In the news: huge crowds at PrideFest downtown despite the heat; home explosion in Granite City; will giant Missouri hospital merger lead to higher prices?; don't expect special session on guns. 

The top local news with Michael Calhoun and the KMOX news team.

Stories include: Aldermen are now putting the final touches on on the city budget. Water rates go up 40-percent. The actress who's played Elphaba to Elsa visits St. Louis on Sunday... can she beat the heat? St Louis Sports Commission President Marc Schreiber says bringing big-time sporting events to town is challenging.

Plus, Y98's Julie Tristan talks with Idina Menzel ahead of this weekend's PrideFest.

The top local news with Michael Calhoun and the KMOX news team.

Stories include: One person is dead after an explosion and fire in East Alton. Mayor Tishaura Jones is expanding the mission of the city's Recreation Centers. A 9-year-old shot. Taking aim at a highly visible row of dilapidated homes. A new survey shows, the kids are not alright. The use of "magic" mushrooms has nearly doubled among young people in the past three years. More cocktails to-go in Illinois.

Plus, Kevin Killeen questions a Fair Saint Louis official about what's planned --and what's not-- this Fourth of July. And, Michael talks with Sam Moore of the Missouri Historical Society about Gateway to Pride.

In the news: call for special session on gun laws, injured volleyball teen sues city, another downtown office tower in trouble, metro east retailer expanding, classic diner for sale

In the news: is bill to ban teens carrying guns in St. Louis city bogged down by politics? Residents and landlords speak out about short-term rentals; more hires in city circuit attorney's office; making electric, flying cars in St. Louis? 

KMOX checks out the scene of Sunday's Wash Ave. shooting; what's up with teen violence; area representative speaks about Reparations; Juneteenth celebration in Ferguson; how much does healthcare for migrants cost in Illinois? Those stories and more.

The top local news with Michael Calhoun and the KMOX news team.

Stories include:

• The newly appointed St. Louis Circuit Attorney continues to fill his roster of prosecutors.
• A red light is finally coming to Ted Drewes on Chippewa, after two pedestrians were struck and killed last summer.
• DOT Foods' convention is wrapping up its week in St. Louis, after DOT management announced the convention will be held next year in Denver because St. Louis isn't safe enough. KMOX asked some DOT attendees on the sidewalk if they've seen any crime here.
• It looks like water bills in the city of St. Louis will be going up 40% soon.
• There's another court settlement today for Roundup, but this one is different.
• This is the wrong time to relax training requirements for airline pilots, Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois argues.
• A number of St. Louisans will be flying to London to see the Cardinals take on the Cubs. But a delegation will be staying after the series.
• And more

Plus, Michael talks with new St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore in-studio.

On-going watermain breaks in the city; transforming the region's 9-1-1 system; local FAA official talks about future drone regulation; paying lawyers in circuit attorney's office more; a new concert series on the riverfront; Bunge's big plans may hit anti-trust issues. 

The top local news with Michael Calhoun and the KMOX news team.

Stories include: A bill to raise the pay of prosecutors and staff in the Circuit Attorney's Office. Problem properties in St. Louis City and what can be done with them. The second of 4 town hall meetings about the St. Louis County budget is held tonight. A Chesterfield student accused of hazing gets his trial date moved.

Plus, Michael talks with financial analyst Juli Niemann about recent positive business developments, including a big acquisition for Bunge and Emerson's new headquarters.

St. Louis County Council revisits bill to outlaw walking in the street; downtown resident refute police department comments on crime; Illinois Republicans against new ban on library book bans; St. Louis delegation heading to London.