The discussion centered on the potential ban of social media for children under 13, prompted by Armstrong Williams' column and Scott Galloway's comparison of social media to harmful substances. The panelists debated the impact of social media on children's development, emphasizing the need for moderation and the potential benefits of age restrictions. They discussed the challenges of enforcing age limits, citing examples like Discord's 18+ requirement and Australia's proposed legislation. The conversation also touched on the role of algorithms in fostering addiction and the importance of digital literacy and parental controls.

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The team discussed the recent changes to their newspaper's cover design, emphasizing the shift towards more informative and local news content. They highlighted the importance of covering local stories in depth, such as city council meetings and community developments, which other media outlets often overlook. The new cover design aims to balance visual appeal with detailed headlines and story summaries, reflecting their commitment to accuracy and community engagement. They also touched on the challenges of maintaining reader attention in a digital age and the enduring value of print media, which offers a level of permanence and trust that digital platforms lack.

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The West and Mid Rivers Insider Podcast discussed the recent inclusion of St. Louis in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) zones, affecting North County, parts of North St. Louis, and some of St. Charles County. Brent Trout and Mark Harder explained that individuals living, working, or attending school in these areas between 1940 and 1974 may be eligible for compensation due to radiation exposure from uranium refinement and improper waste storage. The process involves proving residency for 24 months and providing medical records. The program, which began in August 2022, has already received thousands of applications, with a comprehensive approval rate of 76%.

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Tim Weber and Dan Fox interview Dan Rolfes, head basketball coach at Incarnate Word Academy, about his coaching journey and the success of his team. Roefs has led the team to eight consecutive state championships and 14 overall titles. He shares his coaching philosophy, emphasizing consistency and player development. Rolfes discusses the challenges of balancing coaching with personal life, including a heart attack in 2024. He highlights the importance of relationships with players and parents, and the impact of social media on recruiting. Despite his achievements, Rolfes remains passionate about coaching and the growth of his players.

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The discussion covered various local and regional issues for 2026. In St. Louis County, the county executive race saw unexpected announcements from Sam Page and Steve Elman. St. Charles County's race features Steve Elman against Jason Law and Bill Igle. Budget cuts in St. Louis County reduced a $40 million deficit to $1 million, using NFL Rams settlement money. The Francis Howell School District's April elections will be closely watched. Redistricting in Missouri added a Republican seat. Downtown Chesterfield's development will continue with vertical construction expected in 2027. St. Charles County's growth and data center developments were also discussed. AI's impact on various industries was noted.

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The West and Mid Rivers Insider Podcast discussed the results of the "Best of West County" awards. With 89,310 votes cast, notable winners included Lucky Dog Central (Best Coffee Shop), Clancy's Pub (Best Burger), and Faraci (Best Pizza). Other highlights included Friendship Village (multiple categories), Parkside Grill (Best Overall Restaurant), and Mulligan's (Best Sports Bar). In senior living, Friendship Village dominated, and in sports, the St. Louis Cardinals won. The podcast also touched on local personalities, businesses, and community leaders, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and support for local enterprises.

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The West and Mid Rivers Insider Podcast discussed the decline in drug overdose deaths in the U.S., with 80,000 deaths in 2024 compared to 110,000 in 2023. Colin Dickey, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA St. Louis division, attributed the success to relentless enforcement, community education, and the use of Narcan. The DEA seized 586 pounds of fentanyl and 360,000 counterfeit pills in 2025, potentially saving 20.4 million lives. The Fentanyl Free America initiative in October 2025 resulted in the seizure of 45 million counterfeit pills and over 9,000 pounds of fentanyl nationwide.

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The Western Mid Rivers Insider Podcast episode features Tim Weber, Dan Fox, and Lou Countryman discussing the evolution of sports photography and the challenges of keeping up with technology. Lou, a retired biopharmaceutical professional, shares his journey into professional photography, highlighting his work with various sports teams and events. They discuss the upcoming Coaches vs. Cancer tournament, featuring 16 local high school teams, and the unique community engagement of City Soccer. Lou also mentions his experience photographing the Blue Angels for the upcoming air show in Chesterfield. The podcast encourages listeners to explore the extensive photo galleries on the West and Mid Rivers News Magazine website.

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