🌱 Nonprofit Gives Out "Love Packages" + Mayoral Candidate Accusations

Hello, friends. It's Monday in St. Louis and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in the community.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Sunny to partly cloudy. High: 55 Low: 38.
• Tuesday: Periods of rain and a t-storm. High: 53 Low: 46.

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

1. St. Louis-based nonprofit organization Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation held its 10th annual love packages event on Saturday. During the event, the organization, which works to support survivors of domestic violence, handed out what they call "love packages" filled with essential supplies — as well as flowers and hugs. (KSDK.com)
2. Mayoral candidate Marie Franklin of East St. Louis across the river accused a current city official of breaking the state's campaign laws. Franklin accused East St. Louis clerk Debra Tidwell of using the city's letterhead for her campaign contribution flyers, which is against Illinois' law prohibiting the use of public funds to endorse a candidate. (KMOV4)
3. Owners of puppies six months and younger brought their pups to a Puppy Bowl event in St. Louis on Saturday. The puppies participated in four games, and during halftime for each game, local rescue groups featured puppies that are currently available for adoption. The event's organizers plan to host the event again next year. (KMOV4)

Today and tomorrow in St. Louis:

Monday, February 13

• St. Louis County Senior Card Club For Pinochle And Bridge At Crestwood Community Center (11:00 AM)

Tuesday, February 14

• Fabricating Empire: Folk Textiles And The Making Of Early 20th-Century Austrian Design At Saint Louis Art Museum (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Mark your calendar for the GroveFest! The free annual street festival and community event will take place this year on Oct. 7. (Saint Louis, MO via Instagram)
• Come watch the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department take on the St. Louis County Police Department in a friendly game of basketball. Ballin' in the Lou will take place on Saturday, Mar. 4 at 12 p.m. at Jennings High School. (St. Louis County Police Department via Facebook)
• Looking for a great new job? St. Louis County Parks is hiring full-time and part-time positions in areas like building maintenance, seasonal employment, maintenance, and more! Learn more bout joining the park's team here. (St. Louis County Parks via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with your next update!

— 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.