The Gateway

St. Louis County Police Chief Mary Barton has outlined her plans for diversity, inclusion, and reform in the department. Also, we'll report on African American protestors who plan to remain in the streets despite coronavirus concerns.

St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson has lifted restrictions calling on people to stay inside from 9 at night to 6 in the morning. It had been in place for a week after a night of violence and looting. We also examine how the pandemic is affecting scientific research.

A series of demonstrations against police brutality took place throughout the region over the weekend. The largest was Sunday afternoon in downtown St. Louis amid temperatures in the mid-90s. Also, The Muny will not produce shows in Forest Park this year. And many entrepreneurs are reshaping their businesses during the pandemic.

Hundreds marched through Brentwood and Richmond Heights last night in one of the largest protests in the St. Louis region since the death of George Floyd. Also, we examine the protest environment six years after the death of Michael Brown.

Republican Senator Roy Blunt says the George Floyd protests throughout the country should prompt the federal government to resume examining police practices. His comments come as demonstrations in the St. Louis region continue, including two yesterday in St. Charles. Also, we attend a unique high school graduation ceremony during the pandemic.

Voters in Ferguson have chosen the community’s first African American mayor. Ella Jones also becomes the city’s initial female mayor. Also today, authorities are reporting a calm night on the region’s streets after this week’s violence following protests over the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. And we explore why some people are buying homes during the pandemic.

Four St. Louis police officers are recovering after they were shot during overnight protests. Thousands took to area streets once again following last week's death of a black man while in police custody in Minneapolis. Also, as officials battle COVID-19, we examine the challenges of caring for people with disabilities during a pandemic.

St. Louis, Ferguson, Clayton, and Edwardsville are some of the local communities where protests occurred over the weekend following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Some of those demonstrations turned violent. Also, as the region continues to battle coronavirus, summer camps are scheduled to resume today in St. Louis city and county.

Many non-essential businesses in Illinois that have been shut down during the pandemic can open their doors today, Restrictions, including social distancing guidelines, will have to be followed. Also, we examine how the pandemic is changing next week's municipal election for Missouri voters, election officials, and candidates.

Questions about the qualifications of the top health official in St. Louis have prompted Mayor Lyda Krewson to announce a title change. Dr. Fred Echols is now the health department's acting director. Also, we'll examine how black business owners are dealing with the pandemic.

The head of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force says it would not be a surprise if there is an increase in the number of coronavirus cases following the partying over the holiday weekend at Lake of the Ozarks. Also, we’ll examine how the Metro Theater Company is adjusting to the pandemic.

A researcher from the Missouri Historical Society is sharing his thoughts on how actions during the 1918 influenza pandemic could help during the current outbreak. Also, a lack of social distancing at Lake of the Ozarks is prompting a travel advisory from health officials.

Many businesses in St. Louis are reopening their doors to customers after officials lifted stay-at-home orders. But workers say it's a far cry from business as usual.

Businesses throughout Missouri continue to reopen. In Rolla, some owners say they will bounce back from the pandemic, while others are concerned about new restrictions. Also, businesses in the Metro East still have to wait before they can allow customers to return.

More St. Louis region workers are feeling the financial impact of the pandemic. BJC Healthcare says about 10 percent of its staff could be furloughed for roughly 8 weeks. The University of Missouri-St. Louis has announced salary reductions as it reacts to the coronavirus. Also, the pandemic is reviving the popularity of the drive-in movie.

Many stores and restaurants in the region are reporting brisk business after reopening following the coronavirus-related shutdown. Also, for many African Americans, the outbreak is a reminder of the health and economic disparities in the St. Louis area.

Many non-essential businesses in the area can reopen today. They have been shut down for weeks because of the coronavirus. Also, the just-completed Missouri legislative session will be remembered for how it was affected by the pandemic.

Most schools have been forced to shift to online teaching during the pandemic. But many students in Missouri do not have a strong enough internet connection to learn from home. Also, Illinois is forming a task force to examine how students can safely return to colleges and universities in the fall.

First responders including police officers and firefighters are revising how they operate in the age of COVID-19. Part of the focus is making sure they stay safe. Also, some businesses and churches in Madison County are considering options after county officials cleared them to reopen immediately.

Members of the health board in Madison County have voted to restart the area's economy. The decision allows businesses to open sooner than a statewide plan from Governor J.B. Pritzker. Also, many parents are preparing to head back to work and scrambling to find child care during the pandemic. And, it's a landmark day for The Gateway.

Mayor Lyda Krewson is giving some details on how the city will restart its economy on May 18. Employers must provide masks for workers and social distancing will remain in effect. Also, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley wants the federal government to pay a portion of salaries for employees at businesses coping with COVID-19.

The outbreak is causing hospitals to think about the ethical challenges of triage policies. Also, Missouri legislators are starting the final week of this year's session by planning to limit floor time because of coronavirus concerns.

The majority of COVID-19 cases have been in urban areas, but rural hospitals in Missouri are getting ready in case the virus spreads to less populated regions. Those preparations are increasing the financial strain on many hospitals and they may be in danger of closing. Also, the Archdiocese of St. Louis says church services can resume May 18, but is leaving the final decision to each pastor.

Elected officials are providing a glimpse of what life will be like once their economies start to reopen May 18. Mayor Lyda Krewson says bars and restaurants will be allowed to open. County Executive Sam Page says employees will be required to wear masks. Also, theater owners are putting together safety plans as they prepare to reopen.

Elected officials in the St. Louis area are expected to provide specifics this week on the easing of public health restrictions starting May 18th. The new guidelines will include social distancing regulations and call on people to wear masks. Also, a St. Louis University professor discusses the hurdles small businesses are facing as they prepare to reopen.