Minnesota duo sets out on a memorable journey, capturing attention wherever they go. They share the joys and challenges of traveling in their beloved VW bus, cherishing the charm it brings. 

Fred Bodimer brings you the latest on Pope Francis underwent successful surgery to treat a painful abdominal hernia, removing scar tissue and implanting a prosthetic mesh. This marks his latest health battle, following a previous abdominal surgery in 2021. Despite the challenges, the Pope is in good shape and has already resumed his duties.  

In this weekend health news update, Fred Bodimer talks several significant developments. British scientists have successfully created a liver dialysis treatment that mimics the functions of the liver, offering hope for millions suffering from liver disease. Initial trials have shown promising results, with the device being able to reverse acute liver failure more effectively than existing treatments. If further clinical trials confirm its effectiveness, the treatment could become widely available within three years.

In this segment, Johnny Rabbit, a charismatic radio personality, shares his fond memories of 1950s St. Louis. He reflects on the city's vibrant atmosphere and takes the audience back in time to experience the sights, sounds, and scents of the era. Johnny discusses the three daily newspapers, the lack of air conditioning in homes and public transportation, and the popularity of radio as the primary source of entertainment. He mentions the prevalence of movie theaters in every neighborhood, describing a few iconic ones and their locations. Johnny also highlights the neighborhood taverns that were an integral part of the community, mentioning specific establishments and their distinctive features. The segment concludes with a teaser for an upcoming radio program that will explore the history of dining out in St. Louis. Scott Jagger, the radio host, expresses his appreciation for Johnny Rabbit's storytelling and announces his temporary absence from the show.

For this week's Roaming St. Louis feature, KMOX host Scott Jagow visited the Walls Off Washington, a collection of murals adorning buildings in midtown. Gina Grafos from the Kranzberg Arts Foundation gives him us scoop on the artists, the inspirations and the nuances of graffiti art versus mural commissioning, among other things.

In his weekly Three Good Things segment, KMOX host Scott Jagow takes us on an unexpected ride to the ballpark. A group of St. Louisans come together in a town car -- all ages, races and backgrounds - enjoying the moment and highlighting the value of diversity in living a better life.

Tom Ackerman joins Scott Jagow for another Sports Chat, discussing the upcoming Enjoy Illinois 300 race at the Worldwide Technology Raceway. The event has sold out for the second time, with 57,000 grandstand seats and 1,200 campsites filled. Rusty Wallace, a Missouri native and one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history, will lead the field. Ackerman also highlights the success of St. Louis City SC, the local soccer team, and their impressive performance in the league. However, he expresses concern about the struggling St. Louis Cardinals, who are currently nine games below .500. Ackerman emphasizes the need for improvement across all aspects of the team's performance. Despite the Cardinals' challenges, he is excited for the Enjoy Illinois 300 race and encourages fans to arrive early and enjoy the festivities.

Tune in to the Sunday episode of "Total Information AM", where Scott Jagow discusses the GOP field, its impact on the election, and other relevant topics with guests Michael Kellye and John Hancock. They delve into the increasing number of Republican candidates and its implications for Donald Trump's nomination chances. The conversation also touches upon President Biden's campaign strategy, the constitutional rights of drag performers, the prominence of LGBT issues in the presidential election, and local concerns such as drug dealing near City Hall. Don't miss this engaging discussion on current political matters.

Health and Religion editor, Fred Bodimer covers two significant events in the realm of religion. Firstly, thousands of people gathered in a small Missouri town to view the exhumed body of Sister Wilhemina Lancaster, a nun who passed away in 2019. Instead of decomposed remains, her body was found remarkably preserved and incorrupt, leading many to consider it a potential miracle. This occurrence is extremely rare, with only around 100 cases of incorrupt saints in the entire history of the Catholic Church. The second part of the report discusses the restructuring of parishes in the St. Louis Archdiocese, with 44 churches set to close due to factors such as declining priests and attendance. The Archdiocese will undergo a transformation, merging and creating new parishes to adapt to changing demographics and needs.