🌱 Federal Major Disaster Declaration Request + Downtown Investment

Hello and happy Friday. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

📣 Our readers love to celebrate good news! You can now shout out your big announcement at the top of the St. Louis Daily newsletter. Whether it's a grand opening, new product for sale, birthday, anniversary, engagement, wedding or new baby, let everyone celebrate alongside you! Submit your announcement here.

Now, today's weather:

Some sun with a stray thunderstorm. High: 89 Low: 75.

Here are the top three stories today in St. Louis:

1. Missouri Governor Parson has asked the federal government for disaster assistance for St. Louis. Historic flooding impacted the area last week. The governor asked President Biden to issue a federal major disaster declaration. The order would provide additional aid support. A Multi-Agency Resource Center has been set up at Friendly Temple Church on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive for today and tomorrow. (KFVS)
2. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has demanded St. Louis' Wilson's Pest Control stop selling non-compliant pesticides. According to the agency, the shop is currently selling at least 10 unregistered or misbranded products. They could be a danger to the community. The shop has locations in St. Louis and Overland. (KTVI Fox 2 St. Louis)
3. St. Louis business leaders are calling for more downtown public safety investment. According to the group, the city is not spending enough on a neighborhood that provides 20 percent of the city's general fund. Currently, the city only spends 5 percent of its spending on the area. Downtown is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic but it needs investment. (St. Louis Public Radio)

Today in St. Louis:

• Lap Time At Weber Road Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Cirque de Phil At St Louis Philharmonic Orchestra (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Saint Louis Zoo reminds residents that it has five different owl species at the zoo. Click to plan your next visit. (Saint Louis Zoo via Facebook)
• The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra opens its 2022-2023 season on Sept. 17. Click to buy tickets. (St. Louis Symphony Orchestra via Facebook)
• The next Gateway Arch Coffee with a Ranger event is on Saturday at 10:15 a.m. This is a perfect opportunity to learn about the national park and its operations. The event will be at the Arch Café tables in the tram lobby. Everyone is welcome. (Gateway Arch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Lowered Costs for 2022, Get Your Cannabis Card from Home! (August 7)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Helen Eckhard

About me: Helen Eckhard is a marketing assistant at Lightning Media Partners. She is a self-professed logophile who is currently pursuing her master’s degree in library science. Outside of work, you can find Helen constructing crossword puzzles, knitting, or devising increasingly crafty ways to kill off characters in her mystery novels.