CITY HALL – A four-hour debate Friday over a proposed eye in the sky to catch lawbreakers pitted aldermen demanding action against murders against others worried about a loss of…
Author: Jim Merkel
southsidemerkel@gmail.com
Born and raised in St. Louis, Jim Merkel covered communities throughout the area from 1991 to 2013 for the old Suburban Journals of Greater St. Louis. He is the author of four books about the Gateway City published by Reedy Press. He and his wife, Lorraine, live in the Bevo Mill neighborhood of south St. Louis. For more about Jim, visit www.jimmerkelthewriter.com.
Aldermen advance bill on firefighters' pensions
CITY HALL – A change in the way two firefighters pension programs are administered has received initial approval of the Board of Alderman, over the opposition of Comptroller Darlene Green…
Committee questions effectiveness of Cure Violence
CITY HALL – When the Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to give $5 million for a much-touted program to Cure Violence, the idea was that it would bring down shootings…
Performing artists to mark MLK's legacy in virtual exhibition
FOREST PARK – In more than a century, the St. Louis Art Museum has collected statues, paintings and other works of art that powerfully show every emotion of humanity. Beginning…
Tyus forces aldermen to review tax-break bills more closely
CITY HALL – With a parliamentary maneuver, First Ward Alderwoman Sharon Tyus forced the Board of Aldermen last week to take a closer look at bills granting tax breaks for…
Aldermen approve bill on election to stop ward reduction
CITY HALL – By a narrow vote, the Board of Alderman approved last week a measure seeking an election on whether to stop the planned reduction of the number of…
Protesters rally downtown, demand Hawley’s resignation
DOWNTOWN – A group of union members and others who came to a rally Tuesday isn’t about to forget Sen. Josh Hawley’s role in events last week in Washington. The…
Bill to fit new buildings for electric vehicle chargers gets initial approval
CITY HALL – Electric cars are ready to take over the roads, but only if they have a place to plug in when their batteries are low. Bills now before…
Youth groups combine to better serve area's children
ST. LOUIS – Sixty years ago, Monroe Smith stayed out of mischief by playing baseball for the Mathews-Dickey Boys Club. Thousands followed him in its mission of sports, education and…
Board of Aldermen condemns Hawley, other perpetrators, in riot at Capitol
A resolution unanimously approved by the St. Louis Board of Aldermen on Friday lashes out at Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley “and those who incited and participated in the attempted…
Final Four Candidates for Mayor after 3 others Fall Short
ST. LOUIS – Following the close of filing Monday, three local political veterans and at least one newcomer will compete in the battle for mayor in the March 2 primary for…
Local officials hope, worry as virus strains health system
ST. LOUIS – Officials entered 2021 with the hope that vaccines will eventually eliminate the scourge of COVID-19, but also with the fear of what may happen if things get…