Essential news for the St. Louis region. Every weekday, in about 8 to 10 minutes, you can learn about the top stories of the day, while also hearing longer stories that bring context and humanity to the issues and ideas that affect life in the region. Music by Ryan McNeely of Adult Fur.
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The Gateway podcast from St. Louis Public Radio is a much-needed addition to the podcast world, especially for people living in the St. Louis area. As someone who commutes to work and enjoys staying informed about local news, this podcast has become an essential part of my daily routine.
One of the best aspects of The Gateway is its ability to provide in-depth and comprehensive coverage of important stories. Unlike daily sound bites or brief news updates, this podcast takes the time to delve into various topics, providing listeners with a closer look at what's happening in their community. The inclusion of interviews and personal perspectives adds depth and personality to each report, making it more engaging and relatable.
Another positive aspect of The Gateway is its diverse range of topics. From local politics and current events to community issues and cultural highlights, this podcast covers a wide array of subjects that are relevant to residents of St. Louis. This variety ensures that there is something for everyone, making it a well-rounded source of information.
On the downside, one critique I have for The Gateway is that it can sometimes feel too concise. While each episode spans exactly my commute to work in the morning, I find myself wanting more content after finishing an episode. Sometimes it feels like certain stories could be explored further or expanded upon to provide a more complete understanding.
In conclusion, The Gateway podcast is a fantastic resource for anyone seeking comprehensive coverage of local news in the St. Louis area. It offers a unique blend of in-depth reporting, diverse topics, and engaging storytelling that sets it apart from other podcasts out there. Despite its occasional brevity, this podcast fills a gap in the market and delivers valuable content for its listeners.

Today, the region boasts one of the largest Bosnian communities in the world. And that community has had a lot to boast about recently, with the city hosting the Bosnia-Herzegovina national soccer team in the lead-up to the World Cup. Plus, how St. Louis is showing up this World Cup.

Composer Andre Previn's 1995 opera “A Streetcar Named Desire” puts playwright Tennessee Williams' story onstage with an intense, mood-shifting score. Opera Theatre of St. Louis' new production is the first collaboration between its new artistic director, Patricia Racette — and its Principal Conductor, Daniela Candillari. St. Louis Public Radio's Jeremy Goodwin spoke with them about the show.

Development of large-scale data centers is booming across the Midwest. The number of data centers in Illinois is set to nearly double, while Missouri already has 91 of them, mostly centered around St. Louis and Kansas City. But water and energy usage are rallying some communities against data centers. As Harvest Public Media's Abigail Bottar reports, local and state governments are rushing to regulate this growing industry.

One year ago, a man detained by ICE in the Phelps County Jail died. That led a group of concerned residents in Rolla to form Abide in Love — an organization dedicated to helping immigrants and their families. The movement has spread to seven chapters across three states. St. Louis Public Radio's Jonathan Ahl was there as members of the group celebrated the one-year commitment to their efforts.

In the U.S., industries and cities used to pollute rivers so heavily that at least one – in Ohio – caught fire a dozen times. But half a century ago, a series of landmark federal laws started reining in water pollution. As a result, some rivers across the country are bouncing back to life.

Miles Davis and John Coltrane made some of the most beloved jazz recordings during a collaboration that began in the mid-1950's. Both artists would have celebrated their 100th birthdays this year. STLPR's Jeremy Goodwin has the story of a tribute concert in St. Louis this weekend.

The Missouri legislature passed very few education changes this past session, despite about 10 bills making it close to the finish line. St. Louis Public Radio's Lilley Halloran reports on where things fell apart and what the future may hold.

Fifteen people say they were physically assaulted by staff, and some sexually abused by other residents, at Change Academy at Lake of the Ozarks, a youth residential treatment center in Missouri that takes in children from across the country.

The state's spending plan is nearly flat compared to last year's, as lawmakers grappled with economic headwinds tied to federal policy changes and the Iran war.

This spring, Missouri lawmakers sparred over whether to build – and how to fund – construction of new nuclear power plants. And as Jana Rose Schleis reports, the potential for new multi-billion dollar nuclear projects has reignited a 50-year-old debate.

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival's fast-moving production of "The Tempest" in Forest Park sets the story to the tune of sea chanteys and folk songs, performed live on two stages. As St. Louis Public Radio's Jeremy Goodwin reports, the production evokes the magic encountered by its characters … with music.

