Thousands of linemen working round the clock to bring power back to storm-shocked St. Louis 1q6924
Updated: May 19, 2025 at 7:09 PM CDT
|
By Avery Martinez
While many of us were waking up to a new reality on Saturday morning, electrical linemen were already on the job -- working 17 hour shifts with only seven hours rest -- to try and meet the repair needs for the hardest hit areas of St. Louis.
‘The World of Ag is so Big’: Hillsboro students learn on the farm at school 2164q
Updated: May 7, 2025 at 4:48 PM CDT
|
By Avery Martinez
These students are learning and getting accreditation for real-world jobs while they’re still in high school. Instead of staying inside of a classroom all day, these students are able to escape outside to work the farm.
Federal cuts hit scientific world, Missouri Botanical Garden loses funds with dollars still in bank 3s1p1z
Updated: Apr. 30, 2025 at 2:41 PM CDT
|
By Avery Martinez
The Missouri Botanical Garden has multiple programs researching plants and the environment, and due to some recent federal changes -- dollars for two programs helping local research are now offline.
‘Farming Purgatory:’ As USDA funds sit in limbo St. Louis food pantries lose food - farmers lose futures 481x71
Updated: Apr. 29, 2025 at 5:22 PM CDT
|
By Avery Martinez
Since the USDA had been the “largest contributor of food” to HKJFP, the cuts will have a real impact. The organization worries that there will be a visible drop in food distribution for the rest of 2025.
Climbing on up: Electric Linemen are constantly training to do the most to keep power on 4i6d6p
Updated: Apr. 17, 2025 at 6:43 PM CDT
|
By Avery Martinez
“Sometimes that’s hard for the public to understand. We have to make it safe for us to work, because if we get hurt out there—nobody will rescue us—a lineman can rescue a lineman but that’s about it,” he told First Alert 4.
St. Louis environment groups ask for more volunteers for huge clean-up on Saturday 1g1a6n
Updated: Apr. 10, 2025 at 3:04 PM CDT
|
By Avery Martinez
In 2024, 5.2 tons of trash were removed from the area by clean-up crews, and Open Space STL says they cleaned more than 30 sites across the region. But they need more this year.
‘Some humans are nice’; St. Louis woman working to give chickens a new life post-egg production 1e820
Updated: Apr. 8, 2025 at 5:40 PM CDT
|
By Avery Martinez
Second-Hen’d is a local organization dedicated to helping “spent” hens, meaning egg-producing chickens that once laid eggs in commercial operations -- but are now past their egg-laying prime.
St. Louis students put soil and wildlife knowledge to the test in Envirothon outside Pacific 2r1s1h
Updated: Apr. 3, 2025 at 5:29 PM CDT
|
By Avery Martinez
Hosted by St. Louis and St. Charles County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, alongside the City of Wentzville, this regional competition is designed to make students think critically about natural resources and sustainability.
Two Illinois Senators spearheading federal bill ensuring USDA farm contracts are paid 6b674h
Updated: Apr. 1, 2025 at 5:02 PM CDT
|
By Avery Martinez
The bill is known as the Honor Farmer Contracts Act, and would focus on existing contracts with farmers. Duckworth’s office claims that “President Trump’s USDA” has refused to reimbursements on signed contracts without any idea if they will be paid for the agreements.
Tensions run high as Illinois Rep. Mike Bost hosts meeting on solar and constituents demand answers k1y2e
Updated: Mar. 22, 2025 at 7:55 AM CDT
|
By Avery Martinez
hen First Alert 4 entered the meeting room in New Athens, Illinois, public folks were already screaming at Representative Mike Bost about a number of recent developments in farming and at the national level.
Farmers speak directly with EPA Zeldin as he visits St. Louis area 3w3a16
Updated: Mar. 18, 2025 at 8:50 PM CDT
|
By Avery Martinez
EPA Lee Zeldin spoke with a number of Show Me State ag workers today, where they had a chance to hear directly from the newly appointed leader of the Agency about his plans for the Environmental Protection Agency and it’s future.
Will new tariffs affect your wine and whisky? St. Louis locals may have to ride it out 2nb36
Updated: Mar. 13, 2025 at 5:20 PM CDT
|
By Avery Martinez
Industry groups quickly responded to the announcement, including the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States -- who noted nearly 30 years of zero-for-zero tariffs between U.S. and European liquor buyers.
After resident questions, Park Hills and recycling facility meet locals at town hall 595m4y
Updated: Mar. 11, 2025 at 3:46 PM CDT
|
By Avery Martinez
“This meeting will offer a unique opportunity for residents to engage directly with key stakeholders and voice their thoughts on this significant development,” a document from the City of Park Hills states.
