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 politicians are focusing on immigration, with Senator David Gregory proposing bills to treat illegal immigration as trespassing and establish a bounty hunter program. The Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act is also being considered, expanding deportable offenses.

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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 immigration bill in Missouri, potential tax policy changes, and the impact of tariffs on local industries. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of national politics on local governance and societal norms, such as tipping practices and food regulations.

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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 use of body cameras and de-escalation techniques. Additionally, the podcast previews an upcoming Business Profile section, which showcases local entrepreneurs and their motivations, underscoring the importance of community connections and personal stories in business success.

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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. The podcast also previewed new features for the newspaper, including a "New and Notable" section, an obituary section, a revived "Tourist" magazine, and crossword puzzles. These additions aim to better serve readers by providing local business updates, obituaries, and engaging content about St. Louis area activities.

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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 concepts. Missouri politics saw a change in governorship from Governor Parsons to Mike Kehoe, who promised tax cuts. Additionally, three of the four major school districts in St. Charles County got new superintendents, reflecting a trend of frequent leadership changes. The Francis Howell school board also saw a shift in political dynamics with new members backed by the progressive Francis Howell Forward political action group.

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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 to prevent mishaps and starting new family traditions like pairing Advent devotionals with chocolate. Erica Myers advises baking cookies early and freezing them. Sharon Huber expresses gratitude for 29 years of publishing West News Magazine and 21 years of Mid Rivers News Magazine, highlighting community support and staff loyalty.

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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, police training, and education reform. The panel debated the benefits of regional cooperation versus maintaining local autonomy, citing examples like Indianapolis and Nashville. They emphasized the need for efficient governance and collaboration to address St. Louis's declining population and financial issues.

Transcript

https://otter.ai/u/KGphtyC9F-odxEnDVN0YBUsHAkM?view=transcript

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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. They also discuss an E. coli outbreak linked to pre-packaged lettuce from Taylor Farms, affecting over 100 people in two counties. Donna shares her concerns about food safety and changes in her shopping habits. Lastly, they touch on holiday preparations and New Year's resolutions, with Donna admitting to being disorganized and Tim aiming to read more.

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