Coverage of St. Louis as a “Spotlight City” for PBS’ “NewsHour With Jim Lehrer” begins tonight (Monday, April 27) and continues through Friday on KETC (Channel 9). Producers added an extra day to their schedule because of President Barack Obama’s visit to St. Louis Wednesday. “As a ‘NewsHour’ spotlight city, St. Louis is the focal point for reports exploring issues such as the economy, education and science,” KETC says. Here is the broadcast schedule as outlined by KETC.

Monday, April 27
6 p.m. “The NewsHour With Jim Lehrer”
Paul Solman reports on the economy’s impact in St. Louis, and Gwen Ifill moderates a discussion about jobs.
7 p.m.  “NewsHour Spotlight City in St. Louis: St. Charles Economic Forum With Paul Solman”
Solman hosts the St. Charles County Economic Forum (taped April 17) with panelists Randy Schilling, Quilogy; David Ross, Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital; Brenda Newberry, Newberry Group; and John McGuire, St. Charles Community College.

Tuesday, April 28
6 p.m. “The NewsHour With Jim Lehrer”
Gwen Ifill asks St. Louis residents their thoughts on the Obama administration on the eve of a visit by the president to the region.
7 p.m. “NewsHour Spotlight City in St. Louis: Science Forum With Judy Woodruff”
Woodruff hosts a science forum (taped April 22) at the Danforth Plant Science Center  with panelists Dr. Roger Beachy, Danforth Center; Dr. William H. Danforth, The Danforth Center; Victoria Gonzalez, The Nidus Center; Ted Medlin, Edwards-Medlin Farms; and Derek Rapp, Divergence, Inc.

Wednesday, April 29     
6 p.m. “The NewsHour With Jim Lehrer”
Excerpts from President Obama’s town hall meeting in Jefferson County and excerpts from the “NewsHour” town hall meeting at KETC, moderated by Gwen Ifill. Invited panelists include Rep. Lacy Clay; St. Charles Mayor Patti York; Christopher Krehmeyer, community housing advocate; and former Missouri Senator John Danforth.
7 p.m.  “NewsHour Spotlight City in St. Louis: Downtown Economic Forum With Gwen Ifill”
Ifill moderates the downtown St. Louis Economic Forum (taped on April 27) at the Federal Reserve with panelists Rodney Crim, St. Louis Development Corporation; Jim Alexander, St. Louis RCGA; Linda Martinez, Missouri Department of Economic Development; and Howard Wall, Federal Reserve Bank St. Louis.

Thursday, April 30
6 p.m. “The NewsHour With Jim Lehrer”
Judy Woodruff reports on the rising cost of college education and the Obama administration’s plans for education spending.
7 p.m. “NewsHour Spotlight City in St. Louis: Southern Illinois Economic Forum With Spencer Michels”
Michels hosts the Southwestern Illinois Economic Forum (taped on April 20) with panelists Georgia Costello, Ph.D., Southwestern Illinois College; Bruce Holland, Holland Construction Services, Inc.; Patrick McKeehan, Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois; and Debra Moore, Ph.D., St. Clair County. Also, Channel 9 senior producer Jim Kirchherr moderates the Regional Energy Summit 2009. 

Friday, May 1
7 p.m.  “NewsHour Spotlight City in St. Louis: Town Hall Meeting With Gwen Ifill”
Ifill moderates an hour-long town hall meeting (taped on April 28) at KETC/Channel 9’s studio with invited panelists Rep. Lacy Clay; St. Charles Mayor Patti York; Christopher Krehmeyer, community housing advocate; and former Missouri Senator John Danforth.