The Gateway

Sham support animals: In Missouri, having a pet certified as an emotional support animal is as easy as filling out a form online and paying a fee. And that fee is less than the pet deposit for most rental properties. And the law says you don’t have to pay a pet deposit for a service animal. Especially in college towns, like Rolla, some landlords are getting tired of it.

St. Louis salvage nonprofit Refab has been taking apart or "deconstructing" a building in the Vandeventer neighborhood for six months. It is part of a recent push to deconstruct, rather than demolish, buildings. The alternative costs more in labor, but has more environmental benefits for the surrounding community, saves valuable architectural materials and could create new jobs.

East St. Louis native Nichole McHenry is the head of diversity initiatives for the National Park Service in the Midwest. She worked her way up from park ranger. Now based in St. Louis, McHenry advocates for people of color to engage with national parks in urban and park settings.

In the past two years, gunmen have killed dozens of people inside U.S. churches and synagogues. In response, some religious leaders in St. Louis have fortified their buildings, hired armed security guards and even encouraged congregants to bring guns to services. Others say guns have no place inside houses of worship.

The St. Louis County Council has a new chairwoman. Lisa Clancy moves into the role as the County faces significant challenges. That includes a $20 million verdict awarded to a gay police officer for employment discrimination.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, St. Louis was America's second fashion capital behind New York City. Today, the city is revitalizing its historic garment district by expanding manufacturing and building a diverse and inclusive community through incubators like the St. Louis Fashion Fund.

St. Louis Public Radio's Jaclyn Driscoll answers the most-asked questions about marijuana laws in both Illinois and Missouri, most especially “can I buy pot in Illinois and bring it home to Missouri?”

Ashland Elementary School is surrounded by some of the worst gun violence in St. Louis. Students bring the toxic stress and trauma of crime into the classroom. The school has become a safe space in the community that includes the Penrose and O'Fallon neighborhoods.

Mental health first aid is gaining popularity throughout the United States. Like traditional first aid, it teaches people how to recognize problems and help people having a crisis. Local courses aim to help people understand mental health issues and offer empathy and care, not judgment and stigma.

Missouri has collected more than 2,000 applications for medical marijuana business licenses - but who will bank those businesses? Many are not willing to take on the risk for something that is illegal at the federal level.