The West and Mid Rivers News Magazine Insider Podcast discussed story pitches focusing on localizing national headlines and identifying significant trends impacting readers. Dan Fox proposed a series on barriers to young families, including financial challenges and dating dynamics. Laura Brown pitched a story on St. Louis County's deadline to meet …

The discussion centered on the Missouri legislature's repeal of the paid sick leave portion of Prop A, which also included a higher minimum wage. The repeal, opposed by 58% of voters, was seen as going against the will of the voters. The conversation also covered the demographic shifts in St. Charles County, where 90% of new residents are over 60, …

The West and Mid Rivers Insider Podcast discussed the St. Louis Cardinals' nine-game winning streak and transitioned to a Mother's Day-themed episode. Dan Fox shared a story from a local paper about mothers preferring time and consistent help over material gifts. Laura Brown, a mom of three, and Donna Deck, a mom of four, shared their Mother's Day …

The West Insider Podcast discussed the Real ID law, effective May 7, 2025, requiring a starred ID for air travel. The hosts evaluated Trump's first 100 days, giving him a B for economic deregulation and a C for chaotic trade policies. They praised border security improvements but criticized chaotic deportation processes and lack of due process. The…

The discussion centered on the various parks and recreational activities in St. Louis and St. Charles Counties. Participants highlighted the renovations and new features in parks like Velas Park, Queenie Park, and Kinetic Park, emphasizing their accessibility and safety for all ages. They also mentioned the 75th anniversary of St. Louis County Park…

The podcast discusses the current measles outbreak in the U.S., with 800 cases already reported, surpassing last year's total. The conversation highlights the highly contagious nature of measles and the long incubation period. The speakers debate the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine, noting a 4% drop in vaccination rates among Missouri kindergarten…

The discussion on the West and Mid Rivers Insider Podcast covered the development dynamics in St. Charles County and Wildwood, Missouri. Key points included the recent elections indicating a shift towards controlled growth in St. Charles County, with concerns over high-density housing projects like the Bluffs at Riverdale. The conversation also hig…

In a special election edition of The Insider Podcast, hosts Tim Weber, Dan Fox, and Laura Brown discuss the results of recent elections in St. Charles and St. Louis counties. They highlight the victory of "smart growth" candidates in mayoral races, such as Steven Thompson in Cottleville and Keith Weberman in Dardenne Prairie, who emphasized measure…

The meeting discussed the creation of a podcast and the COVID fraud story, highlighting a federal prosecutor's strong interview. They debated the predictability of fraud and the extension of the statute of limitations to 10 years. The cover design for a story on COVID fraud was debated, with various iterations including a businessman with a COVID m…

The Insider Podcast discussed the removal of curb bump outs on Long and Clarkson roads, funded by a $52 million federal grant, due to community feedback. MoDOT plans to remove them by early summer, despite a previous commitment to a year-long review. The panel also addressed the Boone Bridge Phase Two rehabilitation, starting in April, expected to …

The West and Mid Rivers Insider Podcast discussed the upcoming Cardinals opening day and the excitement surrounding the team, particularly the decision to start young player Victor Scott. They also reflected on the five-year anniversary of St. Louis County's COVID-19 shutdown, noting significant changes in business practices, education, and societa…

The Insider Podcast discussed the Rockwood teacher pay issue, where union members voted 89% approval for a 10% salary increase over two years. A University of Missouri study revealed 78% of teachers considered leaving since 2020 due to pandemic challenges and political pressures. The conversation highlighted the need for merit-based pay tied to per…

The Insider Podcast episode features an interview with Kristi Scoville, Program Director for the Alliance for Healthy Communities, and Detective Kevin Restivo from the Chesterfield Police Department. The Alliance, established in 2012, aims to reduce substance use among youth in the Parkway School District through education and compliance checks. De…

The West and Mid Rivers Insider Podcast discussed the first 45 days of Donald Trump's second term, highlighting the whirlwind nature of events and the polarized national discourse. Tim Weber noted the shift from nuanced political differences to stark oppositions. Kate Upper Grove and Laura Brown expressed concerns about the impact on their mental h…

The podcast discusses Missouri's ongoing puppy mill problem, with the state having 23 of the 100 worst animal breeders in the U.S. for the 12th consecutive year. State Representative Doug Clemens has proposed legislation to regulate breeders and provide veterinary care. The Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation has improved animal welfare laws, …

