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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The conversation revolves around the topic of youth behavior and Thanksgiving plans. Speaker 1 discusses a Wall Street Journal story about "cousin walks" at Thanksgiving, where young people get high and improve their attitudes. The group then shifts to discussing recent incidents involving youth in West County and St. Charles County, including an oversold Sky Zone event, a party that went viral, and an improvised explosive device at a school official's home. They also touch on the challenges of parenting in the digital age, the impact of social media, and the changing dynamics of family and work life. The conversation ends with personal reflections on Thanksgiving and gratitude.

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Laura Brown, a breast cancer survivor, hosts a podcast discussing her journey and those of two other survivors, Rebecca Salem and Melissa Pike, and oncologist Dr. Michael Ogawa. Laura was diagnosed at 45 via a mammogram, opting for a double mastectomy and Tamoxifen. Rebecca, influenced by her mother's history, underwent a hysterectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. Melissa had stage zero DCIS, opting for a mastectomy. Dr. Ogawa highlights the 1.5% increase in breast cancer in women under 50 and a 44% reduction in mortality. He discusses the oncotype test, which guides treatment decisions, and the importance of early detection and support.

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The discussion on the West and Mid Rivers Insider Podcast centered on the disruptive impact of social media on society, particularly on young people. The hosts highlighted how algorithms on platforms like Twitter and Facebook can push extreme content, influencing users' opinions and behaviors. They discussed the addictive nature of social media, the erosion of critical thinking skills, and the potential for AI to create deepfakes and synthetic relationships. The conversation emphasized the need for age restrictions on social media, responsible consumption, and critical thinking education. They also touched on the broader implications of AI and data centers, stressing the importance of government regulation and parental control.

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The podcast discusses the preferences for Halloween versus Christmas. Dan enjoys Halloween for its horror movies, trick-or-treating, and fall activities, while Kate dislikes Halloween due to commercialization and inappropriate costumes. The group shares local Halloween events, including the Chesterfield Gumbo Flats Pumpkin Run, Wildwood Fall Harvest Festival, and St. Charles' Legends and Lanterns. They also talk about personal traditions, like Dan's spooky fight club tournament and Kate's pink cowboy Barbie costume. The conversation highlights the community aspect of Halloween and the family-oriented nature of Christmas, with each holiday having its unique charm and traditions.

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