McCaskill, Murder Capital, U. City TIF: 2018 Year In Review

ST. LOUIS, MO — It's been quite a year, and as we head into 2019, it can be a good time to take a look back at the past year and the biggest stories from around St. Louis.

So let's ring in the new year with a stroll down memory lane.

Click here for a photo gallery of the best photos from St. Louis Patch in 2018 here.

Saint Louis Women's March Draws Massive Crowds: Photos
The January 20 Women's March came as a record number of women across the country sought public office.

St. Louis Named A 'Murder Capital Of America'
St. Louis was number four on the list, while East St. Louis came in at number one.

Watch: Florissant Teen Wows Judges On The Voice
I think you are the best vocalist that has auditioned this year," judge Blake Shelton told her.

Josh Hawley Defeats Claire McCaskill In Missouri Senate Race
"This state drives me crazy but I love every corner of it," McCaskill said Tuesday night.

Thomas Bruce, 53, Charged In Catholic Supply Sex Assault, KillingMcCulloch said Bruce forced three women into the back room and "committed these horrible acts," which included sexual assault.

Missing St. Louis Ballet Dancer Found Dead In Mark Twain Lake
"Coming to St. Louis to dance with this person I had watched growing up was so exciting," Raffaella Stroik said in a YouTube video

Clayton High School Students Stage Walkout Over Gun Violence
Watch as students at Clayton High School call for stricter gun laws and safer schools.

Wandering Corgi Takes Ride On One-Eyed Pony: Watch
A corgi that won't stay home took rides a one-eyed pony like a pro, staying on even when Cricket trotted away — and the internet loves it.

Duck Boat Investigation: Company Warned, 'Black Box' Recovered
A local inspector warned the company in 2017 that their boats' design flaws could lead to passengers being trapped on board.

TIF Vote Was Just First Step For Contentious U. City Development
"Black, white, Asian — people should all be standing up, in the streets protesting against it," said state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal.

'Felony Lane Gang' Targeting Women In Saint Louis
The thieves stake out gyms, parks, daycares and sporting events, waiting to break into victims' cars and steal unattended purses.

St Charles White Supremacist Hijacked Amtrak Train, FBI Says
The St. Charles man had ties white supremacists groups, interest in "killing black people" and a cache of weapons, the FBI says.

Hundreds Gather For #ProtectMueller Protest In St. Louis: Watch
"Trump has triggered a serious constitutional crisis," activists said before demonstrating at Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis.

Hazelwood Woman Fights Off Carjacker At Gas Station

Police say the woman "handled [the situation] very assertively," pulling the carjacker out of the vehicle by his hoodie.

Children Watch As Mother Gunned Down In Attempted Carjacking
"You just want to cry when you think about it," said St. Louis County prosecutor Robert McCulloch.

Police Looking For Woman 'Too Old To Be Wearing Aeropostale'
Police are looking for a suspect described as a thin, blond woman who is "too old to be wearing Aeropostale."

Police Say Activist's Death Was A Suicide, Mother Says Murder
"They lynched my baby," Danye Jones' mother wrote on Facebook shortly after she found her son dead in the backyard.

Meet The Owl Man Who Prowls Forest Park By Night
"There's just something about owls," Mark Glenshaw says. "They kind of look like us...and we have to respond to that."

Fifty Shades Of Greitens? BDSM, Abuse And The Difference
A sex-positive activist says many people were inspired by "Fifty Shades of Grey," though not always in the healthiest of ways.

Missouri's 100 Best Public High Schools: New Rankings Released
New rankings from Niche.com show the 100 best public high schools in Missouri. Is yours on the list?

St. Louis Primary 2018: Bell Beats Bob, Stenger Will Stay
The 2018 primary race for St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney was a stunning upset.

Mike Butler Canvasses With Youth Group Ahead Of Aug. 7 Election
"We've been hashing out the same issues for 30 years," Butler said. "We need some new policy solutions."

University City Robolions Headed For World Robotics Competition
The team competed in semi-finals in March at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis.

Saint Louis Ethical Leader Calls For Second Amendment Repeal
James Croft joins a growing chorus of voices calling for gun reform that includes student activists and a former Supreme Court justice.

Image via Shutterstock