This week on Spotlight STL: A groundbreaking company launch in the Cortex Innovation District is being hailed as a glimpse into Missouri’s future. We highlight trailblazing children’s authors who took on a mission to boost representation and inspire young readers. Travel back in time with a Missouri Life segment on the pivotal Battle of Lexington—and the lasting mark it left on the state. Discover Missouri’s first known female artist, whose watercolors captured history as it unfolded. And finally, explore the cutting edge of agriculture with countertop greenhouses that could transform how we grow food—on Earth and in space.

The current offering of Equally Represented Arts (ERA) is Dollhouse by Three Manufacturers. The company has assigned one act of Ibsen classic drama, A Doll’s House, to each of three “emerging” directors. They have been trained in ERA’s experimental process, which prioritizes form over content, showing over telling, and delivering the company’s distinctive surrealistic style.

This week on Spotlight: Discover St. Louis’ rich history captured in watercolor paintings. Learn the dramatic story of the first U.S. president to fly in an airplane and how the flight nearly ended in disaster. Explore an opportunity for new mothers to donate their placentas, unlocking powerful healing potential for others. Meet a Saint Louis Art Fair artist who brings stories to life through striking hyperrealistic drawings. And visit the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Herbarium to meet a trailblazing botanist who has named more plant species than any other living woman.

This week on Spotlight: From St. Louis to Cooperstown—celebrating legendary baseball figures. Join mosquito trackers protecting local health. Meet a pioneering speedboat racer and a design firm behind world-class museums. Author Alvin Hall explores racism and road trips in Driving the Green Book. Plus, cool off on National Ice Cream Day with Ices Plain & Fancy’s unique frozen treats.

In the 1970s, a St. Louis businessman took bold action during a plane hijacking—changing the course of an unforgettable crime with his daring move.

This week on Spotlight, discover how Busch Stadium prepares one of its iconic statues for Opening Day and why this has become an annual tradition. Uncover the stories behind the unique and creative hats of the St. Louis Hat Man. Explore an adapted version of America’s favorite pastime for the visually impaired, and meet the heroes of the 1911 St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. Go behind the lens with sports photographer Elsa Garrison and experience a field of dreams in the cornfields of Columbia, IL.

Indigenous Poet Kenzie Allen’s debut collection from Tin House excavates subjects such as finding love, embodied emotion, and connection to the land.

In this week’s episode, we celebrate National Comic Book day by talking to two comic book artists: Marvel artist Cullen Bunn and “Heart of the City” artist Christina “Steenz” Stewart. We’ll also dive into how UMSL scientists are using the 2024 cicada emergence to uncover new insights about St. Louis. Explore the fascinating history of the first crematory west of the Mississippi and find out how a preservation advocacy group got a new home in an old building. Plus, enjoy music from Karen Choi live from the Boom Room.

In “Gateway to A New Life,” meet the people behind the Afghan Support Program and the resilient Afghans who are building new lives in St. Louis.

In this week’s episode, the story behind Blueberry Hill in the Delmar Loop; the history of 4th of July celebrations in St. Louis; go behind the scenes of America’s Birthday Parade; an exhibit exploring the history of men and women’s world chess championships; an exclusive interview with musician Devon Allman about honoring his father, touring and his new album; and a snippet of his new single “White Horse.”