Independent Digital News Publishing Since 2016
STL.News is an independent digital news publication covering St. Louis, Missouri, national and international news, business, financial markets, government, legal developments, restaurants, and other matters of public interest.
Founded in February 2016, STL.News is owned and operated by St. Louis Media, LLC, a Missouri-based digital media and publishing company with tools such as STL.News, STL.Directory, USPress.News, USBiz.Directory, and St. Louis Restaurant Review.
More than a decade after its launch, STL.News has grown from its St. Louis roots into a broader digital news publication with expanding distribution across major news and search platforms.
STL.News is included in Google News and is now also included in Bing News. STL.News content is also indexed and discoverable through Yahoo and AOL.
The addition of Bing News represents another significant step in the continued expansion of STL.News. It provides another major news-discovery channel alongside the publication’s established presence in Google News, while indexing through Yahoo and AOL further expands how readers can discover STL.News content online.
While technology and distribution have changed dramatically since STL.News began publishing in 2016, our fundamental purpose has remained straightforward:
Publish accurate, useful, and timely information. Verify important facts. Identify credible sources. Maintain editorial transparency—correct significant errors when they occur.
Those principles guide STL.News as the publication enters its second decade.
Our Mission
The mission of STL.News is to provide readers with accurate, timely, accessible and useful news and information while maintaining responsible editorial standards.
We believe readers deserve to know where information originates, who published it, who is responsible for editorial decisions, and whether credible evidence supports important factual claims.
STL.News therefore places significant emphasis on verification, attribution, and transparency.
Whenever practical, our reporting relies on authoritative and primary sources. These can include government agencies, regulatory filings, court documents, law enforcement agencies, public records, corporate disclosures, financial reports, official statements, direct sources and other verifiable documentation.
Secondary reporting may provide useful context, but when primary documentation is reasonably available for an important factual claim, we prefer to review and rely upon the source.
This is particularly important when covering criminal proceedings, lawsuits, securities litigation, regulatory actions, financial markets and corporate developments.
An allegation is not a fact.
An indictment is not a conviction.
A lawsuit is not a judgment.
An investigation does not establish wrongdoing.
A press release represents information provided by its issuing organization.
A corporate statement represents the company’s position.
A government accusation remains an allegation unless and until the appropriate legal process establishes otherwise.
These distinctions matter, and STL.News works to communicate them clearly.
Our St. Louis Roots
St. Louis is more than part of our name. It is where STL.News began.
STL.News was founded in the St. Louis region and remains owned and operated by a Missouri-based company. Coverage of St. Louis, St. Louis County, the surrounding metropolitan area and Missouri continues to be an important part of our editorial mission.
The St. Louis region is home to major corporations, universities, healthcare systems, financial institutions, technology companies, manufacturers, restaurants, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations and thousands of independently owned businesses.
It is also a community affected every day by decisions made in Jefferson City, Washington and throughout the world.
Interest-rate decisions affect St. Louis homeowners and businesses.
Financial markets affect retirement accounts, investors and corporations.
Federal regulations affect Missouri companies.
International trade affects manufacturers and agricultural producers.
National economic policy influences employment, investment and consumer spending.
Technology developments affect virtually every industry.
For that reason, STL.News does not draw an artificial boundary between local news and the larger forces affecting local readers.
St. Louis and Missouri reporting exists alongside national, international, financial, business and government coverage because those subjects are increasingly interconnected.
Our name reflects where we came from.
Our coverage reflects the world our readers live in.
Publishing Since February 2016
STL.News began publishing in February 2016 during a period of enormous change in journalism and digital media.
News consumption was moving rapidly toward smartphones, search engines, social media, digital aggregators and online publishing platforms.
STL.News was built as a digital-first publication for that changing environment.
Since then, almost every aspect of online publishing has evolved.
Search engines have changed.
Social media has changed.
Mobile technology has changed.
Online advertising has changed.
News aggregation has changed.
Reader expectations have changed.
And artificial intelligence is now changing how people search for, summarize, and discover information.
STL.News has continued publishing throughout those changes.
Over its history, the publication has produced a substantial archive containing news articles, reports, announcements, press releases, business information and other content.
That experience has provided STL.News and St. Louis Media, LLC with extensive practical knowledge of digital publishing, content management, website development, search visibility, news aggregation, syndication and online distribution.
It has also influenced how we approach the future.
The next stage of STL.News is increasingly focused on quality, authority, verification, transparency and original reporting rather than publishing volume alone.
