Kirkwood’s electric department is in deep financial trouble after blowing through a $15 million budget, forcing the city to bring in an outside firm to investigate. The mess stems from a rushed substation renovation that drained city reserves and diverted funds from other departments — a pattern eerily similar to financial mismanagement by former director Mark Petty, who was fired from Detroit over two decades ago for the same issues. Petty, now ousted from Kirkwood too, walked away with a $112,000 severance — initially called “retirement,” now confirmed as a termination. City council is pushing for a third-party audit, with the state auditor recommending a private firm for speed and clarity, at a cost of $250K–$300K. The city is still deciding between state and private audit routes — but one thing’s clear: they’re determined to fix this mess and prevent it from happening again.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/21c99aa3cd2cbd1d

Happy 4th of July! - A message of Corey

A new curfew in downtown St. Louis has already led to arrests — two teens caught out past 9 p.m. were taken to a reunification center, then driven home by detectives after parents couldn’t show up, with citations issued to the parents. The curfew, targeting unaccompanied minors under 17, runs nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in Downtown and Downtown West until September 8th, a compromise between city leaders and police aimed at restoring order. Watch closely — this is just the start of how the city’s new strategy unfolds.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/3d55d98d45c36970

A 22-year-old man, Walter Burton Jr., has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in a deadly crash that killed five members of a St. Louis family in May 2022. A passenger in a stolen Jeep Cherokee, Burton allegedly fired shots during the erratic drive that ended in a head-on collision with a minivan. The crash, triggered by a high-speed police chase, left two children critically injured and five family members dead. Burton, then 17, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and weapons charges. The driver, Marshawn Stepney, received a 25-year sentence, while another teen passenger, Jaylen Holland, awaits sentencing. This case underscores that accountability extends to every participant in dangerous criminal behavior.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/53c6f9fa54b8df71

St. Louis’ Fourth of July bash is getting a weather delay—opening at 3:30 PM Saturday due to incoming storms, but the indoor Innovation Village at Live! by Loew’s stays open. Weather officials warn of severe thunderstorms until 7 PM, so plan accordingly. This follows a recent hiccup at the Chain of Rocks water plant, reminding us the city’s infrastructure keeps running behind the scenes. Meanwhile, St. Louis County seniors have a Tuesday deadline to lock in or apply for a property tax freeze—don’t miss it. Despite the weather, the city’s still buzzing with events and deadlines—just roll with the punches.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/6456b104dee8bc57