Maria Altman

Protest Planned Against Monsanto

Maria Altman — Fri, 24 May 2013 22:00:52 +0000

Opponents of agribusiness giant Monsanto say they expect as many as 500 people to gather at the company’s Creve Coeur headquarters Saturday for a protest.

The 1 p.m. rally is part of a larger March Against Monsanto taking place in several U.S. and foreign cities.

Daniel Romano with Safe Food Action St. Louis says he thinks people are ready to vent their frustration over Monsanto’s practices and power.

St. Louis Aldermen Push City-County Economic Partnership Bill Forward

Maria Altman — Thu, 23 May 2013 22:00:46 +0000

A new economic development agreement between St. Louis City and County is a step closer to reality.

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen moved a bill forward Thursday that would create a long-talked about partnership.

The bill’s sponsor, Alderman Fred Wessels of the 13th Ward, says it will create entity to serve businesses that want to move into the region.

St. Louis Jimmy John's Workers Stage Walk-Out For Higher Wages

Maria Altman — Wed, 08 May 2013 21:52:50 +0000

Employees at a Jimmy John’s franchise in St. Louis’ Soulard neighborhood staged a walk-out today.

The workers are seeking $15 an hour, rather than the $7.35 minimum they currently make.

In a statement, workers also complained of being publicly disciplined for trivial incidents and forced to wear signs.

Shamniqua Clark says it was the right decision for her to take part in the walk-out.

It's Tough Going Right Now For Missouri, Illinois Corn Growers

Maria Altman — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:00:21 +0000

Farmers in Missouri, Illinois and much of the Midwest are having a tough time getting their corn planted.

The US Department of Agriculture says in Illinois just 7 percent of the corn crop is in the ground; while in Missouri it’s 22 percent.

Usually, nearly half of the nation’s corn has been planted by this time.

Protesters Return To St. Louis As Patriot Coal Health Benefits Case Continues

Maria Altman — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 22:33:11 +0000

A motion by Patriot Coal to cut health benefits for 10,000 retired miners was heard Monday in a federal bankruptcy court in St. Louis.

More than 1,500 protesters, many with the United Mine Workers of America, rallied in downtown to draw attention to the case.

The UMWA is angry with Patriot for asking a federal bankruptcy judge to allow it to shed about $1.6 billion in liabilities.