Publishing more pages does not necessarily create a better news publication.
Publishing better information does.
What STL.News Covers
STL.News publishes news and information across a broad range of subjects.
Our coverage includes:
- St. Louis and regional news
- Missouri news
- U.S. news
- International developments
- Business and corporate news
- Financial markets
- Publicly traded companies
- Securities and shareholder litigation
- Government and politics
- Department of Justice developments
- Regulatory actions
- Legal proceedings
- Public safety
- Technology
- Education
- Restaurants and hospitality
- Local businesses
- Entertainment and lifestyle
- Consumer information and product recalls
- Other matters of legitimate public interest
Business and financial journalism have become increasingly important areas of coverage for STL.News.
The publication regularly reports on publicly traded companies, financial markets, regulatory actions, corporate transactions, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission developments, Department of Justice announcements, economic developments and securities litigation.
Financial and market reporting published by STL.News is provided for informational and journalistic purposes. It should not be interpreted as individualized investment, financial, tax or legal advice.
Local business coverage is also an important part of our mission.
Independent restaurants, entrepreneurs and small businesses contribute significantly to the economic and cultural character of communities. STL.News believes meaningful developments involving these organizations deserve coverage alongside stories involving government agencies and major corporations.
Verification Before Publication
Accuracy is among the most important responsibilities of a news organization.
STL.News works to verify significant factual claims before publication and to distinguish confirmed information from allegations, estimates, opinions and developing information.
The appropriate verification process varies by story.
For government and regulatory coverage, that may involve reviewing official agency documents.
For corporate reporting, it may include SEC filings, earnings reports, investor disclosures and company statements.
For legal coverage, it may involve complaints, indictments, court orders and other legal documents.
For public safety reporting, it may include information from police departments, prosecutors, courts and other public agencies.
For financial reporting, it may involve market data, company filings, economic reports and statements from government agencies or financial institutions.
No source should automatically be considered infallible.
Official information can be updated.
Court cases can change.
Companies can revise guidance.
Preliminary investigations can produce different conclusions.
Breaking news can evolve quickly.
STL.News therefore attributes important information so readers can understand its origin.
Corrections and Accountability
Responsible journalism includes accepting responsibility when a significant factual error occurs.
STL.News maintains a published Corrections Policy addressing factual corrections, clarifications and updates.
Readers, businesses, attorneys, government agencies, public officials and other interested parties may contact STL.News if they believe an article contains a factual error.
Whenever possible, correction requests should identify the article, the information believed to be incorrect, and documentation or another authoritative source supporting the requested correction.
A request does not automatically require a change to an article.
Editorial decisions remain with STL.News.
However, we take legitimate factual concerns seriously and evaluate them.
Our objective is not to pretend that mistakes can never happen.
Our objective is to maintain an accurate and trustworthy news archive and correct significant errors when they are identified and verified.
Google News and Bing News
Digital distribution has become an essential component of modern journalism.
Readers increasingly discover news through search engines, news applications, aggregators, social platforms, email, RSS feeds, and artificial intelligence-powered services rather than by visiting a publication’s homepage directly.
STL.News has developed its digital publishing strategy with this distributed environment in mind.
STL.News is included in Google News.
Google News has provided an important avenue through which STL.News reporting can be discovered by readers searching for and following news topics through Google’s news ecosystem.
In 2026, STL.News reached another important distribution milestone:
STL.News was added to Bing News.
Adding Bing News expands the publication’s news-platform presence beyond Google News and provides another major channel for readers to discover STL.News journalism.
For an independently owned digital publisher, expanding from Google News into Bing News represents an important development.
It diversifies discovery.
It reduces reliance on a single news ecosystem.
And it provides STL.News with another opportunity to introduce its journalism to readers who may not previously have encountered the publication.
Yahoo and AOL Indexing Expands Discovery
STL.News has also expanded its visibility through indexing and discoverability on Yahoo and AOL.
We make an important distinction between this indexing and our inclusion in Google News and Bing News.
STL.News does not characterize ordinary indexing or discoverability as a formal editorial partnership or news-publisher relationship unless such a relationship has been specifically established.
Instead, Yahoo and AOL indexing represents another way STL.News users can potentially discover news pages and reporting.
Taken together, these developments substantially broaden STL.News.
The publication now has an established presence in Google News, has been added to Bing News, and has content indexed and discoverable through Yahoo and AOL.
That expansion represents meaningful progress for an independent publication founded in St. Louis in 2016.
