Despite stomach-wrenching news for two of this area's biggest -- and best-known -- corporate citizens, observers  say the sky is not falling on the St. Louis economy. Chrysler is shutting one plant in Fenton and cutting a production shift at a second. Some 2,400 Chrysler workers will be laid off. But some analysts say the region is strong enough to weather this economic storm.

Chrysler will shut down minivan production in Fenton and will reduce pickup production to one shift. The changes, spurred by slow sales and company financial goals, will happen in September and October. About 1,500 workers produce minivans here, and 900 are in the shift of Dodge Ram truck production that will be cut. The ripple affect on St. Louis' economy worries business and political leaders.

Read full Wall Street Journal story.

Need a new roof? What about sedum? The hardy perennial is a green alternative -- literally -- to conventional materials. Researchers are studying the option at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Some local institutions are incorporating green roofs, including the Zoo (right, photo from SWT Design.)

Those who are pushing for a revitalized Jefferson National Expansion Memorial say they fear the meetings to hear public comments about change are just "window dressing." But Park Service officials say they have not made up their mind about potential changes.

The lights are on and doors are open at the new home for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. The organization that's been serving St. Louis for 94 years hopes its move brings in new vounteers as it energizes the operation and another corner of Grand Center.

Photo by Tom Nagel | The Beacon 

Got any ideas for improving the Arch grounds? Well, now's the time for sharing them. The arch superintendent has scheduled two public meetings -- June 25 and July 1 -- when people can share their views.

Photo by Rachel Heidenry, Beacon 

To get people to move into lofts and condominiums in the heart of the city, which has experienced a residential resurgence in the last decade, property developers in downtown St. Louis are switching strategy. In these tight economic times, developers are moving away from sales and turning to rentals to attract new residents.

Photo courtesy of Downtown St. Louis Partnership 

What is your vision for the Gateway Arch grounds? The National Park Service is inviting the public to weigh in on plans for the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial at "open house style meetings'' on June 25 and July 1. The Memorial includes the Arch and Old Courthouse.