The Gateway

A Syracuse University researcher says new ICE agreements spreading across Missouri will shift immigration enforcement onto local police — with possible consequences for towns and taxpayers.

East-West Gateway, the bi-state area’s council of governments, kicked off an initiative to create a common vision for the St. Louis region. They’ll do that by creating a regional alignment plan they hope will create a framework that helps leaders from different sectors, like government, the arts and non-profits, work together. St. Louis Public Radio’s Kavahn Mansouri spoke with Jim Wild, executive director of East West Gateway, about what the plan might look like in practice.

Cities and suburbs may not be connected to the region's farms, but they are seeing a growth in FFA chapters.

St. Louis drinkers love Stag – the historic lager with roots in Belleville. But some distributors have recently told bar owners they will soon be out of kegs of the beloved beer. St. Louis Public Radio’s Sarah Fentem reports on the future of Stag, and whether the pints being enjoyed this year could be the last.

In the past few years, video gaming machines have become a controversial public policy and political issue in Missouri. The devices, also known as video lottery terminals or VLTs, resemble slot machines in casinos and can be found in gas stations, convenience stores and fraternal organizations all over Missouri. And while state lawmakers are divided about whether they should be legal or not, a federal judge’s ruling is prompting state and local officials to get them removed.

Protein is having its moment in the spotlight. Companies are adding more protein-enhanced products to their lineups as demand grows. The new federal dietary guidelines unveiled earlier this year also put the nutrient front and center. Harvest Public Media’s Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval reports on whether Americans actually need more protein.

The increasing cost of electricity and gas has replaced eggs as inflation's poster child. Doing something about it will likely fall on state governments.

More than 1,600 plants and animals are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. And out of all of those, only one is a moss. St. Louis Public Radio’s Kate Grumke reports on a new effort to protect these tiny plants that are often overlooked, but are very important.

All month long, people have been observing the achievements of Black Americans and historical events as the country celebrates Black History Month. The observance began 100 years ago as Negro History Week and has since expanded. It continues in St. Louis and nationwide despite recent efforts by the Trump Administration to erase the accomplishments of African Americans in libraries, museums and other places. STLPR's Andrea Henderson spoke with local students and educators about the importance of illuminating this history for the next century and beyond.

Mental health hotlines can be particularly valuable in rural areas, where there may not be any therapists or social workers close by. That includes 9-8-8, the national suicide and crisis lifeline. It launched less than four years ago and has already responded to nearly 20 million contacts. But support for 9-8-8 is stronger in some states than in others. Harvest Public Media’s Michael Marks reports.

The Missouri Republican Party is riding an unprecedented wave of success into the 2026 election cycle. But the party’s leaders acknowledge that in this midterm election with critical ballot initiatives they are facing some serious national headwinds. St. Louis Public Radio’s Jason Rosenbaum has this report from the recent Missouri GOP Lincoln Days in Springfield.

Four Republican candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to challenge two-term Governor JB Pritzker in November. They face an uphill battle against a billionaire Democrat in a state that has shifted more and more blue over the past decade.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is making an AI tool to identify plants with technology we might more commonly use in space. Plus: it’s hard to keep an independent book store open these days, especially in a small town, but a new shop in Rolla is hoping community – and cocktails – will make it work.

The Missouri Historical Society is making a new commitment to continue telling African American stories – this Black History Month, and beyond. Lyah LeFlore-Ituen is the society’s new director of its African American History Initiative. She spoke with St. Louis Public Radio’s Andrea Henderson at the Missouri History Museum about how the initiative will connect all communities to Black History to ignite city pride.

The documentary, ‘My Mama Joe, Hope & Help' follows the story of JoeAnna Caldwell and her family of caregivers after she’s diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. STLPR's Marissanne Lewis-Thompson spoke with Herb Caldwell – the film’s producer and JoeAnna’s son – about the film, why education around the disease matters, and the moment he noticed a change.

A recently-opened exhibit called “Hey, There’s The Arch!” at the Old Courthouse downtown showcases logos and symbols featuring the monument. It’s part of the 60th anniversary of the Arch. St. Louis Public Radio’s Abby Llorico explores how the Arch's two legs and 630 feet have come to stand for an entire region.

A recently-opened exhibit called “Hey, There’s The Arch!” at the Old Courthouse downtown showcases logos and symbols featuring the monument. It’s part of the 60th anniversary of the Arch. St. Louis Public Radio’s Abby Llorico explores how the Arch's two legs and 630 feet have come to stand for an entire region.

A major voice in the St. Louis blues and jazz community has left the stage. Marsha Evans, whose voice could be heard for decades in the region, has died. She was 75. As St. Louis Public Radio’s Chad Davis reports, musicians and friends remember Evans for her contributions to the local music scene and beyond.

Governor Mike Kehoe wants to eliminate Missouri’s income tax. It was a major part of his state of the state address, and Republican lawmakers largely support the plan. Tax experts, though, have questions.

Alpha-gal syndrome — which is spread by tick bites — affects nearly half a million Americans, according to federal data. For farmers, who are in close contact with livestock every day, the allergy can be especially challenging.