Ag innovation, flood science, wildfire smoke discoveries, and new dementia prevention research headline this week’s Spotlight episode.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri received the 2026 St. Louis Literary Award from Saint Louis University. Evening Program Craft Talk

Check out the latest innovations in science, technology, and lifestyle in the field, at the workplace, on location, and in the lab.

Meet the people and organizations, tour the locations, explore the topics, and experience the pleasures that embody America’s rich cultural landscape.

The 442s perform traditional and original favorites in their annual holiday spectacular. This year they are joined by special Guests include Anita Jackson, Peter Martin, Brian Owens, Montez Coleman and many other surprise performers.

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.

Explore videos focused on Black history, achievement, and culture.

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.

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.