Millions of immigrants apply for asylum in the United States every year, which protects them from deportation. But judges in a Missouri immigration court deny the majority of asylum claims they consider. A story of the obstacles facing asylum seekers from The Midwest Newsroom.

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to weaken protection of majority-minority districts could lead to Missouri Republicans dismantling the St. Louis-based 1st Congressional District. But while some GOP officials are supportive of that move, St. Louis Public Radio's Jason Rosenbaum reports that another Missouri redistricting gambit carries significant risk for Republicans.

Juan Baltazar is one of five people who died during last year's May 16 tornado. He was known in the St. Louis community for his warm personality – and his wood-roasted corn. As St. Louis Public Radio's Andrea Henderson reports, Baltazar's loved ones say his untimely death has been difficult for the family to grasp.

Contractors are slated to demolish hundreds of homes damaged or destroyed by the May 2025 tornado in the coming months. Residents are in for a dusty summer, and experts say neighbors should take precautions to keep their lungs healthy. STLPR's Sarah Fentem reports.

A 29-year-old Florissant man who came to the U.S. when he was four years old is now being deported to Mexico. ICE agents detained Victor López Delara after a traffic stop earlier this year. Now his fiancee and two children are preparing to follow him back to Mexico. St. Louis Public Radio's Chad Davis spoke with López Delara by phone from the Ste. Genevieve County Jail

The Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri says a routine immigration appointment upended his family's life for a year. Reverend Deon Johnson shares how a separation following the appointment affected their children, how Johnson navigated it as an immigrant himself, and why he's choosing to share his story.

The Mississippi River is lined with decades-old levees that sit right on the river bank. But some researchers say those levees are doing a poor job of preventing floods — especially as climate change makes historic flooding events more common and more severe. As St. Louis Public Radio's Katie Grawitch reports, a new setback levee system near Spanish Lake is one of many getting a makeover that will help it guard against flooding.

One year after the tornado that devastated parts of the St. Louis Region, especially north St. Louis, survivors of the storm and people remembering loved ones talk about moving forward. STLPR's Lacretia Wimbley joins a family on their first trip to a garden named in honor of one of the tornado's victims. Plus: Takeaways from the 2026 Missouri Legislative Session

Black homeowners are considering their paths forward after the May 16 tornado, and for many, those plans don't include another home. STLPR looks into how that could impact generations to come. Plus, we look into what the City needs to do to prepare for another storm.

Nearly a year ago, an EF3 tornado tore through neighborhoods and homes in St. Louis. Roofs are still tarped. Windows still boarded. Many families are still displaced and waiting for aid. St. Louis Public Radio's “Meet Me” project invited residents to an open mic to share their stories of that day — and every day since. =

In the immediate aftermath of the May 16 tornado, volunteer groups and nonprofits stepped into the gap left by city leadership. Nearly a year later, the same groups are still picking up the pieces. St. Louis Public Radio's Hiba Ahmad has been following one group's story of recovery in north St. Louis.

The EF3 tornado that ripped through north St. Louis one year ago exposed the city's long history of neglect in the area, which to many people is the driving factor of the city's slow response. St. Louis Public Radio's Andrea Henderson reports many north St. Louis families are worried that long-term displacement will increase vacancies and create population loss.

Since last year's deadly tornado, residents in the impact zone say frustratingly little progress has been made. While St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer has repeatedly blamed chaos at the federal level, St. Louis Public Radio's Kate Grumke and Kavahn Mansouri have been working to understand what happened at the local level.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's IN UNISON chorus this weekend debuts a commission from composer Nathalie Joachim inspired by family dynamics.

The iconic highway Route 66 is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The so-called “Mother Road” went through large stretches of Illinois and Missouri on its two-thousand-mile trek from Chicago to Los Angeles. Historian Andrew Wanko from the Missouri Historical Society recently spoke with St. Louis on the Air host Elaine Cha about the legacy of Route 66 and its origins in Springfield, Missouri.

Community supported agriculture, or C-S-A boxes, first gained popularity in the 90s. It's a way for people to support their local farmers… by paying upfront for produce that's delivered throughout the summer. But today's food system caters to both convenience and choice. As Harvest Public Media's Hope Kirwan reports, that's put pressure on CSA farmers to offer people more buying options.

