Mid Rivers Insider

The ballot is packed, the wording is slippery, and a single misunderstood “yes” can lock in years of policy. We sit down as a newsroom trio, Tim Weber with Dan Fox and Laura Brown, to sort through the major Missouri election amendments and propositions from a local perspective, with the goal of making your vote feel informed instead of rushed. 

We start with Missouri Amendment 3, the most controversial measure on the slate. We explain the practical effect of a yes vote versus a no vote, why people on opposite ends of the abortion debate can end up opposing the same proposal, and how the amendment bundles abortion restrictions with a permanent constitutional ban on gender transition procedures for minors. If you have been asking “Wait, didn’t Missouri already vote on this?”, you are not alone, and that confusion is a big part of the story. 

Then we move to Missouri Amendment 6 and the initiative petition process, including what it means to require an 80% vote in the state legislature to overturn voter-approved measures. We talk through the real tradeoffs: protecting the will of the voters, the risk of freezing broken laws in place, and the ongoing tension between high-population metros like St. Louis and Kansas City and rural counties across the state. We also hit Amendment 7’s Show Me Prosperity Fund concept, Amendment 8’s sheriff requirement, and Proposition A’s redistricting fight, plus what all of it could mean for turnout and local races like Ann Wagner’s. 

Subscribe for more Missouri politics and local reporting, share this with a friend who is still undecided, and leave a review with the ballot question you want us to break down next.

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AI can write a clean paragraph in seconds, but can it help a student learn without quietly doing the learning for them? Dan Fox and Laura Brown dig into the messy middle where generative AI in schools is becoming unavoidable, and the real work is setting boundaries that protect curiosity, effort, and original thought. We talk about what students actually use AI for, why brainstorming and outlines can be legitimate study tools, and why “just let the robot answer it” breaks the purpose of education.

From there, we get honest about the risks: AI hallucinations, fabricated quotes, and the shrinking window where you can spot an “AI vibe” by eye. We debate disclosure and ethics in the consumer world, too. If AI helps create art, posts, or videos, what should be labeled, and what counts as misleading? Then we bring it home to journalism, where nuance matters and trust is everything. Tools can help with research and workflow, but we explain why readers still need a human reporter who actually listened, verified, and made judgment calls.

We also shift to local election news with a clear breakdown of school district propositions on the November ballot, including no tax rate increase bond issues and a major career and technical education expansion. Finally, we explain why these measures are landing now, and how Senate Bill 1002 changes the election calendar and raises the stakes for districts and voters. Subscribe for more local reporting, share this with a friend who’s thinking about AI and schools, and leave us a review with your take: where should the line be drawn?

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Debating license plate readers (like Flock Cameras) and the battle over the new congressional maps.

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Youth sports looks wholesome from the bleachers, but follow the minivans and you’ll find a serious economic engine. We sit down with O’Fallon Economic Development Director Patrick McKeehan, along with our own Dan Fox and reporter Elizabeth Carreno, to unpack the race to attract youth sports dollars across the St. Louis region. Chesterfield’s surge and O’Fallon’s investments show how sports tourism has shifted from a local amenity to a strategy that can reshape entire corridors.

We get specific about what “economic impact” really means: hotel nights, dinners out, gas stops, shopping runs, and the in-between hours when families need something to do. Patrick explains why a sports facility often only breaks even on its own, and why the real business model depends on mixed-use development like restaurants, retail, and on-site hotels. We also dig into public-private partnerships, from stadium lease arrangements to soccer complexes that revive underused land, plus the practical tools cities use like hotel-motel taxes and special taxing districts.

Then we talk about the tradeoffs. Big weekends can mean traffic jams, packed parking lots, and local frustration, along with long-term maintenance costs and infrastructure upgrades. We close with what’s next: flexible multi-court spaces, weirdly fast-growing sports (who’d have thought pickleball?), and even converting struggling malls into tournament hubs. Subscribe for free, share this with someone who spends weekends at tournaments, and leave us a review telling us: are these sports tourism projects worth it where you live?

