Nixon to take action on bills today
Mo. Governor Jay Nixon is wrapping up his action on bills passed this year by state lawmakers. He is expected today to approve the few remaining bills. The deadline to sign or veto legislation is tomorrow.
Among legislation awaiting action from the governor, is a bill that reduces the disparity in prison sentences between people convicted of crack and powder cocaine crimes.
Two similar bills would require state agencies to review their rules every five years and eliminate those determined to be unnecessary. State regulations would need to be reviewed on a rotating schedule. The review would include an analysis of whether a rule overlaps with any others, whether there is a less restrictive alternative and whether the rule is still necessary.
Grand Blvd. Bridge to reopen today
After being closed for more than a year, the Grand Boulevard Bridge will reopen to traffic today at 3 p.m. Two lanes will flow northbound during morning rush hour and will switch to southbound traffic for the evening rush.
Work is still being completed on four 50-foot steel brick towers and the median.
An official grand opening for the $24 million projected will be held in late August.
Valley Park mayor apparently treated for meth abuse
According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the embattled mayor of the St. Louis County town of Valley Park was apparently treated for methamphetamine abuse. The newspaper obtained discharge documents from CenterPointe Hospital in Weldon Spring for Nathan Grellner. They show the 27-year-old mayor was admitted June 8 and checked out June 11.
The Post-Dispatch reports that Grellner declined to comment.
Grellner's stay began two days after he was arrested in Byrnes Mill on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and resisting arrest. St. Louis County police are investigating him for possible misuse of public funds.
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