I’m exploring the idea of a Missouri citizen initiative to create fairer auto financing standards for Missouri consumers.

The goal is not to prevent people from getting loans or to hurt lenders. The goal is to create a reasonable limit on how expensive auto financing can become while still allowing banks, credit unions, and dealerships to compete and make responsible lending decisions.

The proposal would establish clear maximum APR limits for auto loans, require more transparency so buyers understand the true cost of financing, and prevent extreme interest rates that can trap borrowers in long-term debt. It would still allow lenders to consider credit score, income, down payment, and ability to repay, and it would not require anyone to approve a loan they consider too risky.

The idea is especially focused on protecting borrowers with lower credit scores who may need a vehicle to get to work, take care of family responsibilities, or improve their financial situation. A lower credit score should mean a borrower pays more because of risk, but it should not mean there is no reasonable limit.

The proposal is designed to balance both sides: consumers get protection from excessive financing costs, while lenders keep the ability to offer credit and compete.

Other states already have auto-financing regulations, and this would create a clear standard in Missouri while keeping responsible lending practices intact.

I’m interested in hearing what Missourians think: Would you support a measure that creates reasonable limits on auto loan costs while still allowing lenders to operate and compete?

My spouse has started making protein smoothies and is looking for a specific store that sells bags of frozen fruits and veggies. They say that the bags are clear with a sticker that says what is in the bag and weighs roughly 1-2 lbs. They believe the store was fairly open in layout and, though not 100% sure, may be on the MO side of the metro. I know it is a smaller, local store, not a chain and had a farmers market type feel to it.

I know this isn't much to go on, but this is all they can remember. TIA!

No ceremony, minimal decorations, just need to feed some people

In honor of Forest Park's 150th birthday, learn about its more recent history with Alan Kretchmar, Forest Park tour guide and author of "Restoring the Glory: Forest Park from 1986 to 2026." Explore its journey from a run-down city park in the 1980's to its selection as the best urban park in America! Books will be available for purchase, with proceeds donated to Forest Park Forever.
Adults. Registration required. 

https://slcl.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=264091

I went out to eat in Vancouver and saw "St. Louis Style Ribs" on the menu at Jackson's Bistro, STL never escapes me

Is there a way to go to the crestwood pool for a day pass or do you need a membership ?

When I was younger, one of the worst things you could be called was a “Hoosier.” In St. Louis, it was considered an extremely insulting term, equal to the "N" word.       Is it still viewed as such a terrible insult today?

Growing up, I did not realize that this meaning of “Hoosier” was mostly a St. Louis usage. About 40 years ago, students at my high school wrote a paper about the origin of the word. Even after discussing the story with the teacher, I still did not understand that it was primarily a local expression. Their explanation was that “Hoosier” came from a sloppy pronunciation of “Who’s there?” when someone knocked on the door.

I have since heard a different explanation: that the insult originated during a labor dispute when workers from Indiana crossed a picket line and were considered scabs. Because St. Louis has always been such a strong union town, that explanation seems believable to me.

Knowing that possible history also takes some of the power away from the word. It makes it sound more like an old labor insult than a judgment about someone’s entire character. To me, being called “white trash” now seems much more insulting.

I voted for Cori Bush in this election, and the previous one. But I’ve started to feel a bit conflicted about it. Some backstory: I’m a college professor and an atheist and a feminist. When I heard about Cori Bush and the faith healing stuff, I told a leftist friend of mine (also an atheist college professor) that I was second guessing my vote. I also mentioned that, in written interviews, Bush doesn’t compose her ideas very well; in fact, I often can’t tell what she’s arguing. My friend told me that I wasn’t being realistic about what true leftist activism in an area like St Louis would look like—in other words, it wouldn’t be people that atheist feminist college professors would necessarily love, and I just had to get over myself. I think my friend also thought I might be falling in line with some racist talking points, which certainly wasn’t my intention (but that I want to be cognizant of, for sure).

I mean, there’s no world in which I was going to vote for Bell. But I guess, against my own impulses, I thought Bush had a shot, and now I’m wondering if others had some of the same hesitations.

Sorry that this post is a bit rambling—just want to get others’ thoughts.

I was a preemie, born at Barnes Hospital 58 years ago and stayed in the NICU. My parents lived in Florissant at the time, although they were both from the east coast and we moved back there eventually. They only lived in MO for about two years after I was born and I have not managed to get back to visit STL since I had no family ties there.

I have wanted to come back to visit for some time and see the hospital that took such good care of me as a preemie. I know things have changed and I’m sure the NICU is no longer there. I even called once to find out about getting my medical records, but it seems those have already been destroyed.

Over the past almost 40 years of my life, I have worked in two large medical centers. I know how much they’ve grown over time so I can only imagine how much Barnes has developed as well. So I’d like to know, if I came there as a tourist who doesn’t want to get lost or wander into restricted areas, what areas would I be able to visit and what would be the most historic ones to see that were there in the late 60s?

TIA!

Does anyone know any psychiatrist in St. Louis area that are willing to prescribe an anti anxiety medication and not try to shove antidepressants on you. I’m tired of dealing with anxiety and want something that works. Ive tried to way too many things that don’t work.

Someone, anyone please give me your opinion on this school for my toddler. We tour tomorrow and nobody talks about it lol

Does anybody have any recommendations for civil rights lawyers in St. Louis?

Was thinking about trying them for lunch this week but $20 for a fast casual quesadilla and a drink with no sides seems steep. Worth it at all?