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Tim Weber and Dan discuss the recent election results, highlighting the overwhelming rejection of Amendments 4 and 5 in Missouri, with Amendment 5 losing 83-16 and Amendment 4 losing 80-20. They note the failure of a tax increase for seniors and the passage of a parks tax renewal. Wesley Bell defeated Corey Bush, and Jake Zimmerman won the St. Louis County executive race. Steve Elman won his fifth term in St. Charles County. They also mention the failure of a use tax for St. Louis County and the consistent wins of Ann Wagner and other incumbents.

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West County Lanes in Ellisville reopened after an 18-month closure due to extensive repairs following a 2025 snowstorm. The family-owned business, established in 1961, faced engineering issues, insurance delays, and a need to update the electrical system from 1965. The repairs included reinforcing columns, pouring concrete, and installing steel plates. The bowling alley features 18-19 pinball machines, a renovated kitchen, and a new arcade. Despite challenges, the community's support was crucial. Future plans include hosting events and maintaining the bowling alley's community spirit.

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The Mid Rivers Insider Podcast previewed the July 22 issue, highlighting business profiles and an election Q&A for the August 4 primary. The issue also covers a 12-month moratorium on multifamily housing in O'Fallon and a recent end to a similar moratorium in Darden Prairie. O'Fallon has approved 2,900 apartment units in 10 years, while Darden Prairie has approved 281 in 20 years. St. Charles County also imposed a six-month moratorium on data centers. The podcast discussed the impact of these developments on infrastructure, affordability, and community character, emphasizing the need for balanced growth and regional housing strategies.

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The podcast episode discusses various local and state issues. Laura Brown covers the Missouri data center debate, highlighting the Governor's forum, the approval of $15 billion and $10 billion hyperscale data centers in Montgomery County, and the need for state regulations. Theo Cory explains Amendment One, which renews a 1/10 of 1% sales tax for parks and conservation, and Amendment Four, which would make it harder for initiative petitions to pass. Dan Fox mentions the Old House at Hog Hollow's proposal to extend operating hours and a teen-led traffic safety presentation at the St. Charles County Library.

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The West and Mid Rivers Insider Podcast episode features a discussion with St. Charles County Police Sergeant Scott Ronald about the new Drones as First Responders program. The program uses automated drones for various law enforcement tasks, including traffic accidents, crowd control, and violent situations. The drones are equipped with advanced technology, including thermal imaging and crowd-counting capabilities. Privacy concerns are addressed through retention policies and FOIA requests. The program is funded by the county and has potential for regional expansion. The conversation also touches on the integration of drones with other first responders and the importance of ethical use.

Action Items

• [ ] Configure and test communication groups with local fire departments and other first responders so that, when a DFR drone is deployed for a specific call type, the appropriate groups automatically receive drone video links via email or text.

Outline

Introduction and Technical Difficulties

• Speaker 1 introduces the episode of the West Indies Rivers Insider Podcast, mentioning technical difficulties that cut off the first 10 minutes of the conversation.
• The episode features a discussion with St. Charles County Police Sergeant Scott Ronald about the new drones as first responders program.
• Speaker 1 expresses regret about the lost content but encourages listeners to enjoy the rest of the conversation.
• Speaker 1 thanks St. Charles County Police Sergeant Scott Ronald for joining the call.

Discussion on Drone Deployment and Communication

• Speaker 2 describes a scenario where a delivery is made using a drone, highlighting the complexity of coordinating drone flights with other agencies.
• Speaker 3 and Speaker 2 discuss the challenges of managing airspace with drones, comparing it to the bureaucracy of flight plans for planes and helicopters.
• Speaker 2 explains the limitations of current drone technology in terms of airspace management and the impact of Amazon and Walmart's drone programs on regional airspace.
• Speaker 4 mentions that St. Louis County is starting their own DFR program, and Speaker 2 confirms their involvement in both programs.

Automation and Human Interaction in Drone Operations

• Speaker 1 inquires about the deployment process for drones in traffic accidents, and Speaker 2 explains the automated nature of the system.
• Speaker 2 details the process of logging into the operating platform and the role of certified part 107 pilots in deploying drones.
• The conversation touches on the balance between automation and human control, with Speaker 2 emphasizing the importance of human intervention for certain tasks.
• Speaker 2 discusses the use of drones in crowd control and violent situations, highlighting the advanced technology that allows drones to track and follow individuals in large crowds.

