Wesley Bell

As recently as Monday, prosecutors had been arguing for a St. Louis County judge to act immediately to throw Dennis Hancock, a Republican from Fenton, off the county council. He is accused of violating the state’s nepotism prohibition.

Parson and Attorney General Andrew Bailey say language in the state constitution gives the governor the power to fill all vacancies in public office, regardless of county charters.

St. Louis County’s charter calls on the county executive to name a replacement, who will require confirmation by the County Council.

Republicans Bob Onder and Jason Smith win in the 3rd and 8th districts, respectively. Democrat Wesley Bell takes the 1st.

St. Louis-area residents are remembering the lives lost since the October 2023 attacks on Israelis while navigating fears and divisions sparked by the subsequent prolonged war in Gaza.

St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell unsuccessfully sought to halt Marcellus Williams’ execution earlier this week.

Without intervention from Gov. Mike Parson or the U.S. Supreme Court, Marcellus Williams will be executed Sept. 24.

Without the ability to definitively link DNA found on the murder weapon to an alternate suspect, attorneys for Marcellus Williams relied on raising questions about the original conviction.

A judge barred St. Louis County Councilman Dennis Hancock from participating in Tuesday’s meeting for hiring his relative as an assistant. Hancock says the move is politically motivated.

A St. Louis County circuit judge accepted a deal that will keep Marcellus Williams in prison for life without parole. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is appealing.