West 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 West Insider Podcast discussed Proposition B in St. Louis County, which allows the county council to remove department heads with a five to seven vote. The proposition, initially including the county executive, faced legal challenges but remains on the April ballot. The panel debated the power dynamics between the council and County Executive Sam Page. They also covered a new luxury cat boardi...

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 $13.75 in 2025 and $15 in 2026, and mandated paid sick leave for hourly employees. 57% of voters approved it, but many state bills seek to adjust or repeal it. Critics argue it disproportionately affects rural areas and small businesses, which make up 95% of Missouri businesses. The conversation als...

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 the final episode of 2024, the hosts reflect on the year's events, including the cicada invasion and a partial solar eclipse. Key stories include the opening of a speakeasy in Wildwood and a microbrewery at the West County Feed and Supply site. The senior property tax freeze program in St. Louis and St. Charles Counties was highlighted, with registration open until June 2025. The transitio...

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 discuss the challenges facing public school teachers today, including teacher shortages, low pay, high stress, and lack of respect/support from parents and students. Data shows Missouri is facing a significant teacher shortage, with over 3,000 vacant or inappropriately certified teaching positions. This is driven by low pay, demanding working conditions, and teachers feeling unde...

The podcast discusses a local E. coli outbreak in the Rockwood School District, with over 100 confirmed cases and 13 students hospitalized. The outbreak is linked to events catered by Andre's Banquets and Catering. The podcast explains what E. coli is, how it can contaminate food, and provides prevention tips from the CDC like cleaning, separating, cooking, and chilling food properly. There i...

The conversation covers various topics, including a story on the "yips," a psychological barrier in sports performance, with insights from Quentin Murray and Rebecca Steins. The discussion then shifts to the development of downtown Chesterfield, with plans for a new parking garage and self-contained parking in residential and office spaces. The conversation also touches on the implementa...

Local Election Results:    - The close margin of Amendment 2 (sports betting) surprised the hosts, who discussed potential reasons like voter confusion and concerns about how the revenue would be allocated.    - Prop C, which allows the county council to hire their own attorney, passed with 62% of the vote. The hosts discussed the potential budget implications of this.    - The state senate race b...