We know that you listen to us on air and check our website for news and information about our region. We hope that you look at our website every day, but we know that's not always possible. So, once a week, on Friday, we will highlight some of the website's top stories of the week. With Ferguson continuing to dominate the news, this edition of the Rundown looks at the stories that get behind the daily headlines.
In Ferguson
Holder: Visit To Ferguson Influenced Decision To Launch Probe Of Ferguson Police
Attorney General Eric Holder said Thursday that his conversations with residents of Ferguson during his visit two weeks ago influenced his decision to investigate the city’s police department. Ferguson’s mayor, city manager and police chief say they welcome the investigation and pledge complete cooperation.
Stenger Says Ferguson Unrest Warranted County State Of Emergency Declaration
Steve Stenger, the Democratic nominee for county executive, said that move would have allowed Dooley to temporarily take control of the St. Louis County Police Department – which he said could have avoided a “leadership vacuum” throughout August.
Amid Anger Over Brown's Death, Structurally Limited Mayor Vows To Make Changes
Inside the sweltering Wellspring Church in Ferguson, Ferguson Mayor James Knowles III Knowles faced intense criticism from audience members. He said he’s going to try to make changes, even though his office is structurally limiting. Knowles said the City Council has agreed to establish a citizen review board for the police. He also said the city’s police officers are getting cameras — something that wasn’t in place when Michael Brown was shot.
This Is Ferguson: Church Food Pantry Doing Its 'Little Bit Of Good'
Donations have been pouring into the little volunteer food pantry housed at the Episcopal church on North Clay Avenue since a local TV station mentioned it on the news. People have come from all over St. Louis, from Fenton and Alton and Belleville to drop off canned goods they’ve collected in food drives for Ferguson held at businesses, universities and churches.
What Could Happen If There's No Indictment Or Conviction In Michael Brown's Death
The federal government is sharply limited in what it can do to address a police killing such as the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson. Few allegations of police brutality are prosecuted and the burden of proof is extremely high. Courts give police the benefit of the doubt, not wanting to second-guess decisions made in the “heat of battle.” Attorney General Eric Holder’s Justice Department has brought more cases than previous administrations. But the numbers are dwarfed by the allegations.
Former Ferguson-Florissant Superintendent Gets New Job, Retains Local Involvement
Art McCoy may have a new job with an international focus, but the former superintendent of the Ferguson-Florissant school district says he will still pay attention to the need for better learning in north St. Louis County.
Death Penalty
Missouri Swore It Wouldn’t Use A Controversial Execution Drug. It Did.
The three worst botched executions this year had at least one thing in common: The states all used a drug called midazolam to sedate the inmate, with varying levels of success. Top Missouri officials said that Missouri doesn’t use the same drugs as those other states. But an investigation by St. Louis Public Radio shows that wasn't entirely true: Missouri has used Midazolam in every execution since November of last year.
That's really weird
Think You’re Nerdy? Meet Weird Al Yankovic's STL Superfan
Katie Borders, 33, of Webster Groves, is thrilled about Weird Al's resurgence. Borders is no fair-weather fan. She’s followed Al since she was a high school senior in 1999, later driving as far as Los Angeles and Bethlehem, Penn. to see him perform — something she’s now done 26 times. She has the T-shirts, photos, signed banners and other souvenirs to prove it.
