SUMMARY: St. Louis officials announced a significant reduction in crime, highlighting 2024 as having the lowest homicide rate since 2013, with 150 reported cases. Overall crime decreased by 15% from 2023, with notable drops in various offenses, though burglaries rose by 3%. The SLPD attributes this progress to modern, data-driven strategies and community engagement initiatives. Mayor Tishaura Jones emphasized ongoing commitment to lowering the homicide rate, while Police Chief Robert Tracy pointed to targeted crime mapping and accountability for illegal gun use as key focuses. Discussions are underway regarding potential state control of the police department amid the progress made.

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SUMMARY: Bank of America is offering a paid internship program called Student Leaders, aimed at high school juniors and seniors. This eight-week summer internship provides valuable community experience through partnerships with organizations like the United Way of Greater St. Louis. Participants will also attend a weeklong summit in Washington, D.C., focusing on the collaboration between government, nonprofits, and business sectors. Bank of America seeks passionate, community-focused students with proven leadership and long-term service records. The application deadline is approaching quickly, and those interested can apply at bankofamerica.com/studentleaders.

Bank of America Market Executive Katie Fischer joins the morning show to talk about the Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program, which is an 8-week paid internship giving students the chance to learn first-hand about the needs of the community. The program also offers an all-expense paid trip to a leadership summit in Washington, D.C. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Jan. 15.

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SUMMARY: In Los Angeles, fierce winds threaten containment efforts of two large wildfires that have already destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people. Firefighters, supplemented by additional crews from across North America, are deploying water tankers and air support as winds are anticipated to reach up to 65 mph. Residents in high-risk areas have been advised to evacuate proactively. Although some neighborhoods have been re-accessed, nearly 100,000 people remain under evacuation orders. The fires have consumed over 12,000 structures and could potentially become the nation’s costliest disaster, with damage estimates exceeding $250 billion.

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