Fertilizer experts say some Canadian and Mexican imports may be exempt from tariffs 105d6z
Updated: Mar. 11, 2025 at 3:45 PM CDT
|
By Avery Martinez
The Fertilizer Institute says an executive order could help with dollar impacts of imports in the Western Hemisphere, between tariff concerns with Canada and Mexico.
Online tool helps St. Louis locals see community energy costs, advocates hope it helps financially 6206j
Updated: Mar. 10, 2025 at 9:25 AM CDT
|
By Avery Martinez and First Alert 4 Staff
If you’re wondering how much your income is being impacted by your energy bills, a tool focused on St. Louis and Missouri can help you figure out how to budget, and how to find and energy-cost programs.
Preserving their Past: Brooklyn residents want to protect historic cemetery, need donations 1d53
Updated: Mar. 8, 2025 at 4:47 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
As the oldest incorporated Black community in the nation, Brooklyn has many historic aspects. But the cemetery is getting special attention. Vandalism has happened inside the graveyard over time, and in recent years a number of folks have tresed on the land. Now, locals want to partner with Illinois universities, officials and donors to locate each grave, replace the markers and put up an iron fence to protect the site.
Federal government shakeup raises questions about future of West Lake and Coldwater Creek clean ups d4lm
Updated: Feb. 28, 2025 at 6:28 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
The story of Coldwater Creek and West Lake Landfill stretches over decades and multiple presidential istrations. Under the current istration, a number of changes have been made to federal departments — including the Environmental Protection Agency — raising questions about how EPA superfund sites in St. Louis could be affected.
St. Louis startup wants to help make African farmers reach economic improvement 4h2n4p
Updated: Feb. 27, 2025 at 5:42 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
Both of the founders know African coffee personally, they grew up around it -- and now, they’re trying to help American coffee drinkers and African coffee roasters connect directly.
Tik-Talking: Missouri farmers bond over discussions DA grant cuts 5r2016
Updated: Feb. 26, 2025 at 9:17 AM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
Believe it or not, there’s a thriving farming community on TikTok -- but very few were prepared for the millions of views brought to the ag corner of the app -- tied to federal funding freezes under the USDA.
New DNC Chair visits St. Louis, talks farm funding crisis and future of party 6i3da
Updated: Feb. 21, 2025 at 6:34 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
First Alert 4 was able to ask the DNC chair if the party was in the process of doing anything to help farmers and ranchers being impacted by USDA funding changes, and the recent halt of USAID dollars.
Checked Your Battery?: Cold weather in St. Louis drains batteries 1r3r19
Updated: Feb. 19, 2025 at 4:46 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
Not even First Alert 4 could escape the cold weather impacts on cars today. The very low temperatures have put a strain on car batteries around Missouri, including some news vehicles.
St. Louis students can test drive trade careers in new Ritenour program combining from unions and green energy 341q5k
Updated: Feb. 17, 2025 at 5:08 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
Trade careers aren’t always what people think of when they hear about high school education, but that’s exactly what Ritenour School District is hoping to provide through a new program ed by green energy companies and local unions.
Park Hills locals raise questions about potential garbage operation in city, officials add context for First Alert 4 6y574r
Updated: Feb. 12, 2025 at 12:11 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
First Alert 4 has spoken with neighbors hoping to get more clarity on the future of the project happening behind them, and city officials about the details of this new program.
Ritenour waits in limbo for promised EV buses, and plans to ask for official help 342t6
Updated: Feb. 7, 2025 at 7:01 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
First Alert 4 has been reaching out to several groups involved, including the Environmental Protection Agency, about the status of the Clean School Bus Program -- which provides billions of dollars to school districts nationwide to switch from diesel buses to electric-powered vehicles.
Farmers want new tech and St. Louis is the ‘powerhouse’ to innovate it 5oy
Updated: Feb. 6, 2025 at 6:59 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
For most non-farm folks, technology and farming exist in two separate worlds. But, that’s not the case according to a number of farmers and innovators who spoke with First Alert 4 during a major ag innovation conference in St. Louis this week.
Fertilizer experts tell First Alert 4 they’re concerned about tariff impacts to farms nationwide 1b6v4t
Updated: Feb. 6, 2025 at 4:56 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
Over 90% of American potash is imported, and almost all of it comes from Canada -- which leaves industry groups hopeful for a good solution in the ongoing trade discussions.
New federal water act addresses climate extremes and flooding on the Mississippi River, affects to St. Louis 1c1664
Updated: Feb. 3, 2025 at 3:12 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez, Madeline Heim and Delaney Dryfoos
Signed into law Jan. 4, this year’s package includes studies on increased flooding in the upper basin, flood mitigation measures throughout the river system, ecological restoration, and a $6 billion floodwall in Louisiana.