Growing Beyond Dependence on a Single Platform
One lesson of digital publishing is that no responsible publisher should depend entirely on one technology company for its audience.
Search algorithms change.
News recommendations change.
Social networks rise and fall.
Distribution agreements evolve.
Artificial intelligence is creating entirely new methods of information discovery.
A diversified digital publishing strategy is therefore important to an independent news organization’s long-term sustainability.
STL.News’ presence across Google News and Bing News, along with indexing and discoverability through Yahoo and AOL, is part of that diversification.
Readers may also reach STL.News directly, through search results, social links, RSS feeds, referrals, syndication and other channels.
The objective is not simply to generate more traffic.
The objective is to make reliable STL.News reporting available wherever readers increasingly look for information.
Search Engines and AI Discovery
Artificial intelligence represents another major transformation in information discovery.
People increasingly ask questions conversationally rather than entering several keywords into a traditional search box.
AI systems may identify, analyze, and summarize information from multiple sources.
This creates both opportunities and responsibilities for publishers.
STL.News believes the best preparation for AI-driven information discovery is fundamentally similar to the best preparation for traditional journalism:
Publish useful information.
Identify the publisher.
Identify the author.
Use reliable sources.
Provide dates.
Maintain clear article structure.
Distinguish facts from allegations.
Correct material errors.
Maintain transparent editorial policies.
These practices help readers evaluate information and can also help search engines and automated systems understand the origin and context of published material.
We do not believe search engine optimization or AI optimization should replace journalism.
Technology will continue changing.
Useful, well-sourced information should retain value regardless of how readers ultimately discover it.
Editorial Independence
STL.News is independently owned by St. Louis Media, LLC.
Independent ownership lets the publication set its editorial priorities without being part of a large newspaper chain or national media conglomerate.
That independence carries responsibility.
Editorial decisions should be based on legitimate news value, public interest, available evidence, and the publication’s editorial standards.
STL.News also provides commercial publishing and promotional services that help support its operations.
Those activities may include publishing and distributing press releases, business directory listings, and related digital publishing services.
Commercial relationships do not automatically determine independent editorial coverage.
Purchasing a commercial service does not guarantee favorable independent reporting.
Likewise, a business does not need to purchase services from STL.News to be the subject of legitimate editorial coverage.
Maintaining this distinction is important to our credibility.
Press Releases and Submitted Information
Press releases are an established source of information throughout the news industry.
Government agencies, publicly traded companies, law firms, universities, nonprofit organizations, businesses and other entities routinely issue releases to communicate developments to journalists and the public.
STL.News publishes and distributes certain press releases and submitted announcements when appropriate.
The source of submitted material matters.
A corporate release communicates information the company supplies.
A government release communicates information supplied by a government agency.
A law firm’s announcement represents information the firm provides.
Independent STL.News reporting may use these materials as sources while adding verification, context, additional documentation, or explanation.
Our goal is to make the nature and origin of information reasonably clear to readers.
Part of St. Louis Media, LLC
STL.News is owned and operated by St. Louis Media, LLC, an independent Missouri-based digital media company.
St. Louis Media develops and operates digital publications and information properties serving different audiences, geographic areas and industries.
The network model allows individual publications to maintain specialized identities while benefiting from shared publishing technology, infrastructure, digital experience and distribution capabilities.
STL.News is one of the foundational general-news publications within that network.
Experience gained through operating STL.News since 2016—including digital publishing, search optimization, website development, content management, aggregation and syndication—has contributed to the development of additional St. Louis Media properties.
The objective is not to create identical websites carrying identical content.
Our goal is to develop useful publications that serve distinct audiences while sharing appropriate technology, infrastructure, and responsible publishing standards.
National Press Network
St. Louis Media, LLC is also developing National Press Network, an initiative designed to support independent journalists and digital publishers through professional standards, resources, publishing opportunities, and expanded distribution.
National Press Network is part of a broader effort to strengthen independent digital journalism and provide qualified independent journalists with resources that historically have been more accessible to larger media organizations.
Where appropriate, qualifying journalism published through National Press Network may be considered for additional distribution through participating St. Louis Media publications.
However, participation in National Press Network does not guarantee publication by STL.News.
STL.News retains editorial control over content appearing on STL.News.
Maintaining that distinction is important to protecting the publication’s editorial standards.
Editorial Leadership
Martin W. Smith is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of STL.News.
Smith founded STL.News in 2016 and oversees its editorial direction and digital publishing operations.
