Shameem Hubbard

Property taxes for senior homeowners in St. Louis will be frozen, thanks to a bill passed Friday by the Board of Aldermen.

In a speech outlining a broad progressive agenda, St. Louis Board of Aldermen President Megan Green called for disagreements to be productive. But debate in the chambers quickly turned nasty and personal.

About 440 eligible families will receive $500 a month for 18 months with no strings attached.

The proposal from Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard of the 26th Ward would direct $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds toward monthly payments for eligible residents. Details are still being worked out.

The newly-formed Detention Facilities Oversight Board will continue to review complaints of alleged misconduct in the jails. The board has the power to issue subpoenas to witnesses or production of documents, as well as be granted access to city detention facilities upon request.

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen passed a bill Friday that puts the Detention Facilities Oversight Board and the Civilian Police Oversight Board under a civilian commissioner.

Work on the changes began last May, when aldermen approved the Detention Facilities Oversight Board. But supporters will have to carefully count votes, and lobby their colleagues, to send it to the mayor on Friday.

The gate on Delmar Boulevard is one of about 285 street barriers blocking access into neighborhoods. Some proponents of keeping it open hope doing so sparks a larger conversation about accessibility across the city.

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones took her oath of office on Tuesday, promising to transform a city that's long struggled with a vexing racial divide and economic decline.

Community activists in St. Louis are trying to persuade black people to register to vote by reminding them of voter suppression efforts across the…