The Gateway

The U.S. relies on more than 2 million seasonal workers to cultivate and harvest crops. In the Midwest, workers are now heading out into the fields amid concerns about COVID-19 outbreaks.

The protest movement condemning police killing Black people is one of the top issues in the contest for St. Louis County Executive. All four Democratic candidates say they are the right person to bridge social, economic and public safety divides.

Many environmental groups consider a recent federal court decision to ban three dicamba herbicides as a big victory. Several farm organizations are criticizing the ruling, which comes in the middle of spraying season. The case is raising questions about the future use of dicamba.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order suspending certain work visas for immigrants. Donald Danforth Plant Science Center President Jim Carrington discusses how the decision impacts the region's economic growth and innovation

Hundreds of inmates at Illinois prisons have contracted COVID-19 since the pandemic began. At least 13 have died. According to data obtained by Illinois Newsroom, the Illinois Department of Corrections has only conducted about 950 tests as of a couple weeks ago out of more than 30,000 people in state prisons.

A group of black and white men who were trying to prevent their business from being looted in downtown St. Louis in early June was held at gunpoint, cussed out, and handcuffed by St. Louis Metropolitan Police officers. The incident was caught on camera and has been shared on social media, but there is no police report. The department says there is an internal investigation.

Nearly half-a-million undocumented students are not eligible for federal money to help cover education costs during the coronavirus outbreak. The funding goes to colleges and universities, which then distribute it. But they aren't allowed to give the money to undocumented students.

A psychology professor at Missouri S&T has compiled a list of 107 melodies that are shown to have the right levels of familiarity and complexity to help diagnose and study brain disorders. The standard set of music will make data more consistent and improve outcomes.

The St. Louis Cardinals will open training camp this week at Busch Stadium. A beat writer talks about the different approaches she will take to cover the team during the outbreak-shortened season.

Outbreaks at poultry processing plants in southwest Missouri are driving a spike in COVID-19 cases throughout the state. We examine how officials are responding to Missouri's most-recent coronavirus hotspot.

The Missouri Department of Health and Human Services has issued a one-year license for Planned Parenthood's St. Louis abortion clinic. The issue has been the subject of a lengthy legal battle. Also, Missouri’s first medical marijuana dispensaries were supposed to open this month. But now, the earliest they will start selling the drug is late summer or early fall.

St. Charles County Prosecutor Tim Lohmar says two Florissant officers will not face criminal charges after a detective driving an SUV hit a man in Dellwood. That detective has been fired and charged with assault. The case has sparked protests outside the Florissant Police Department. Also, we examine the impact of canceling cultural events to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Two economic development announcements in the St. Louis region will lead to more workers in downtown St. Louis and in St. Louis County. Also, we examine how coronavirus cancelations have prompted increased interest in hunting.

There are concerns among health officials that many people don't realize coronavirus is still a deadly threat. That comes as restrictions throughout Missouri and Illinois are lifted. Also, the Ethical Society of Police says the St. Louis County Memorandum of Understanding with the African American police union is more than a year too late.

Missouri health officials say Sunday is the first day since the pandemic started that more than 400 new cases of COVID-19 were reported. Most of the spike is coming from rural counties in the southwest part of the state. Also, the pandemic has prompted courts throughout Missouri to close. We examine the slow process of reopening the state's legal system.

June 19, or Juneteenth, commemorates when some of the last slaves learned they had been freed by the surrender of the Confederate Army. The day has more significance this year amid the racial injustice protests following the death of George Floyd. Also, we explore the renewed efforts to privatize St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

A former Florissant police officer has been charged with assault and armed criminal action after video emerged of a man being hit by an unmarked SUV. The case has sparked protests at the Florissant police department. Also, many families are feeling anxious about loved ones in prison now that visits have been halted during the pandemic.

St. Louis County Executive Sam Page says he wants to make sure streets, parks, and statues reflect county values. His announcement came on the same day crews took down the Christopher Columbus statue in Tower Grove Park in St. Louis. Also, we speak with the incoming, first-ever female president of Eden Theological Seminary.

LGBTQ advocates in Missouri say a U.S. Supreme Court decision barring employers from firing workers because they are gay or transgender could be tough to enforce because of state labor laws. Also, we speak with protestors about the new wave of activism.

More businesses in St. Louis County can open today after being closed for months during the coronavirus pandemic. Also, this is the last full day in office for Ferguson's mayor. James Knowles III talks about the lessons he's learned after nine years on the job. He also shares some advice for his successor.