Privacy Concerns and Legal Considerations

• Speaker 2 addresses privacy concerns, explaining the need for a valid reason to deploy drones and the safeguards in place to prevent misuse.
• The discussion includes the retention and accessibility of drone footage, comparing it to body cam footage and the process for FOIA requests.
• Speaker 2 emphasizes the importance of fairness in retaining drone footage and the potential costs associated with storing high-definition video footage.
• The conversation explores the legal and ethical considerations of using drones, including the potential for misuse and the need for proper training and oversight.

Integration with Other First Responders and Technological Advancements

• Speaker 3 asks about the integration of drone technology with other first responders, such as fire departments, and Speaker 2 explains the communication agreements in place.
• Speaker 2 discusses the potential for integrating facial recognition technology with drones, acknowledging the current limitations and the rapid advancement of technology.
• The conversation covers the use of thermal imaging and other advanced features of drones, such as the ability to follow individuals in crowds and track vehicles.
• Speaker 2 highlights the importance of training and collaboration with other first responders to ensure effective use of drone technology.

Challenges and Future Prospects of Drone Programs

• Speaker 1 and Speaker 2 discuss the challenges of deploying drones, including the need for priority-based decision-making and the limitations of battery life.
• Speaker 2 explains the process of managing drone flights, including the importance of conserving battery power and the potential for recharging drones on-site.
• The conversation touches on the potential for proactive use of drones in large events and the balance between reactive and proactive deployment.
• Speaker 2 emphasizes the importance of continuous training and collaboration with other agencies to ensure the successful implementation of drone programs.

Cost and Funding of Drone Programs

• Speaker 1 inquires about the funding of the drone program, and Speaker 2 explains that the first year is funded by the county, with no obligation to continue if the program is not successful.
• Speaker 2 highlights the potential cost savings of using drones compared to traditional law enforcement methods, emphasizing the efficiency and effectiveness of the technology.
• The conversation explores the potential for future funding through grants and the importance of demonstrating the value of the drone program to continue receiving support.
• Speaker 2 discusses the potential for expanding the use of drones to other counties and regions, based on the success of the initial implementation.

Ethical Considerations and Public Perception

• Speaker 3 asks about the ethical considerations of using drones, and Speaker 2 emphasizes the importance of maintaining public trust and transparency.
• The conversation explores the potential for public backlash and the need for clear communication about the use of drones in law enforcement.
• Speaker 2 shares personal anecdotes and ethical frameworks that guide their decision-making, emphasizing the importance of acting with integrity and accountability.
• The discussion highlights the role of law enforcement in educating the public about the benefits and limitations of drone technology.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• Speaker 1 thanks Speaker 2 for their time and insights, expressing appreciation for the work being done to implement the drone program.
• Speaker 1 encourages listeners to subscribe to the West News and Mid Rivers News magazines for more updates on local law enforcement initiatives.
• The conversation concludes with a positive outlook on the potential for drones to enhance public safety and the importance of continuous improvement and collaboration.
• Speaker 2 reiterates their commitment to ethical and effective use of drone technology, emphasizing the potential for significant positive impact on law enforcement operations.

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The West and Mid Rivers Insider Podcast discussed ongoing MoDOT projects in St. Charles County. The largest project, Improve I-70 East, spans from Warrenton to Wentzville, costing $609 million. It includes adding a third lane on 10 miles of I-64 and improving the I-70/I-64 interchange. The project is on schedule for completion by December 2028. Additionally, MoDOT is addressing safety concerns on Manchester Road with J-turns and pedestrian hybrid beacons. Clarkson Road is undergoing resurfacing and signal upgrades, with public feedback influencing future improvements. MoDOT faces employee shortages but is working to fill vacancies. The meeting discussed the impact of large developments on roadway service levels and the necessity of traffic impact studies to assess additional trips generated by new businesses. MoDOT requires adherence to specifications for roadway expansions, such as adding turn lanes. The 2025 project on 270 and Conway, the most heavily trafficked bridge in Missouri with around 200,000 cars daily, was highlighted. Despite challenges, including high costs and coordination with other projects, the project is expected to be completed by July. The importance of minimizing the impact of work zones on road users was emphasized, aiming to avoid consecutive work zones and prevent degradation of the roadway.

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