The Gateway

The Gateway

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.

Episodes

March 5, 2026 13 mins
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 st...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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February 26, 2026 14 mins
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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February 13, 2026 14 mins
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.
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US Department of Agriculture Climate Hubs across the country aim to better understand how climate change affects agriculture and forestry, and help people adapt. But the future of these hubs is uncertain, including the one that serves Missouri and Illinois.
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A Florissant man set a new world record by identifying 35 pro wrestling theme songs in one minute.
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February 10, 2026 11 mins
International artists and musicians have long seen the U.S. and the Midwest as a place to share their work and build their careers. But for many foreign creatives, just getting here has become harder, more expensive, and fraught with fear.
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In recent weeks, temperatures have plunged into the single digits - creating a dangerous situation for people experiencing homelessness. St. Louis Public Radio’s Sarah Fentem takes a closer look at the issue of frostbite - and how one cold night can create health effects that can last a lifetime.
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Nearly nine months later, St. Louis programs aimed to help people impacted by the May 16 tornado are only getting started. City officials say they struggled to get the aid programs running. STLPR's Kavahn Mansouri details why, and what's being done about it.
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