The Gateway

One of the many bills that didn't cross the finish line this past Missouri legislative session was one backed by agricultural giant Bayer. The bill would have shielded Bayer from liability in some lawsuits where its herbicide Roundup has been accused of causing cancer. With the end of the regular legislative session, the bill is dead for now. But as St. Louis Public Radio's Evy Lewis reports, it's likely not the last Missouri will hear of the issue.

William Shakespeare's “Hamlet” is the story of a Danish prince who can't decide how to respond to his father's murder. St. Louis Shakespeare Festival's production of the play in Forest Park this month is inspired by the fashion and jazz of mid-20th-Century Manhattan. As St. Louis Public Radio's Jeremy Goodwin reports, the production shows that one of the most famous plays ever written can inspire new sounds and surprises.

Missouri lawmakers are back in Jefferson City for a special legislative session. Gov. Mike Kehoe called for the session last week and specified three things he wanted done. That includes legislation that allows the state to help fund new stadiums for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.

Missouri's political leaders are united behind getting federal aid to victims of the May 16 tornado. But actually delivering critical assistance to people is often a slow and cumbersome process. Plus: In April, a mother from Kennett (KEN-it), Missouri, attended a routine immigration meeting to renew her documents, which allowed her to work in the U.S. Instead, she was arrested and placed in an ICE jail. Now, her hometown is rallying for her release.

While agricultural incomes are expected to rebound this year, farmers have been taking on more debt lately. Coupled with high costs to run a business, some are worried. It makes it really tough. A look at why loan demand is up — and why some ag economists believe it could be a sign of better things to come.

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is already in classrooms in states across the country, including Illinois. And teachers are trying to navigate the challenges that AI presents. Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill that would create an advisory board to give schools guidance on how to use Artificial Intelligence or AI.

St. Louis officials estimate that around five thousand homes and other structures were damaged during the deadly May 16th tornado. As people start to rebuild, many are trying to do so without homeowners' insurance.

U.S. Army Corporal Frederick Carrino went missing nearly 75 years ago during the Korean War. He was only 18. His family recently welcomed his remains back to St. Louis with a special funeral service in his honor.

There's no parallel in American theater to August Wilson's American Century Cycle … 10 plays that together depict a century of change in one neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The Black Rep's production of the cycle's final play, “Radio Golf,” marks a milestone for the company and its artists.

When Friday's deadly tornado swept through St. Louis, Gloria Nolan's husband sent her a photo from the front of their home in the O'Fallon neighborhood of north St. Louis. We hear more about Nolan's experience during and after Friday's storm,

Measles was eliminated in the United States 25 years ago. Now, it's back in the news as hundreds of cases are reported around the country. Many St. Louis area residents are wondering how they can stay safe from the contagious virus. Plus tornado coverage continues.

A powerful EF-3 tornado with winds of up to 150 miles per hour tore through St. Louis -- killing at least five people and damaging up to 4500 buildings. As St. Louisans pick up the pieces, there are still many unresolved issues.

Republican Missouri legislators had a productive 2025 session. But tensions flared between Republicans and Democrats in the final days.

Republican Missouri legislators had a productive 2025 session. But tensions flared between Republicans and Democrats in the final days.

St. Louis based metal band Torchlight Parade has been making music that's influenced by two of its founders' day jobs in the funeral industry.

Even though Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker is being coy about his political future, there's a widening view he'll seek a third term even though he's also eying a 2028 bid for the White House.

Mayor Tishaura Jones' loss in last month's election was the latest result that was a hit to the region's progressive politics and to Black female political power.

The Republican-led chambers still have several priorities they want to accomplish before they leave Jefferson City in five days.

This weekend will see the performance of a play by St. Louisan Mariah Richardson about blues singer Alberta Hunter, and the Rolla High School musical that was nearly canceled by severe weather.

The one term mayor of St. Louis reflects on her time in office, the state of the progressive movement and what's next for her after 20 years in public service.

Cases of measles – the viral infection that can be life-threatening – have exploded across the country this year, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates. St. Louis Public Radio's Sarah Fentem reports: Missouri and Southern Illinois have seen a handful of cases this year, but the risk is growing as vaccination rates fall.

Air travel can be stressful for anyone – especially with a little one in tow. Here's the story of how one St. Louis mom found opportunity in a travel nightmare, and is working to help other families on the go.

When you hear "Fight Club," you may think of the movie where guys beat each other up for fun. But a local group of LGBTQ kickboxers has made its own club of the same name to learn self-defense. As St. Louis Public Radio's Abigail Wetteroff reports, these fighters are packing punches and fostering a safe space.

A Colombian man from St. Louis died in ICE custody last month after being detained in a Missouri jail. He left his country seeking a better life with his family. Now his mother is searching for answers. Plus, a huge ensemble of musicians, actors and singers will perform a classic work in St. Louis this weekend, including some of the most famous music you may not realize you already love.

Most Missouri workers will now accumulate an hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, as part of voters' approval of Proposition A last fall. But as STLPR's Evy Lewis reports, efforts to undo or change Prop A's provisions have also been underway in the state legislature.