His editorial interests include St. Louis and Missouri business, financial markets, securities litigation, government and regulatory developments, corporate news, legal matters, restaurants and local economic activity.
STL.News also publishes work from additional authors and contributors.
Author information is provided where applicable through article bylines, author archives and the STL.News Staff Directory.
We believe readers should be able to identify the individuals responsible for producing and overseeing published content.
Ownership and Transparency
STL.News is owned and operated by:
St. Louis Media, LLC
Missouri, United States
We believe news organizations should clearly disclose who owns and operates them.
Readers should not have to investigate anonymous corporate structures or hidden website registrations to determine who is responsible for a publication.
Readers should also be able to determine who oversees editorial decisions, how corrections are handled, and how to contact the publication.
STL.News therefore provides public information about its ownership, editorial leadership, authors, corrections practices, disclaimers and contact procedures.
Transparency does not mean every reader will agree with every editorial decision.
It means readers have information they can use to evaluate STL.News for themselves.
Accessible News Without a Traditional Paywall
STL.News believes important news and public information should be broadly accessible.
STL.News does not currently operate behind a traditional subscription paywall.
Readers can access publicly available STL.News journalism without purchasing a digital news subscription.
Operating an independent publication nevertheless involves substantial costs.
Website infrastructure, cybersecurity, publishing systems, editorial resources, research tools, data services, hosting, development, and distribution all require continued investment.
Commercial publishing and digital services are offered by STL.News and St. Louis Media help support those operations.
Our objective is to develop a sustainable independent publishing model while keeping useful news accessible.
Serving Readers and Sources
Readers are the reason STL.News exists.
Our goal is to help readers understand what happened, where information originated, and why a development may matter.
We also welcome information from legitimate news sources.
Government agencies, law enforcement organizations, businesses, publicly traded companies, attorneys, nonprofit organizations, public relations professionals and individuals may submit news tips, announcements, statements and other information for editorial consideration.
Submission does not guarantee publication.
STL.News retains editorial discretion over what it publishes.
When appropriate, we may seek supporting documents, additional sources or clarification before publishing information.
Entering Our Second Decade
STL.News entered its second decade of publishing in 2026.
Our first decade coincided with extraordinary changes in journalism and technology.
Our second decade begins during another period of transformation.
Artificial intelligence is changing search.
News platforms are evolving.
Traditional media business models remain under pressure.
Independent publishers are gaining access to technologies and distribution systems once available primarily to large media companies.
The challenge is to use those opportunities responsibly.
The inclusion of STL.News in Google News and Bing News, together with expanded indexing and discoverability through Yahoo and AOL, represents an important milestone in that journey.
But technology alone does not create a credible news organization.
Credibility must be earned.
It comes from accuracy.
It comes from verification.
It comes from transparency.
It comes from identifying sources.
It comes from distinguishing allegations from facts.
It comes from correcting significant mistakes.
It comes from editorial independence.
And ultimately, it comes from consistently publishing information readers find useful.
Those principles will guide STL.News through its second decade and beyond.
Contact STL.News
STL.News welcomes communication from readers, news sources, businesses, government agencies, attorneys, public relations professionals and other organizations.
Readers may contact STL.News regarding news tips, factual corrections, questions concerning published articles or other editorial matters through our Contact page.
Businesses and organizations interested in press release distribution, business directory listings and other commercial publishing services may use the appropriate service pages available through STL.News.
STL.News
Owned and operated by St. Louis Media, LLC
Missouri, United States
Founded: February 2016
Founder and Editor-in-Chief: Martin W. Smith
News Platforms: Google News and Bing News
Additional Indexing and Discovery: Yahoo and AOL
Readers are also encouraged to review the STL.News Staff Directory, Corrections Policy, Editorial and Legal Disclaimer, Contact page, and other editorial transparency resources.
STL.News — Independent Digital News Since 2016
STL.News began with St. Louis roots and has grown into an independent digital news publication serving readers interested in local, Missouri, national and international developments.
More than a decade after its founding, the methods used to distribute journalism have changed dramatically.
Our fundamental responsibility has not.
Find the facts. Verify important information. Identify credible sources. Explain what matters—correct significant errors. Make useful news accessible to readers.
We are proud of our St. Louis roots.
We are proud to be included in Google News.
We are proud to have expanded our distribution with the addition of Bing News and increased discoverability through Yahoo and AOL.
And as STL.News enters its second decade, we remain focused on building an independent digital news organization worthy of the expanding audience it serves.
STL.News — Independent digital news publishing since 2016.
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