The Mid Rivers Insider Podcast discussed the recent ICE arrests of three individuals at El Maguey in O'Fallon, Missouri, who were later released without criminal records. Evelyn, the daughter of one of the arrested men, described the chaotic event. The podcast also covered O'Fallon's proactive approach to police staffing by authorizing the hiring o…

The Insider Podcast discussed the editorial in West and Mid Rivers News Magazine, focusing on President Trump's appeal to young male voters. Trump's hegemonic masculinity, characterized by aggressiveness and alpha male traits, was highlighted as a factor. The panelists debated modern masculinity and leadership, emphasizing reliability, responsibili…

The podcast discusses the impact of Missouri's Proposition A, which raised the minimum wage to $12.30 in 2024, $13.75 in 2025, and $15 in 2026, and mandated paid sick leave. 57% of voters approved it, but rural areas largely opposed it. Critics, including small business owners, argue it could harm rural economies and increase costs. The conversatio…

The Insider Podcast discussed Ameren's proposed 15.77% rate increase, which would raise $446 million annually. The Missouri Public Service Commission is reviewing the request, with a decision expected in May. Public hearings have been held, but their impact on the PSC's decision is unclear. The rate increase would add $17-$18 monthly to the average…

The podcast discusses the potential impact of Donald Trump's second term on local news in St. Louis and St. Charles County. The hosts, who represent a mix of Trump supporters and critics, acknowledge the administration's unique influence and invite listener feedback. They highlight three main areas of focus: immigration, taxation, and deregulation.…

The podcast discusses the role of women in policing, highlighting a local initiative to increase female police officers to 30% by 2030, with the current national average at 13%. Interviews with female officers in St. Charles and Chesterfield reveal changing perceptions and roles, emphasizing communication and mental health. The conversation also to…

The West and Mid Rivers Insider Podcast kicked off its second season discussing the impact of a recent snowstorm, highlighting MoDOT's efforts and local police warnings. The conversation then shifted to political tensions in St. Louis County, focusing on County Executive Sam Page's challenges, including a Supreme Court decision and a proposed chart…

In 2024, St. Charles County experienced significant economic developments, including the ambitious but stalled Hoffman Companies' Augusta project, which saw some properties being put up for sale. New businesses like the Defiance Roadhouse and revitalized properties along the Katy Trail offered some positive changes. The county also saw a shift towa…

The Insider Podcast's Christmas special episode, hosted by Tim Weber, features practical holiday tips from various guests. Dan Fox shares a cautionary tale about receiving coal for not picking favorites between his aunts, advising against favoritism. Donna Deck suggests using the Target app to check prices and adjust in-store deals. Emily Rothermic…

The Insider PodCast discussed the reintroduction of the Better Together bill by Ian Mackey, proposing a merger of St. Louis City and County. The 2019 attempt failed due to opposition from West County municipalities and legal challenges. The merger aims to consolidate 88 municipalities into one government, potentially saving $250 million annually. K…

Tim Weber, publisher of West and Mid Rivers News Magazine, interviews Donna Deck, the advertising graphic designer and co-chair of the party planning committee. They discuss several updates, including an audit of the tax increment financing for downtown Chesterfield's development, which has attracted $300 million. Donna expresses excitement about t…

The podcast hosts discussed their favorite Christmas movies, with Tim Weber arguing that The Nightmare Before Christmas and Die Hard are the greatest Christmas movies. The main topic was the teacher shortage and staffing challenges facing public schools in Missouri. Key points: Missouri currently has around 3,000 vacant or inappropriately certified…

The podcast discusses a local E. coli outbreak in the Rockwood School District in St. Charles County, Missouri, where over 100 cases have been reported and 13 students were hospitalized. The outbreak appears to be linked to events catered by a local company called Andres Banquets and Catering, though the source has not been definitively identified.…

The episode discusses a story about the "yips" - a psychological barrier that can affect athletic performance, even in high school and college athletes. The story explores how sports psychology can help athletes overcome these mental blocks. The podcast also covers the evolving role of local libraries, which now offer much more than just books - in…

The podcast is discussing the recent local elections in St. Charles County, Missouri. They note that many state-level offices flipped from one party to the other, so there will be a lot of new faces in Jefferson City. The sports betting amendment (Amendment 2) passed, but with a surprisingly narrow margin, despite heavy promotion from major sports …