Research has shown that stable employment after incarceration dramatically reduces the likelihood of someone reoffending. Rebecca Smith brings us the story of one new program that's helping inmates gain valuable and employable skills, as licensed tattoo artists.

Alarm Will Sound has staked out a unique space within the field of new music, sometimes called contemporary classical. A 25th anniversary concert on Tuesday at the Grandel will feature music that reflects many of the artistic twists and turns Alarm Will Sound has taken.

Illinois continues to see high demand for new data centers, increasing the strain on the state's utility grid. State lawmakers are considering legislation to rein in new data center proposals.

With recovery from the May 16 tornado stalling, there is growing demand to direct the full 250 million dollars in Rams settlement funds to the hardest-hit areas of St. Louis. STLPR's Rachel Lippmann breaks down the idea. Plus, Stella Blues bar is poised to reopen, two years after a devastating fire: STLPR's Jessica Rogen introduces us to the group of staff determined to give it back to the community.

STLPR's Sarah Fentem introduces us to Noorishment STL, a group offering STEM workshops that bring hands-on training to high school students. The group's founders want to ensure teens that careers in medicine and engineering are possible.

Artist and educator Carmon Colangelo is retiring this month after 20 years as the founding dean of Washington University's Sam Fox School of Visual Arts and Design. As an innovative print-maker, Colangelo mixes media and combines old and new techniques. A survey show of his work is now on view at the Bruno David Gallery in Clayton. He chats with STLPR's Jeremy Goodwin about his approach.

A south St. Louis shop is hoping to make an old-school photography experience new again. St. Louis Public Radio's Brian Munoz takes you behind the scenes at ‘Analog.'

For the first time in 32 years, Lou Magdits is not on the Rolla City Council. He did not seek re-election after 12 years as Mayor, three terms that followed 20 years representing the city's fourth ward. Madgits sat down with St. Louis Public Radio's Jonathan Ahl to talk about his time in office.

Research shows just 14% of Black students in St. Louis are proficient readers. Literacy organizations like Black Men Read are trying to increase those rates by providing free books and tutorials to students in the area. St. Louis Public Radio's Andrea Henderson takes us into a classroom where Black children get to see people who look like them, encouraging them to read.

Resolutions in several stories we've been following, including over picking a sheriff and a city council member, legislation on income taxes, and a controversial data center project. Plus, why some say the lack of a formal mascot at the University of Illinois is actually harming the campus community.

New restrictions on student loan could hurt students and communities that need professionals like doctors and lawyers the most.

After years of decline in the number of young people picking up smoking, more Gen Z-ers are now turning to cigarettes and other tobacco products. Rebecca Smith takes a look at why.

St. Charles County has developed a reputation as a Republican stronghold over the last two decades. But recent municipal election results point to the fast-growing county becoming more competitive. St. Louis Public Radio's Jason Rosenbaum reports on what the future may hold for St. Charles County politics.

A St. Louis police officer mistakenly called an immigration advocacy hotline to report an arrest, an error advocates say validates immigrants' concerns about local police acting as independent ICE agents. Plus, a conversation with the attorney for the family of a teenager shot and killed by police in 2024: video released this week shows the initial narrative around the shooting was wrong, and the unarmed boy was shot in the back of the head.

It's been more than six weeks since Iranian-American Dorsa Derakshani has had any direct contact with her family in Iran. The Mizzou medical student shares what it's been like to watch the war in her home country from Missouri.

East St. Louis historian and civil rights activist Reginald Petty received an Order of Lincoln award Saturday. That's the state's highest honor for contributions to the betterment of humanity. St. Louis Public Radio Metro East reporter Will Bauer sat down with Petty to discuss his life's work — from voting rights in the 1960s to returning to the Metro East and working with the East St. Louis Historical Society.

STLPR's Jonathan Ahl takes us to a new building in Rolla that's bigger than two football fields is the Protoplex, and it has an equally large goal — to be the center of an effort to bring manufacturing back to rural Missouri.

New York native Jack Lane co-founded theater company Stages St. Louis in 1987. In recent years he's turned to a second career, producing shows on Broadway and London's West End. STLPR's Jeremy Goodwin talks with Lane about branching out from Missouri to Broadway and beyond.