2005

National opinion has finally turned on the Bush Administration. The Iraq War is now seen by most Americans as a failure and, perhaps more importantly, as unnecessary. The question is now being publicly debated whether…

[The following editorial, published in last week's print edition of PUB DEF Weekly, was the focus of some discussion on 'Collateral Damage' on KDHX Monday night. In the interest of public discourse, we are making…

Future of Gifted Education, Magnet Schools in DoubtBy Peter DownsNovember 22, 2005 –– Last Friday, David Welch, director of gifted education programs for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, gave representatives from metropolitan…

PUB DEF Weekly is pleased to announce it is now hosting a blog for Peter Down's informative St. Louis Schools Watch.The URL is http://slswatch.pubdef.net and it will be updated often, so check it regularly.This continues…

The Public Safety Committee of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen will be meeting tomorrow to discuss Board Bill #69. The controversial bill, sponsored by Ald. Terry Kennedy, would create a Civilian Review Board to…

Jane Bogetto, the Democratic candidate in the Nov. 8th special election for the 94th House District seat vacated by the death of Rep. Richard Byrd, will be speaking to the Washington University Young Democrats Monday,…

October 24, 2005 -- Mayor Francis Slay will join 15th Ward Alderman Jennifer Florida for a Town Hall Meeting tonight, Monday, October 24.The meeting will be at the Carpenter Branch Library, on the corner of…

The campaign of State Rep. Yaphett El-Amin (D-57) is getting off to a slow start, but contrary to earlier reports she has raised some money. Her campaign has raised $5,225 since announcing her candidacy for…

A Letter to the Editor from Helen Louise HerndonToday's leading editorial in the Post-Dispatch, a scathing criticism of the school district, is somewhat overdue. All along, its editors and commentary page editor refused any articles…

October 17, 2005 -- Kudos to the staff at Shaw Visual and Performing Arts Elementary School for moving away from group punishments, and for trying new techniques for maintaining order in the lunchroom, and kudos…