A recount of Missouri primary votes has upheld state Sen. Chris Koster's victory over Rep. Margaret Donnelly (right) as the Democratic nominee for attorney general, Secretary of State Robin Carnahan announced today. Koster of Harrisonville defeated Donnelly of Richmond Heights by 829 votes in the Aug. 5 primary, Koster gaining 49 votes, from the original count.

On Thursday, the two candidates for state attorney general, Republican state Sen. Michael Gibbons and Democratic state Sen. Chris Koster, debated before a group of journalists at the University of Missouri. The two candidates found plenty of areas of disagreement: the nonpartisan court plan, the shield law protecting journalists, and the ongoing investigation into Gov. Matt Blunt's emails.

In the first eight months of this year, Vespa St. Louis doubled 2007's total in scooter sales. Enthusiasts have developed an online community and many will gather the weekend of Sept. 12 for a rally. The Beacon looks at the rise in scooter ridership, emissions improvements and tips for riding in colder weather. (Photo by Maggie Madonia)

For nearly 20 years, Jefferson Garland Mansell has been fascinated with St. Louis' historic architecture -- but always from afar. Not anymore. Mansell will soon move into a renovated historic loft building in downtown St. Louis and begin work as the new executive director of the Landmarks Association of St. Louis. Before he arrives, though, Mansell talked with the St. Louis Beacon. 

The School of Journalism at the University of Missouri at Columbia celebrates its centennial at a time when newspapers may be facing their greatest challenges: declining readership, advertising revenue and space. At the new Reynolds Journalism Institute on the MU campus, journalists and students will experiment with innovations in technology and news gathering to help rejuvenate journalism. 

Three candidates to become the next superintendent of the St. Louis public school system met with the public at Vashon High School. All talked about improving student achievement, and two were closely questioned about lapses in previous posts.

Telling supporters that a deteriorating national economy has put "the whole notion of the American dream on hold," Democratic vice presidential candidate Joseph Biden told a crowd of several hundred at Mehlville High School that the Republican ticket presents a serious threat to middle-class workers. Sen. John McCain, the GOP nominee, is out of touch with the economic concerns of the average family, Biden said.

Remember when Hillary Rodham Clinton was inevitable and Barack Obama was just a guy with a future to watch? Remember when John McCain was yesterday's news and Rudy Giuliani -- no, Fred Thompson -- was the candidate with the sizzle? This unconventional year has upended conventional wisdom and has turned the race into a cliffhanger.

Helen Weiss, the public relations maven who staged an array of special events that delighted millions of Famous-Barr and Macy’s customers over nearly half a century, died Tuesday (September 9) at home in Clayton from complications of colon cancer. She was 83.

Update: Funeral services will be Friday.