Missouri Senator Hawley promises EPA head will visit radioactive sites in St. Louis 404ca
Updated: Jan. 29, 2025 at 4:29 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
The EPA has been working on contamination plans and the Superfund site for decades. West Lake has ties to the Manhattan Project and the nuclear program of the Second World War.
‘It just keeps happening’: Missouri firefighters sound alarm bells on rising cancer rates 6a6l6l
Updated: Jan. 23, 2025 at 7:13 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
“Cancer is a leading health risk facing firefighters, largely due to the chemicals and carcinogens they are exposed to while on the job,” the Lavender Ribbon Report states.
Butterfly House hosts Monarch butterflies in-house, as government considers listing them endangered 4a3x34
Updated: Jan. 18, 2025 at 5:56 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
The monarch butterfly could be in danger of extinction, but the federal government is proposing new protections to help the species continue to survive.
‘Revolutionizing Species Identification’: MOBOT takes ancient plants into 21st Century 585t8
Updated: Jan. 17, 2025 at 7:08 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
MOBOT's plan is to use modern tech to make sure this vital and ancient collection can be accessed by anyone interested in plants -- even if it takes six years to do it.
Global experts declare 2024 the warmest year on record, St. Louis could continue to feel the heat 5l60l
Updated: Jan. 10, 2025 at 4:59 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
While most St. Louis residents have been focused on the recent snowstorms, international experts have been looking at the heat felt globally last year.
EPA says two St. Louis home renovators must pay thousands over lead paint f683c
Updated: Jan. 7, 2025 at 4:15 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
The two local companies are BBW Homes LLC, and Kim Roberts Properties LLC, listed by the Environmental Protection Agency as being in St. Louis. Officials say they failed to comply with regulations aimed at reducing the “hazards of lead-based paint exposure during renovations.”
MSD gets multi-million dollar grant for PFAS contamination treatment system 5k476b
Updated: Dec. 30, 2024 at 12:00 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
For the Prospect Hill Landfill project, the wastewater leachate will be treated before entering the sewer district’s collection system. “While the science surrounding potential health effects of bioaccumulation is developing, exposure to some types of PFAS have been associated with serious health effects,” the FDA says.
‘We’re going to talk about it’: Missouri farmers hope for mental health 3r6010
Updated: Dec. 30, 2024 at 10:16 AM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
In this series of stories, First Alert 4 is focused on the personal, professional and system struggles facing farm workers around Missouri and the nation.
Science through Art: Local artist works with international organization to discuss environment 1y6135
Updated: Dec. 20, 2024 at 6:46 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
It’s somewhat unusual for people to think of art and science as coexisting, but that’s just what one local artist is working on and an international program is trying to .
Trains to walking: Olivette and Greenway plant to take rails to trail 26j6d
Updated: Dec. 18, 2024 at 5:44 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
It’s taken six years, and will take a few more, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel for a new trail running through Olivette -- connecting the city parks with the rest of the region.
Ameren Missouri must pay $61 million over illegal emissions at Missouri power plant n313v
Updated: Dec. 18, 2024 at 5:36 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
Under the order, Ameren Missouri will spend $25 million to provide vouchers for 125,000 eastern Missouri households to buy air filters to improve home air quality.
Mastodon Mystery: Skull of massive extinct mammal found on local college campus 2w3m2x
Updated: Dec. 6, 2024 at 6:40 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
Following the edge of a glacier jutting up to the future Mississippi River -- the mastodon quickly dies, at least that’s what researchers currently believe lead to a death 27,000 years ago.
Local cooperage says protecting oak forests goes beyond trees, is also about barrels 1lo1d
Updated: Dec. 4, 2024 at 6:54 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
By planning which trees will be harvested, and selecting which ones are getting older, landowners can better prepare the forest for a healthier future, according to ISC workers. The lumber that’s selected and taken to the cooperage has been selected for a number of reasons.
New pilot insurance model could help disasters along the Mississippi River 5a3s1p
Updated: Dec. 2, 2024 at 9:22 AM CST
|
By Avery Martinez, Delaney Dryfoos and Eric Schmid
Mayors along the Mississippi River have watched for years as intensifying rain storms and flooding wreak havoc on their communities. So this fall, the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI) announced a new insurance pilot, with hopes of better helping river towns recover.
East Saint Louis welcomes second solar energy facility providing 650 homes with power 52n1l
Updated: Nov. 19, 2024 at 4:45 PM CST
|
By Avery Martinez
Solar energy is often discussed alongside clean energy development -- and East Saint Louis is now home to two solar facilities, adding power to the grid.