The floral industry has a new thorn in its side—tariffs. In the U.S., the bulk of cut flowers making their way into floral shops throughout the country are imported. The Trump administration's tariffs mean local florists might have to pivot towards homegrown alternatives. But as St. Louis Public Radio's Marissanne Lewis-Thompson reports local flower farmers say it will be a challenge to meet the demand without federal funding.

People are flocking to backyard chickens this year, in part due to the sky-high cost of eggs at the grocery store. Some first-timers have turned to chicken rentals to try out ownership for a few months.

Missouri has begun testing drinking water systems for forever chemicals in accordance with new rules from the Environmental Protection Agency. As Harshawn Ratanpal reports, early results show the Maries County town of Vienna has four years to clean up its water supply.

Missouri has begun testing drinking water systems for forever chemicals in accordance with new rules from the Environmental Protection Agency. As Harshawn Ratanpal reports, early results show the Maries County town of Vienna has four years to clean up its water supply.

Lucy Garzón risked everything to keep her children safe, then ended up losing a son to the very country she hoped would protect him. STLPR's Brian Munoz and Chad Davis, and The Midwest Newsroom's Kavahn Mansouri report. Plus: STLPR's Hiba Ahmad takes us to a new literacy program available through St. Louis County Library.

The end of a political era in Illinois is here. Five-term Democratic U.S. Senator and East St Louis native Dick Durbin has decided he will not be seeking re-election next year. Durbin spoke with Dave McKinney to break the news that is sure to set off a major contest to succeed him.

After being appointed to lead the Missouri Children's Division, Sara Smith is facing the difficult challenge of having enough staff — and following through with legislative initiatives aimed at keeping families together. St. Louis Public Radio's Jason Rosenbaum has more on Smith's vision for protecting Missouri's children.

UM System President Mun Choi signed an executive order last month outlining a process for law enforcement compliance. It was passed as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, agents are going to campuses around the country to detain those whose speech the Trump administration disagrees with. Aminah Jenkins reports on how the UM policy works for both staff and students.

Increased tariffs on many countries have been a hallmark of the first months of the second Trump administration. And a researcher in St. Louis finds these new levies will likely have broad and varied effects on the global supply chain.

The Asian elephant born at the St. Louis Zoo last fall is preparing to meet the public. But before that can happen, the keepers have been helping little “Jet” reach some important milestones. We paid a visit the Zoo to learn more about what he's been up to.

Janis Mensah is the former vice-chair of the St. Louis Detention Facilities Oversight Board, and is scheduled to go on trial next month for charges stemming from a 2023 arrest at the City Justice Center. Mensah says police beat them unconscious while waiting to see a detainee, but police say Mensah ignored orders and refused to leave. Mensah spoke with STLPR's Lacretia Wimbley about the need for greater transparency at the jail, where 19 detainees have died since 2020.

Missouri Republican lawmakers are working to pass a second version of the Second Amendment Preservation Act this session, after the first version was struck down as unconstitutional. The Midwest Newsroom's Kavahn Mansouri reports on how the bill was brought back to the table, and why law enforcement groups aren't happy about it.

The president of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen is suing to knock down parts of a new law placing a gubernatorial board in charge of the city's police department, and Cara Spencer says goodbye to her aldermanic colleagues before being sworn in as mayor today. Plus, a look at what impact a looming "enrollment cliff" could have on Missouri education institutions.

St. Louis' reputation was rattled a year ago when the Wall Street Journal described the region's downtown as a ‘real estate nightmare.' A year later, the city has made strides, starting by tackling two prominent vacant properties. But St. Louis Public Radio's Eric Schmid reports a full rebound will take many more years of sustained effort by civic and business leaders across the region and state.

Leaders of community radio station KDHX will head to court next week seeking a judge's approval of their planned sale of the station's radio frequency to K-LOVE, a national chain of syndicated Christian radio stations. St. Louis Public Radio's Jeremy Goodwin reports on how supporters of the station plan to push back on the sale, and what could happen next.

St. Louis Mayor-elect Cara Spencer cruised to victory by outflanking incumbent Tishaura Jones in high turnout wards. STLPR's Jason Rosenbaum breaks down the factors that led to Tuesday's results. Plus: an audio postcard from a Missouri tree nursery might get you inspired to go outside and start planting.

Mayor Tishaura Jones lost in a landslide to Cara Spencer. Long-time comptroller Darlene Green suffered her first election defeat ever. The president of the St. Louis Public Schools Board of Education was also ousted. We have a breakdown of the big races in the St. Louis area in Tuesday night's election.

A growing effort to eliminate “junk food” from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has some access advocates worried about a restriction's impact on recipients. Harvest Public Media's Anna Pope examines the push -- and the possible problems.

Soman Chainani is on a mission to get kids to read. And not just one of the millions of books he's sold as a children's author – he wants to get kids into any book. As he shared with Laura Spencer from the Kansas City Public Library, the St. Louis author's debut graphic novel taps into a childhood passion for horror.

The most competitive race for St. Louis comptroller in decades is nearing the end. Voters are choosing between a 30-year incumbent and a former alderwoman and state representative who says the city needs a new set of eyes on its finances.