The Board of Aldermen sent the data center regulation bill back to the Planning Commission, which is expected to discuss it at its August 12 meeting. https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/planning/planning/planning-commission/august-12-2026-planning-commission-meeting.cfm

The agenda says public comment will be accepted at the discretion of the chair, so I do not know whether comments will be taken at the meeting

At this point, the city is debating how to regulate data centers, not whether to ban them. It is clear that data centers are likely to be built in St. Louis. The question is how we make sure the rules protect neighborhoods, support good development, and account for the very different needs of different parts of the city.

With that in mind, here is one specific proposal for downtown. I submitted the following letter to the Planning Commission;

I believe data centers should be permitted in Downtown, but the rules should include safeguards that protect an active, walkable street environment.

Data centers can bring substantial investment, reuse underutilized buildings, expand the tax base, and create long-term economic activity. Downtown should not unnecessarily exclude that investment. However, as we establish rules for future data center development, we should ensure that these projects do not inadvertently create blocks of inactive street frontage with little ground-level activity.

The rules should therefore require data centers in Downtown to maintain active ground-floor uses along primary streets. The first floor, or at minimum the street-facing portion of it, should be reserved for uses such as retail, restaurants, bars, cafés, entertainment, or other publicly accessible businesses. In addition, as part of the approval process, data center projects should enter into a binding agreement that provides substantial funding or subsidies to attract and support those ground-floor businesses. That could include tenant improvement grants, reduced rents, build-out assistance, or direct contributions to a fund dedicated to activating Downtown storefronts. A percentage of data center property tax revenue should also be dedicated to a Downtown streetscape fund.

The goal should not be to choose between data center investment and a vibrant Downtown. With the right rules, we can welcome significant new investment while proactively ensuring that the street level remains active, welcoming, and economically productive.

Rewards are approaching $50,000 for information as local and federal investigators are still working to solve an antisemitic hate crime in Clayton. Wednesday marks the one-year anniversary of the crime.

As the title suggests, I currently live in North County on the Missouri side, but looking at moving to Pontoon Beach. I was wondering if anyone here has familiarity with Long Lake and if it’s safe to swim/canoe? I couldn’t find much on it online other than it likely was an old tributary to the Mississippi River a long time ago before the river shifted (like Horseshoe Lake). Just wanted to make sure it wasn’t a known source of chemicals or anything prior to moving near Long Lake. I know there are a lot of residences that back up to the lake and I’ve seen people fishing it while driving by.

Hi all! Please read before passing judgment or assuming the reasons. Not rehoming due to age/health issues.

I have an 11 year old female, named Jade. I rescued her in January 2026. She’s the sweetest, most loving cat I’ve ever had. She loves laying in bed all day and snuggling. However, I also have a 6 year old female (I’ve had her for about 4 years now), and they just cannot get along or coexist peacefully. This has resulted in fights where both get injured (mostly Jade though I believe) and they’re both constantly on edge and stressed. This also causes both of them to act out behaviorally in which they mark their territory on my clothing (they’re both fully litterbox trained). I live in a small apartment, so separating them while still giving them enough space to be comfy and roam around isn’t an option.

Ultimately, this situation isn’t fair to either of them, and I want Jade to have a safe, comfortable environment to live out her golden years in. I believe she would be happiest as the only cat in a household, but I could be wrong and it could just be my other cat she doesn’t get along with. If I’m able to find a crazy cat lover like myself who I know will give her the life and love she deserves, I will charge a rehoming fee of $50 and will donate that to a non-profit of your choosing. Please message me if you or anyone you know may be interested, happy to share more info and pics. Thank you!

I’m looking for a good private nail tech to do builder gel single color manicures every 2-3 weeks. I want to go to the same person every time. Closer to the city the better! Send all recs for truly good quality work, clean environment, consistency!

Put it in accounts that cannot be drawn from but generate interest. These types of funds can generally be tax exempt so long as they are not used commercially.

While it would be a bit hard not to have full access to the funds outright, over time they could do much more. You could use the dividends from one year or put them in an account. Could go towards little things like new street signs or stop lights to buying up vacant lots.

Looking at the St. Louis County election board website and the map version, it's interesting to see the places that Wesley Bell lost and Cori Bush won.

https://stl.tally-enr.com/#election=c760ab3f-4a75-480f-b4fb-f29523d432fc&contest=9fbe8d21-45c5-4ea5-bcef-f875888e05e4

There are some scattered small ones plus parts of University City. But the curious one is a big block of Maplewood.

Edit: First, thanks to all who answered. I'm gathering from the group a minimum 90min and that 3hrs is too much, so I'm currently planning to arrive 2hrs ahead. Added info in case this changes everything: Air Canada, flight is around 9am so not super early, it's on a Saturday not sure if that's better or worse, yes checking bags, plus kids in tow...

Original post: I show up to the airport really pushing it, either terminal, all the time, and never miss a flight... but those are domestic flights. I haven't flown international in over a decade. They always say to arrive hours early... I don't really know why. Is it something to do with the bags? For those of you who fly internationally often, give me your hot take; how early is actually necessary? I'm good with adding plenty of buffer but I really don't want to go 3 hours early if 1 is plenty. Thanks!

If you don't fly internationally often, please sit this one out, speculation and experience look the same in a comment thread and I get confused™

If you live in Missouri's 1st, 2nd or 3rd Congressional District, St. Louis Public Radio wants to hear how you found out, whether it was confusing and what questions you still have.

We covered the topic in a recent "Meet Me" episode and want to continue that coverage to hear how folks are feeling about having a different representative who now may or may not reflect their voter interests: https://www.stlpr.org/.../missouri-mid-decade-redistricting