Reading news stories can be incredibly overwhelming. Sometimes it feels like only bad things are happening around the world. Bad news stories are important because they keep everyone informed and address topics that may be uncomfortable. Maya and Gabrielle decided to start a series in the Corral with a few pieces of good and bad news to keep everyone on their toes. This issue we decided to write specifically about St. Louis news! If you hear about any (good or bad) news stories that you think we should put in the paper, feel free to message @pchpublications on Instagram or leave a comment on the online version of this story on pchcorral.com. We will give you a shoutout in the paper for the story idea!

St. Louis City Soccer Club

Recently, St. Louis City Soccer Club (City SC) became the first expansion team in MLS history to win their first four games. There was not a lot of hope for City SC before the start of the season, but they have proven themselves worthy of all the hype. Even in freezing conditions St. Louis has been coming together each game to celebrate the long overdue soccer team. The stands are packed each home game and the crowd cheers the entire 90 minutes. There is an exceptional amount of support from the people of St. Louis, which definitely keeps the team motivated! The games have also been positively impacting businesses nearby. Syberg’s market, next to CITYPARK, holds watch parties weekly. The business has been booming along with other places in the area. Our soccer town finally got their team, and fans couldn’t be happier.

Pushback on Sports Betting

A long-running debate over expanding gambling in Missouri fell along familiar fault lines in the state Senate on Wednesday, April 5 as the latest effort to legalize sports betting again became entangled with the proliferation of illegal slot machines in gas stations and bars. Despite top leaders pushing to bring sports betting to the state, disputes over legalizing the unregulated video gambling machines, as well as general opposition to gambling, were back on display as lawmakers head into the final weeks of their annual legislative session with the issue unresolved. The House has already signed off on a plan to allow Missourians to wager money on sporting events, leaving the issue up for debate in the Republican-controlled Senate. Senators Denny Hoskins and Karla May have pushed to legalize video slot machines, while also ridding the state of unregulated and untaxed video gambling devices that have flooded gas stations, liquor stores, and other outlets. The issue seems to mainly reside in taxes; Hoskins wants to earmark some of the taxes from expanded gambling for programs benefiting military veterans. He had hoped to use taxes from legalized slot machines to generate revenue. This ongoing impasse hasn’t stopped Missourians from attempting to gamble in neighboring states like Illinois and Kansas, where it is legal. “As of last week, all but one of Missouri’s surrounding states have legalized sports betting,” said Senator Tony Leutkemeyer. “This means Missouri’s tax dollars are leaving our state.”

Lunchtime Live

At the Old Post Office Plaza every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. anyone in the area can enjoy a free concert with available food options! “Lunchtime Live” highlights local musicians in a fun and sustainable way. There are a variety of food trucks at the event for people in attendance, including; Go Gyro Go, Coffee Culture, and Pappy’s Smokehouse. The event is a great way to bring St. Louis’ community together. Each week there will be a new feature to keep people coming back. There are games, partnerships with animal shelters, and more! “Lunchtime Live” is perfect for a fun upcoming summer activity!

Human Rights in Missouri

On Monday, April 3, Senate Democrats urged Governor Mike Parson to replace the head of the Missouri Commission on Human Rights after his comments last week against a proposal to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Rev. Timothy Faber, chairman of the commission, testified that we cannot separate religion from governmental decisions and that the Bible does not condone homosexuality. While the Missouri Human Rights Act protects against discrimination based on a person’s race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, and disability, current law doesn’t address discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. In response to this issue, Parson said, “I don’t believe in discrimination against anyone.”

New Businesses are Everywhere

All over the St. Louis area businesses have been moving, adding locations, and reopening. It’s always exciting to get new additions to our area, here are a few notable places: Hi-Pointe Drive-In (6083 Mid rivers Mall, Cottleville), Omen Coffee Co. (2647 Washington, Hungry Joe’s (10233 Manchester), Quarrelsome Coffee
(22 N. Sarah), Sado (1320 Triad Center, St. Peters), and BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups (200 S. Broadway).