St. Louis Public Radio

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan asks Trump to pardon him after conviction Democrat Michael Madigan was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison and reported to a minimum-security federal prison camp in West Virginia earlier this fall. An appeals court denied his…

Convicted former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan wants President Donald Trump to pardon him, according to Department of Justice records.

Madigan, 83, was the longest-serving House speaker before his conviction on bribery conspiracy, wire fraud and other charges. From the Chicago Sun-Times:

Kim Gardner defends use of public money to cover cost of 2022 legal ethics case Kim Gardner’s use of the circuit attorney contingency fund to cover the costs associated with an earlier ethics case caught the attention of the state auditor and later federal prosecutors.

Kim Gardner is fighting a second ethics case tied to her prosecution of Eric Greitens.

A panel heard arguments over whether she broke the law by using public funds to cover costs she had personally faced from a 2022 legal ethics case — something her attorneys say she was advised she could do.

Construction underway for 77-bed Webster Groves pediatric mental health hospital Workers finished the skeleton of the once-controversial new facility near Rock Hill Road and Gore Avenue, set to open late next year.

Construction is underway on a 77-bed children’s psychiatric hospital in Webster Groves.

St. Louis Children’s Hospital and KVC Missouri will operate the hospital, which will serve patients ages 6 to 18. It is set to open in late 2026.

St. Louis Public Schools to reopen three tornado-damaged schools in January The three schools include Washington Montessori Elementary School, Yeatman-Liddell Middle School and Beaumont High School, which is home to some of the district’s career and technical programs.

Three tornado-damaged schools in the St. Louis Public Schools district will reopen in January.

The schools include Washington Montessori Elementary School, Yeatman-Liddell Middle School and Beaumont High School, which is home to some of the district’s career and technical programs.

St. Louis County jail showers riddled with black mold, facility lacks accountability, report finds Inspectors from the American Correctional Association recently found the building was riddled with issues including inoperable eye wash stations, as well as dirty cells and dayrooms.

A redacted report from the American Correctional Association shows what caused the St. Louis County Justice Center to get a warning for failing an inspection.

Inspectors found issues like black mold, dirty showers and safety concerns.

Improved natural gas storage fields will save customers money, Ameren Illinois says As Illinoisans use more natural gas to heat their homes with colder weather hitting the region, Ameren says changes to the company’s local natural gas storage fields in the Metro East will help make…

As Illinoisans use more natural gas to heat their homes, Ameren says changes to the company’s local natural gas storage fields in the Metro East will help make it more efficient and save customers money in the long run. www.stlpr.org/economy-busi...

Volunteers with Abide in Love meet to talk strategy on June 16 at Hoppers Pub in Rolla. The group works to provide essentials to people in ICE custody housed at the Phelps County Jail.

Abide in Love Treasurer Amanda Crawford, center, speaks about fundraising to help people detained by ICE earlier this month.

Abide in Love testimonials sit next to a member check-in before a meeting at Hoppers Pub in Rolla.

Lucy Behrendt, right, and Amy Beechner-McCarthy of Abide in Love embrace after a volunteer meeting on June 16 at Hoppers Pub in Rolla. Their group provides essentials to people held by ICE at the Phelps County Jail.

When 50 #Rolla activists met to help ICE detainees, #STLPR's Jonathan Ahl chronicled their plan — deliver comfort & kindness. This local story moved listeners all over the NPR network, proving STLPR stories have impact. Donate. 💙 stlpr.org/give-twitter 📷 Brian Munoz #stlpr #rolla #community #news

Judge rules Missouri lawmakers can do mid-decade congressional redistricting Opponents of the new map contended that lawmakers couldn’t engage in mid-decade redistricting. But a Cole County judge ruled there was no explicit prohibition on the practice.

JUST IN: A Cole County judge ruled Tuesday that Missouri lawmakers can redraw congressional boundaries in the middle of the decade.

Puzzle enthusiasts will adore our bright and colorful #STL landmarks puzzle featuring STLPR's STL Welcome Kit art by local artist Dan Zettwoch.

The perfect gift for friends and families! Get them while they last, for a donation of $15 or more. 💙 stlpr.org/give

#stlpr #puzzleaddict #thelou

Missouri secretary of state challenged on handling of congressional redistricting referendum Attorneys for People Not Politicians said in court Monday that a judge should rule against Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ actions on the proposed congressional redistricting referendum.

Attorneys for a group trying to overturn Missouri’s congressional map urged a Cole County judge Monday to block the secretary of state’s plan to exclude some signatures on their referendum petition.

