🌱 Former STL Officer Acquitted + Judge Follows Up On Attorney's Cases

Hello, everybody. It's Saturday in St. Louis and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community.

But first, today's weather:

Warmer; breezy in the p.m.. High: 53 Low: 39.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

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

1. A former St. Louis officer was acquitted on rape charges. Lafeal Lawshea was arrested on rape charges dating back to 2009. Yesterday, the jury found Lawshea not guilty on both counts of forcible rape. (KMOV4)
2. A 5-year-old student arrived at Principia Lower School with a gun in their backpack. The weapon was found in the child's tote by a teacher at around 8:45 a.m. The Town and Country Police Department is currently investigating the incident, stating it was an “inadvertent incident with no intention on the part of the student.” (Riverfront Times)
3. Judge Elizabeth Hogan is inquiring about what's next for dozens of cases following an attorney's in-court seizure. The attorney has had three medical issues in court. While Judge Hogan's letter doesn't place personal fault on the attorney for the incident, it does ask when and how the attorney's 13 murder cases and 73 other cases will get their day in court. (KSDK.com)

Today in St. Louis:

• Bug Buddies At Cliff Cave Branch Library Meeting Room (10:00 AM)
• Ranger Talk: Ulysses S. Grant And Frederick Douglass At Ulysses S. Grant National Park (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Come hibernate with the City Museum on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 5-9 p.m. at Hibernation Libation, a slumber party-style event for adults! Cocktail and mocktail tastings, comfy places to “hang out,” karaoke, and more will be offered for $20. (City Museum, St Louis, MO via Facebook)
• Vote for your zoo, the Saint Louis Zoo, in USA Today’s 10Best! You can vote daily to support the zoo in the contest. The Saint Louis Zoo prides itself on being a wildlife protector, a conservation leader, and a fun place to come out and play — and hopes you think so too! (Saint Louis Zoo via Facebook)
• Saint Louis Science Center is hiring part-time camp counselors for its Summer STEAM Camp. The camp will take place from May 22 to Aug. 1. Counselors will work in the mornings —afternoons, nights, and weekends are free! The position also offers competitive wages. (Saint Louis Science Center via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.