The Gateway

Tourism is being hit hard during the pandemic. Many attractions throughout the region have gone through a huge drop in business but are planning to bounce back.

Teachers want to skip standardized state examinations for the second year and focus on getting students caught up and back in the classroom. Some administrators worry about how testing would work for those learning remotely. The state education department in Missouri insists exams are necessary to pinpoint learning loss.

Story Stitchers’ latest project examines everyday life in five St. Louis-area neighborhoods and municipalities: the Ville, West Side, University City & Delmar Loop, Walnut Park, and Ferguson. The initiative includes an album celebrating life in St. Louis, and a podcast about the city’s music scene hosted by rapper Ntegrity.

Environmental activists say the concern over demolishing a shuttered East Alton coal plant is only the beginning. They say there are few state or federal rules and more coal plants will go offline as demand continues to drop.

The director of the film “America’s Last Little Italy: The Hill” was concerned the lack of in-person festivals during the pandemic would hurt distribution. But Joseph Puleo says online streaming helped attract a wide range of viewers in cities like Chicago and New York.

A Black St. Louis-based chemical engineer has played a key role in battling COVID-19. Paul Mensah led the team that developed Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. He says the shots are critical to ending the pandemic.

The four candidates for St. Louis mayor agree that violent crime is the top issue facing the city. They are outlining their approaches to the complex issue ahead of Tuesday’s primary.

Singer Javier Mendoza who performs as Hobo Cane has been writing and performing Latin music for years. The artist has written songs for Enrique Iglesias, Juan David, Ricky Martin. He has also poured his heart into rock music.

Some of the 46,000 Missourians ordered to pay back unemployment benefits are appealing. State representatives are moving forward on legislation to forgive the federal portion of the money, but legal groups representing people filing appeals are looking for more help.

St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson used federal funding to build 50 tiny houses for the homeless in December. Some homeless advocates say the money could have been better spent on other initiatives.

Many students have not been in a classroom for roughly one-year. Some have decided to stay away during the pandemic. Others have been following decisions by school districts. Many parents and students are feeling burned out and unmotivated to continue with online lessons.

Missouri may not finish drawing House and Senate maps until 2022 because of delays in obtaining Census data. That could conflict with the start of candidate filing, possibly causing lawmakers to reshuffle the election schedule to avoid a time crunch.

Throughout the pandemic and protests, Black artists grappled with expressing grief and joy in their lives. Seven local African American artists will showcase that work through a virtual exhibit hosted by the Griot Museum.

Missouri S&T has an ambitious plan to improve access to campus and pave the way for growth. But it will include demolishing the three oldest buildings on campus. Historians, preservationists and community die-hards are opposed to the measure.

Residents in the St. Louis region are traveling to National Guard sites in rural areas to receive doses of the coronavirus vaccine. That’s after recent data shows "vaccine deserts" are expanding in the metro area.

The limited supply of the coronavirus vaccine has Missouri officials trying to strike a balance. They want to make sure the shots are available to everyone while preventing people from cutting in line.

St. Louis gospel singer Kenny DeShields has been performing in the St. Louis area for years. His most recent singles are songs that combine socially conscious lyrics with pop crossover appeal.

The New Missouri Republican Party chairman is settling into the position with the goal of making sure members of the GOP continue to win elections. Nick Myers takes over with Republicans in most statewide offices. The party also holds majorities in the legislature.

There is a new leader at one of the area's major funders for arts organizations. Regional Arts Commission President and CEO Vanessa Cooksey started the job in November. She has been dealing with pandemic-related issues and increased demand to advance racial equity.

St. Louis County officials say it might have to stop booking immunization appointments today because of the low coronavirus vaccine supply. In the Metro East, St. Clair County officials are warning it might not have enough shots to get through Friday.