A ruling has not been issued, but one could come this week.

St. Louis County Port Authority approves nearly $5M in grants for nonprofits The Port Authority Community Investment Fund grant program has been around since 2010 but took a pause last year. Over 80 applications were submitted this year, and 38 nonprofits were approved for…

The St. Louis County Port Authority has approved nearly $5 million in grants for 38 nonprofits.

The annual program, which supports economic and community development, drew more than 80 applications this year after pausing last year.

America is awash in conspiracy theories. A Missouri researcher says 'radical empathy' can help A survey from the National Academy of Sciences suggests most Americans now believe in at least one conspiracy theory. A Missouri researcher says the key to bringing those believers back into mainstream...

A survey from the National Academy of Sciences suggests most Americans now believe in at least one conspiracy theory.

A Missouri researcher says the key to bringing those believers back into mainstream society is leading with empathy. From @kcur.org:

St. Louis police officer charged with harassing, assaulting his child’s mother Terrence Ruffin faces four felony and two misdemeanor charges after an Internal Affairs investigation.

A St. Louis police officer has been charged with four felonies and two misdemeanors after an Internal Affairs probe.

Prosecutors say the officer harassed and assaulted his child’s mother, including tracking her and grabbing her when she tried to run.

St. Louis Public Library ending hotspot program that gave thousands free internet access The library can no longer maintain the program with its own money after losing federal funding in 2024.

The St. Louis Public Library is ending its free hotspot lending program after losing federal funding.

The pandemic-era program once supplied 12,000 hotspots citywide.

The Muny in St. Louis will spend $9.5 million for new seats and flooding defenses The Muny will launch its construction project after the 2026 season. Changes include new seats and better protection against flooding.

The Muny will spend $9.5 million on renovations next year.

The outdoor theater in Forest Park will replace all of its 11,000 seats and make structural updates to protect against flooding.

www.stlpr.org/news-briefs/...

Kevin McBeth, director of the IN UNISON Chorus, directs a rehearsal at Manchester United Methodist Church. The IN UNISON Chorus performed with SLSO in a benefit concert for tornado victims at the Fabulous Fox Theatre.

From left: Rochelle Calhoun, Gwendolyn Wesley and Candice Boyd rehearse with St. Louis Symphony's IN UNISON Chorus at Manchester United Methodist Church.

Mark Cereghino and Ousmane Gaye, bottom row, during a rehearsal at Manchester United Methodist Church.

Though the May 16 tornado brought pain to many in IN UNISON Chorus, they still made a joyful noise to help others. For more stories with 💙 like this one from Jeremy D. Goodwin, donate. 💙 stlpr.org/give 📷 Cristina Fletes-Mach #stlpr #slso #InUnisonChorus #ULSTL #news

Kim Gardner again faces discipline connected to prosecution of former Gov. Greitens The latest ethics charges relate to how she paid the cost of a 2022 disciplinary hearing in which she admitted to violating the rules of professional conduct during her prosecution of former Gov. Eric...

Former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner is again facing accusations that she violated Missouri’s rules of professional conduct for lawyers.

Here's why:

a man and a woman are dancing on a yellow tiled road with the words `` bout to ease on down the roaddd '' . ALT: a man and a woman are dancing on a yellow tiled road with the words `` bout to ease on down the roaddd '' .

"The Wiz" is a story of journey, loss and community. How has it resonated with you throughout your life?

$500 monthly payments helped St. Louis families — then a lawsuit and a tornado hit A new Washington University study found that St. Louis’ guaranteed basic income pilot program helped hundreds of families. But a lawsuit paused payments, and later crises deepened the financial…

A new Washington University study found that St. Louis’ guaranteed basic income pilot program helped hundreds of families.

But a lawsuit paused payments, and deepened the financial strain many participants already faced. From the Midwest Newsroom:

Hawley sponsors bill to track AI layoffs as WashU expert warns of ‘great AI replacement’ Sen. Josh Hawley says his bill will track layoffs attributed to replacing workers with artificial intelligence. A St. Louis expert says mass layoffs may be ahead.

Sen. Josh Hawley has introduced a bipartisan bill that would require companies to report layoffs caused by AI, giving Congress its first clear data on how automation is reshaping the workforce.

Granite City blast furnace could restart by April 1, local union president says Granite City Works will need to hire roughly 400 employees to operate the blast furnace, according to U.S. Steel. When fully staffed, the mill will employ 1,200 to 1,300 people.

U.S. Steel plans to restart its second blast furnace at Granite City Works by April 1, sparking new hiring and renewed optimism for the mill’s future.

