News briefs:
$10,000 offered in killing of N. County food truck owner
Friends and fellow business owners are remembering Ronald Milton as a generous, community-minded entrepreneur while seeking answers in his killing.
Milton, 41, owned Backyard BBQ, a food truck that operated in Ferguson and across North St. Louis County. He was known for feeding neighbors in need, including after last year’s tornado, often staying late to serve families.
“His smile. His energy. The way he gave,” Jay Johnson of King’s Auto Repair said of Milton, speaking to KSDK.
Milton was fatally shot Sunday while working at his food truck.
Local businesses have offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Anyone with information should contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.
Bell calls for debates; Bush says she’s open to the idea
U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell has called for televised debates with former Rep. Cori Bush ahead of the Aug. 4 Democratic primary, according to reporting by St. Louis Magazine.
Bush’s campaign said she is open to debates but raised safety concerns.
Polling shows a split electorate, with Bush stronger among younger, progressive voters in St. Louis, and Bell leading among older, frequent primary voters in St. Louis County. Campaign finance reports show Bell with a sizable cash advantage, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Normandy superintendent Triplett placed on leave
Normandy Schools Collaborative placed Superintendent Dr. Michael Triplett on administrative leave on Tuesday and named Cheryl Harris, the district’s director of federal programs, as interim superintendent.
The district remains provisionally accredited, with test scores and enrollment continuing to lag, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
Triplett, a 2025 St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Excellence awardee, was hired to lead the district three years ago.
Judge orders state to repay ex-Rep. Price over censure fine
A Cole County judge has ordered Missouri officials to repay former state Rep. Wiley Price more than $22,000, ruling the House lacked authority to impose and collect a financial penalty tied to his 2021 censure.
Judge Brian Stumpe said the sanction expired with the prior legislative session.
The censure followed an ethics investigation into allegations he lied about a relationship with an intern and retaliated against a staffer.
Rev. Blackmon to keynote NAACP County Freedom Fund Dinner
The NAACP St. Louis County Branch will host its 89th Annual Freedom Fund Dinner at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at the St. Louis Airport Marriott Hotel.
The theme, “For Such a Time as This: Leadership Today, Tomorrow, and Always,” highlights the role of leadership in civil rights efforts, said branch president Charlie A. Dooley.
The Rev. Traci D. Blackmon, known for her role in the Ferguson protests, will deliver the keynote address.
Clayton to dedicate marker honoring historic Black church
The city of Clayton will host a marker dedication April 30 recognizing the First Baptist Church of Clayton, once a central institution in the area’s African American community.
The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at Brentwood Boulevard and Bonhomme Avenue.
Speakers include Adrian Rice, Pastor L. James Tate and educator Donna Rogers-Beard, highlighting the church’s role before its closure in 1961.
East St. Louis resident named 2026 Young Visionary
Grace Griffin, a fifth-generation resident of East St. Louis, has been named the 2026 Jamala Rogers Young Visionary, an award recognizing young people working on social justice issues.
Griffin plans to use the $3,000 stipend to launch a community campaign focused on improving access to healthy food and addressing environmental concerns.
The annual award honors emerging leaders influenced by longtime activist Jamala Rogers.
Free fishing derby set for May 23 at Fairground Park
A free community fishing derby is scheduled for May 23 at Fairground Park in St. Louis, offering a morning of fishing and outdoor activities for all ages.
The event runs from 7 a.m. to noon, with equipment provided while supplies last, and no fishing permit required. Organized by Fairground Park for All and the Missouri Department of Conservation, the derby includes demonstrations and prizes.
Participants can register at bit.ly/fpfa-fishing-derby.