Tim Lloyd

On Saturday afternoon the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus wrapped up the second of two forums aimed at engaging African American constituents. 

The first town hall was held in Kansas City last weekend and legislators covered a broad range of topics that included crime, education and economic development.

The event was moderated by newly elected Rep. Michael Butler, D-St. Louis, who represents a sizable chunk of St. Louis City.

The St. Louis County Council has given final approval for plans to put a zip-line course in Creve Coeur Park.  

Several residents, however, told council members Tuesday night that the location of the course will disturb native bird populations and disrupt an otherwise tranquil section of the park.

Deborah Moulton said the county should have done a better job getting public input.

“We think the public has a right and a duty to come and have a conversation with you,” Moulton said.  “Right now that conversation hasn’t happened.”

At a community forum in north St. Louis County Monday night, elected officials, law enforcement and educators discussed ways to curb youth violence.   In short, speakers said tackling the problem will require a collective effort and include everything from affordable housing to job creation.

Even though the root causes of violence are often complex, Lt. Colonial Ken Gregory of the St. Louis County Police said fostering healthy families is where the solution starts.

“We don’t have that working for us then we have nothing,” Gregory said. 

During his State of the Union Address last week President Barack Obama told the nation that now is the time to take action on climate change.

Over the weekend hundreds of Missourians traveled to the nation’s capital to take part in a massive rally  aimed at pushing the president to make good on his pledge.

Sara Edgar is with the Sierra Club and said public awareness for climate issues has been steadily growing.

On Tuesday night the St. Louis County Council moved one step closer to approving a plan to build a zip-line course in Creve Coeur Park. 

Some residents, however, continue to raise concerns about its location and potential impact on wildlife.

Others, like Mike Meredith, say the so called treetop adventure course would be a distraction.