Mid Rivers Insider

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, reducing breeders from 2,000 to 900. The conv...

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 of up to 25 officers to anticipate r...

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, responsibility, and strong leadership. They contrast...

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 conversation also touches on the administrative burden o...

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 residential bill. Meanwhile, Missouri p...

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. Specific issues include a controversial...

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 touches on the evolution of policing, including the...

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 charter amendment to remove him from office....

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 towards multi-family housing and new urban concep...

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 Rothermich recommends early Christmas decoration setup...

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. Key concerns include the impact on local identities...

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 the new restaurants and entertainment spaces....

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 teaching positions, especially in subjects like s...

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 discussion covers what E. coli is, how it ca...

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 - including a "library of things"...

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 teams. The panel suggests voters may have been ske...