SUMMARY: Authorities have made progress in the kidnapping and murder case of 37-year-old Michelle Hampton, recovering her vehicle and seizing another car linked to the incident. Hampton was abducted at gunpoint by a masked man outside her home and forced to drive to various locations in St. Louis, accompanied by a second suspect in a truck. After withdrawing cash from an ATM, her body was later discovered in an alley. Her sister, Samantha, described a terrifying encounter when she attempted to chase the abductors, during which shots were fired at her vehicle. A GoFundMe has been set up for Hampton’s family.

In the past hour, police say they’ve seized a vehicle of interest and the victim’s car was recovered. They are still searching for the suspect.

Source

SUMMARY: A groundbreaking project in North St. Louis, Doorways, has completed a $40 million initiative to combat homelessness and health disparities among individuals living with HIV. The facility offers 39 permanent housing units with on-site career services, a food pantry, behavioral health support, and the newly opened Boca Pharmacy, addressing a local pharmacy shortage. The units are intentionally unfurnished to allow residents to personalize their spaces, emphasizing a connection to nature and health. This project addresses the urgent need for housing, as there are over 8,000 reported HIV cases in St. Louis, according to state health services.

A groundbreaking effort to combat homelessness and health disparities in north St. Louis is now complete. Doorways is offering …

Source

SUMMARY: Montgomery County leaders convened a special meeting in Hillsboro after property owners faced staggering tax increases of up to 1500%. Local officials, including state representatives Blain Willauer and Rosenthal, expressed concerns that solutions are unlikely from Springfield. The steep assessment hikes, particularly for wooded acreage, stem from a poorly implemented 2007 state law intended to promote conservation. Assessor Kendra N. has offered to delay increases for landowners committing to conservation plans. However, Willauer argues this compromise undermines private property rights and urges the county to adopt a fairer approach, as other counties manage these assessments differently.

Two local State Representatives are urging the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners to find a solution after some landowners saw a 1500% increase in their wooded acreage assessments.

“At the drop of a hat here they’re going one year to the next with 1000% to 3000% increase in property taxes,” Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-IL 110th) said.

Source