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West Newsmagazine

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UPDATED WEEKLY

Roundup of local news and events in West Saint Louis County.

1D AGO

ELECTION SPECIAL: The results are in!

CORRECTION: The Ellisville Ballpark proposition required 57% approval, and thus did not pass. The discussion covered the results of a fire district proposal in various counties, which failed by a 60-40 margin, except in Maryland Heights and two small St Charles districts. The proposal aimed to levy a 1% sales tax to reduce property taxes by 50%. In St Charles County, conservative candidates lost in Francis Howell, and incumbents were overturned in O'Fallon and St Charles. Proposition RT, a property tax freeze, failed by 60%. In St Louis County, Ellisville's Proposition P passed, and Manchester saw a new mayor elected. The overall turnout was 14%. West Newsmagazine Facebook | Instagram

25 min
3D AGO

Cardinals Preview Special Episode

The Western Mid Rivers Insider Podcast Special Edition discussed the St. Louis Cardinals' recent performance and future direction. The team has won both series they played, with notable players like JJ Weber and Jordan Walker showing promise. The conversation highlighted the team's youthful average age of 27 and the strategic rebuilding under new management. Financial challenges were noted, including a $40 million drop in TV revenue over two years. The discussion also touched on the broader impact of TV deals on baseball finances and the potential for a salary cap. Additionally, the podcast covered local youth sports, emphasizing the importance of human interest stories and the rise of specialized sports training. West Newsmagazine Facebook | Instagram

39 min
MAR 24

Taxing times

The conversation revolves around local tax issues and community activities. Speakers discuss their weekend activities, including visiting parks, bowling, and gardening. The main topic shifts to the upcoming April 7 election, focusing on Proposition EMS and Proposition F, which concern sales tax increases for ambulance districts to offset property taxes. The discussion highlights the potential impact of these propositions on different communities, including St. Charles County, where the St. Charles County Ambulance District expects to generate $80 million in sales tax. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of tax shifts, the challenges of volunteerism, and the role of municipal services in community life. West Newsmagazine Facebook | Instagram

52 min
MAR 4

What's the future of the SSD?

The podcast discusses the Department of Justice's scathing report on the St. Louis County Special School District's use of seclusion and restraint, revealing over 300 students secluded nearly 4,000 times and 150 students restrained 777 times. The report criticizes the lack of context and calls for a ban on seclusion. The conversation also covers a proposed bill by Representative Brad Crist to allow public schools to opt out of the district, potentially impacting 22 districts. Additionally, the discussion touches on the regulation of Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), with a recent court ruling deeming them illegal outside licensed casinos, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of regulating these machines. West Newsmagazine Facebook | Instagram

51 min
FEB 24

Should we ban TikTok for kids?

The discussion centered on the potential ban of social media for children under 13, prompted by Armstrong Williams' column and Scott Galloway's comparison of social media to harmful substances. The panelists debated the impact of social media on children's development, emphasizing the need for moderation and the potential benefits of age restrictions. They discussed the challenges of enforcing age limits, citing examples like Discord's 18+ requirement and Australia's proposed legislation. The conversation also touched on the role of algorithms in fostering addiction and the importance of digital literacy and parental controls. West Newsmagazine Facebook | Instagram

52 min
FEB 10

Why did we change the cover?

The team discussed the recent changes to their newspaper's cover design, emphasizing the shift towards more informative and local news content. They highlighted the importance of covering local stories in depth, such as city council meetings and community developments, which other media outlets often overlook. The new cover design aims to balance visual appeal with detailed headlines and story summaries, reflecting their commitment to accuracy and community engagement. They also touched on the challenges of maintaining reader attention in a digital age and the enduring value of print media, which offers a level of permanence and trust that digital platforms lack. West Newsmagazine Facebook | Instagram

36 min
FEB 2

Are You Eligible for RECA?

The West and Mid Rivers Insider Podcast discussed the recent inclusion of St. Louis in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) zones, affecting North County, parts of North St. Louis, and some of St. Charles County. Brent Trout and Mark Harder explained that individuals living, working, or attending school in these areas between 1940 and 1974 may be eligible for compensation due to radiation exposure from uranium refinement and improper waste storage. The process involves proving residency for 24 months and providing medical records. The program, which began in August 2022, has already received thousands of applications, with a comprehensive approval rate of 76%. West Newsmagazine Facebook | Instagram

1h 7m
JAN 28

This Basketball Team Is (Almost) Unbeatable

Tim Weber and Dan Fox interview Dan Rolfes, head basketball coach at Incarnate Word Academy, about his coaching journey and the success of his team. Roefs has led the team to eight consecutive state championships and 14 overall titles. He shares his coaching philosophy, emphasizing consistency and player development. Rolfes discusses the challenges of balancing coaching with personal life, including a heart attack in 2024. He highlights the importance of relationships with players and parents, and the impact of social media on recruiting. Despite his achievements, Rolfes remains passionate about coaching and the growth of his players. West Newsmagazine Facebook | Instagram

41 min

5

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6 Ratings

Roundup of local news and events in West Saint Louis County.

Creator

West Newsmagazine
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

61
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 West Media Inc.
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