🌱 Sunday's Purina Pet Parade + Building Collapse Along I-70

Hello again, hello! It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the St. Louis Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Clouds giving way to some sun. High: 41 Low: 21.

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

1. The 30th annual Purina Pet Parade takes place on Sunday! At the world’s largest costumed pet parade, participants will see an adorable combination of all the fun of Mardi Gras with the furriest, cutest parade participants. The parade is free to watch; afterward, head straight to the Taste of Soulard or Wiener Dog Derby. If you and your pet want to be in the parade, register beforehand online or on the day of the event at 12th and Allen. (KSDK.com)
2. Changes are coming to the St. Louis riverfront, with more approval of the $1.2 billion plan. The St. Louis Port Authority board approved a master redevelopment agreement with the developer. Next up is the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority, which still needs to sign off on the agreement. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
3. A building collapsed near I-70 yesterday morning. Thankfully, the building was abandoned and no one was hurt. The St. Louis Fire Department deployed a drone to investigate the collapse. The situation is developing and is still under investigation. (KTVI Fox 2 St. Louis)

Today in St. Louis:

• Open Play At Play Street Museum (9:00 AM)
• AARP Tax-Aide At St. Louis County Library – Indian Trails Branch (9:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Around 8 a.m. on Wednesday, a male Andean bear named Ben was discovered outside of its habitat in the River’s Edge. The St. Louis Zoo Animal Emergency Response protocol was implemented and various team members responded accordingly. By 9:40 a.m., Ben was secured near his habitat, tranquilized, and safely returned to the indoor holding area. (Saint Louis Zoo via Facebook)
• Saint Louis Science Center's new exhibit is a hit with locals. Watch new testimonials from guests who experienced the "Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall" exhibition. (Saint Louis Science Center via Facebook)
• Severe weather can cause widespread devastation, and some states are more prone to disaster-related property damage than others. Due mainly to tornados, Missouri ranks No. 11 in the U.S. for total property damage, with an average of $1,071.27 per capita. See how our state stacks up against the rest of the country in this new interactive study. (NeighborWho)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— 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.