Some leaders say strong demand are driving the move, though long-term assurances remain uncertain.

Funding cuts may leave hundreds in St. Louis homeless, advocates and city leaders warn Hundreds of people in St. Louis are at risk for homelessness because of federal funding cuts to housing programs.

Hundreds of people in St. Louis are at risk for homelessness because of federal funding cuts to housing programs.

Advocates are now sounding alarms as more than 3,000 Missourians may lose their supportive housing.

St. Charles residents protest Mayor Dan Borgmeyer as recall effort continues Allegations against the mayor include misuse of public funds and other malfeasance, which he has denied.

St. Charles residents seeking to recall Mayor Dan Borgmeyer have until March to gather the required signatures.

Allegations against the mayor include misuse of public funds and other malfeasance, which he has denied.

Queen Bee Flower’s Elizabeth Fichter looks over a Viburnum plicatum plant on April 16 at Kuhs Estate & Farm in north St. Louis County.

Queen Bee Blooms' Elizabeth Fichter makes a floral arrangement at her workshop on April 16 in north St. Louis County.

Mimo Davis, center, hands a bouquet she grew at the Dutchtown-based Urban Blooms flower farm to a client at the Tower Grove Farmers Market on April 19 in south St. Louis.

Ammari Bourgeois, the owner and creative director of the Edwardsville-based Noon Moon Bloom Co., has moved to use local growers for her floral arrangements.

When tariffs threatened to impact flower costs this spring, our Marissanne Lewis-Thompson asked, can St. Louis-grown blooms be the answer? Grassroots reporting — you can keep it growing. 💙 stlpr.org/give
#stlpr #stlsmallbusiness #ShopLocalSTL #StLouisFlowers #news

Puzzle enthusiasts will adore our bright and colorful #STL landmarks puzzle featuring STLPR's STL Welcome Kit art by local artist Dan Zettwoch. A perfect gift for the new to the Lou, longtime Lou lovers, and families. Get them while they last, for a donation of $15 or more. 💙 stlpr.org/give

Lyla Novakowski, owner of We Rock the Spectrum, a children’s indoor gym, on Monday in Fenton. The inclusive indoor gym offers sensory-friendly play space, adaptive equipment and calm rooms to support children with sensory processing disorders and neurodiverse needs.

Sarah Treadway embraces her 4-year-old daughter, Emmalyn, both of Arnold, while playing at We Rock the Spectrum on Monday in Fenton. The inclusive children's gym specializes in working with children with sensory processing disorders.

Sarah Treadway and her 4-year-old daughter, Emmalyn, both of Arnold, watch as We Rock the Spectrum owner Lyla Novakowski, dressed as Bluey, rides a zip line on Monday.

Lindsey Ladness, of Cedar Hill, tickles her 2-year-old niece, Addy, while bouncing on a trampoline at We Rock the Spectrum on Monday in Fenton. The inclusive children’s gym offers sensory-friendly play spaces for kids of all abilities.

#STL's autistic community had something to say about the Trump admin's take on autism. Our Jason Rosenbaum listened. When national politics is personal, we're there. Support the work. 💙stlpr.org/give 📷 Brian Munoz #stlpr #AutismAwareness #AutismPositivity

St. Louis sues Missouri over authority to replace sheriff as a judge ponders his removal A fight is brewing even as a judge considers whether St. Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery will get to keep his job.

While a judge weighs whether to remove St. Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery, city leaders are suing Missouri over who has the authority to appoint a new sheriff.

TONIGHT: The opening of “Remember Me”exhibit, a community-centered art installation and reporting project that honors the lives of victims of unsolved homicides in St. Louis.

We invite you to join us at UrbArts in Old North St. Louis from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Details:

A food writer’s new book celebrates St. Louis restaurants, bars and shops Longtime food writer Matt Sorrell has chosen 80 of his favorite restaurants, bars and shops for “Matt’s St. Louis Food Story.”

St. Louis food writer Matt Sorrell’s new book, “Matt’s St. Louis Food Story,” highlights 80 restaurants, bars and shops he loves — from Village Bar to Balkan Treat Box.

It’s not a Top 10 list, just places with good vibes. From @stlonair.bsky.social:

4theVille offers a docent training program to better share St. Louis’ rich Black history The community organization is introducing a docent training program to share the stories of Black St. Louisans and their legacies.

4theVille is expanding its storytelling docent program, growing from five to seven tours and adding two new docents.

The grant-funded effort helps the community learn and share St. Louis’ Black history.