Evening Briefing in St. Louis: September 8

Good evening, St. Louis. We’re wrapping up the day for you with the most important stories you need to know and your weather outlook.

Introducing Spectrum News+
Watch the latest news and more local stories from across the country.

---

Today’s Big Stories

1. Who killed Margaret Walsh 45 years ago? Police need public’s help solving this cold case

The Ellisville Police Department has reopened its one and only homicide case that remains unsolved after 45 years. While investigators are asking for the public’s help with possible new leads, they are hopeful the case will be solved thanks to modern DNA technology.

2. Missouri’s extraordinary session on redistricting, IP reform enters new phase

Monday will see the return of full floor activity in the Missouri House as state lawmakers continue the extraordinary session called by Gov. Mike Kehoe to redraw the state’s congressional maps and pass changes to the state’s initiative petition system.

3. EPA says West Lake landfill timeline on track

A few months after Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Lee Zeldin committed more workers than ever before to clean-up the West Lake landfill Superfund site, Spectrum News caught up with him while covering a new EPA food waste prevention initiative.

4. Mo. Independent: New Missouri attorney general inherits more than 120 pending Sunshine Law requests

The backlog of public records requests has bedeviled Bailey since he was appointed to take over the office after Eric Schmitt resigned to join the U.S. Senate. It’s a situation observers say would be unacceptable for any government agency but is especially problematic for the office in charge of enforcing Missouri’s Sunshine Law — designed to ensure the public has access to government records and meetings.

5. Hawaii tops rankings for happiest states

It’s partially the sunshine and the surf. Hawaii is the happiest state in the U.S., according to a new ranking from WalletHub. With the longest life expectancy of any state and the second-lowest depression rate, Hawaiians clearly enjoy living on an island paradise.

6. Winning Powerball ticket bought in St. Louis

Someone who went a northern St. Louis County QuikTrip had a terrific Saturday night whether they knew it or not. Missouri Lottery announced that the $893.5 million winning ticket was sold at 12110 Lusher Road in Spanish Lake.

It’s been almost four months since an EF-3 tornado damaged thousands of homes and businesses in St. Louis. Local artists are looking to bring vibrancy back to areas most impacted through the Paint The Way Home project in Delmar.