St. Louis Public Radio

11/28/2025

St. Louis firefighters battling huge blaze that engulfed abandoned warehouse complex ⬇️

11/26/2025

A judge in St. Charles County who agreed to resign after photographs revealed incidents of him wearing an Elvis Presley costume in the courtroom is now asking for a do-over from Missouri’s Supreme Court — and defending his decision to dress up as the King of Rock and Roll

In a legal filing on Monday afternoon, lawyers for Judge Matthew Thornhill claimed the state’s disciplinary commission had broken a confidentiality agreement when it released the now-viral photographs of Thornhill wearing the Elvis outfit.

Elvis-related complaints weren’t the only charges made against Thornhill. The state’s Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline of Judges accused him of violating the Supreme Court’s rules when he mentioned his political affiliation and campaign for judge from the bench. Another charge detailed Thornhill’s attempt to involve himself directly in an adoption case.

But it was the photos and details that showed Thornhill’s apparent love for Elvis that drew international headlines. ⬇️

11/26/2025

On Politically Speaking: Rep. Jaclyn Zimmermann breaks down her first year in Jefferson City, the fight over abortion rights and redistricting, and why she believes Democrats could flip more seats in west St. Louis County.

In 2024, Zimmermann was elected to represent the 98th District, which takes in cities like Manchester and Twin Oaks. The seat the Democratic attorney won has historically been in GOP hands but has trended toward the Democrats in recent years.

Full story: https://www.stlpr.org/podcast/politically-speaking/2025-11-26/missouri-state-rep-zimmermann-forecasts-democratic-gains-in-west-st-louis-county

11/26/2025

Centennial Christian Church is saying goodbye to its tornado-damaged building but not its mission.

Members and pastors gathered to honor 102 years of ministry and look ahead to rebuilding in Fountain Park.

“The church has had historic ministries in health and housing,” said the Rev. Dietra Wise Baker, Centennial’s transitional pastor. “We have three affordable housing units in the community that the church did years ago, and also have a thriving hunger ministry that is still going on.”

Just weeks after the storm, the church announced its plans for a large-scale redevelopment project that will center on hunger, housing and healing. Wise Baker expects demolition to start within the next few weeks; however, a new building may not return in its place for another few years. In the meantime, members are worshipping at Florissant Valley Christian Church.

Full story: https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2025-11-26/centennial-church-goodbye-tornado-building-ministries

11/26/2025

A federal judge in St. Louis heard arguments Tuesday on whether a nonprofit can try to block Missouri’s new congressional map.

The state argues the group’s referendum effort is unconstitutional.

The federal case is one of multiple legal battles over the mid-decade redistricting.

11/26/2025

Former St. Louis mayor James Conway dies ⬇️

11/26/2025

Thousands of people across the U.S. recently found a blue grocery bag tied to their door handle — an annual tradition known as Scouting for Food that started 40 years ago in St. Louis.

Troops from Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, mobilized across the country to collect the bags over the weekend, securing millions of pounds of food and other resources for local pantries — and learning firsthand what it means to serve their communities.

This year's collection just so happens to be occurring at a time when many Americans are in an urgent need of food, providing a unique perspective for young people who may not fully understand what's happening in the government but recognize the call to help others at their most vulnerable. ⬇️

11/25/2025

Radio listeners will soon hear DJs announce the call letters KDHX over the airwaves, but the station won’t be a community effort by volunteers that features the work of local musicians.

Instead, conservative AM talk station KXEN 1010 will adopt the KDHX call sign.

The change takes effect Monday, according to a filing with the FCC. ⬇️

11/25/2025

The Missouri Attorney General's long-awaited trial to remove St. Louis' elected sheriff came to a close on Tuesday after more than 30 witnesses took to the stand over a week.

Here's what happened:

The Missouri Attorney General's long-awaited trial to remove St. Louis' elected sheriff came to a close on Tuesday after more than 30 witnesses took to the stand over a week. Here's what happened.

11/25/2025

State Rep. Justin Sparks is stepping down to join the Department of Homeland Security, marking the end of his three-year tenure in the Missouri House.

In a resignation letter posted on Facebook, Sparks said that his “entire professional life has been one of service and that will continue as I join the Department of Homeland Security and join in the mission of keeping our nation safe.”

“I fervently pray that God, in His righteous wisdom, will pour out the Spirit of Truth on all of my fellow colleagues as they continue to engage in a government of the People, by the People and for the People,” Sparks said in his resignation letter.

Gov. Mike Kehoe will now have to set a special election to fill the seat — one of five current vacancies. ⬇️

11/25/2025

Advocates sue Missouri's Mental Health Department over delays in treating inmates ⬇️