The Gateway

A Washington University music professor and composer is exploring the intersection of science and art through his new work "Seasonal Music." The 30-minute string quartet, which draws inspiration from Vivaldi's Four Seasons, focuses on the ways we interact with our environment and how humans are changing it.

The head of the Cortex Innovation Community is stepping down at the end of the year after nearly a decade in the role. Dennis Lower talks about the district's impact on the startup business community in St. Louis and what’s next.

The National Rifle Association Foundation provided more than $1 million to K-12 schools and 4-H clubs in Missouri between 2010 and 2016. We examine how that support of youth shooting sports is viewed.

As funding for higher education continues to be slashed, HBCUs may be disproportionately affected. Harris-Stowe State University and Lincoln University often serve the underrepresented, meaning tuition must be kept low. As recently as several years ago $750,000 was appropriated for infrastructure purposes at Harris-Stowe, but was withheld due to "budget concerns." What solutions are in the works in order to keep these institutions viable?

The success of the Maplewood Richmond Heights school district has led to a growing student population. The area also has a popular housing market as young, wealthier families move into the district. That demand means more property taxes for the district but also has the superintendent worried about losing racial and socioeconomic diversity.

The new director of St. Louis County Justice Services is bringing more than 30-years of experience as a corrections officer to the job.

Raul Banasco was hired last month. The New York native is now in charge of managing the county jail, which has come under scrutiny after several inmates died.

Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla, Missouri S&T, and Fort Leonard Wood are teaming up to research traumatic brain injury. The intent is to find ways to more quickly diagnose serious problems so treatment can start right away. They are testing a cell phone-sized device that can read brainwaves and diagnosing injury through a urinalysis.

Alderman Sam Moore touched a racial fault line recently when he argued against Asian representation from north St. Louis on the Board of Freeholders. Members of the Asian community have called his comments insensitive. Moore contends St. Louis has a long way to go to deliver equality to African Americans who have long suffered discrimination. He says he meant no disrespect.

Barbecue and cookout traditions run deep in many communities, but more people are considering how meat production contributes to harmful emissions. Many environmental activists and advocates who say you don't have to go vegan to help cut those emissions.

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is coming to St. Louis tomorrow for a Christmas-themed program at Powell Hall. Musician Wynton Marsalis is enthused about the Swing Symphony, which his orchestra recorded with St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and released this year.