News

Afghan Community Center and Chamber of Commerce opens in south St. Louis

Published

2 years ago

February 12, 2023

[ad_1]

ST. LOUIS – For more than 200 years, immigrants have made their way to the United States and St. Louis in search of the American dream.

Some are escaping extreme hardships, poverty, and war. But now there’s a new home for the newest residents of St. Louis.

“Officially opening the Afghan Chamber of Commerce and also the Afghan Community Center,” said Gul Godakhil with the Afghan Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber of Commerce will help the Afghans who try to open a business in St. Louis City. We’ll help them with business planning, business administration, and finance through the bank. A lot of people have that experience in here, so this is a major step for us.”

A joyous occasion to celebrate the Afghan support program, which began in January 2021. In that time, the program has helped refugees resettle in St. Louis, learn computer coding, receive housing assistance, and use iPads to bridge the language barrier. The program also received entrepreneurial grants of $15,000 for select recipients trying to start a business.

Top story – Did a childhood game of ding dong ditch go wrong?

“We at the International Institute actually have resettled about 725 in the last year,” said Arrey Obenson, president and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis. “But since then, we’ve seen about 150 Afghans come, so we’re approaching one thousand Afghans that have come to St. Louis.”

The ribbon cutting celebrated the new individuals and families establishing roots and thriving in St. Louis thanks to a group of civic leaders and faith-based leaders working together.

As well as the first Afghan Chamber of Commerce in the United States and the new Afghan newspaper called Akhbar St. Louis.

“When I came here, I needed mentors who sounded like me and wore clothes like me,” said Moji Sidiqi, program manager for Afghan Community Development. “But they didn’t exist. So, I held onto my identity in the best way that I could. But now it’s literally like decoration being Afghan. I mean, look at how St. Louis is celebrating being Afghan. I mean, who would have thought, not me. I’m still dreaming.”

Close Modal

Suggest a Correction

[ad_2]

Source link

News

Man attacks Jeff Co. deputy with screwdriver during attempted arrest

Published

2 years ago

July 11, 2023

Natural Bridge

[ad_1]

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. – Two people are behind bars after a man reportedly attacked a Jefferson County deputy with a screwdriver during an attempted arrest over the weekend.

Prosecutors have charged Nicholas Davis, 47, and Amanda Davis, 45, of Dittmer, Missouri, with felonies in the investigation.

Illinois man charged with sharing sex video of former St. Louis County official

The alleged attack followed a traffic stop of a driver in the 9500 block of Jones Creek Road on July 7, though the driver was not Nicholas or Amanda.

According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, Nicholas reportedly came out of his nearby home, yelled at a deputy and started approaching him while holding a screwdriver. The deputy initially ordered Nicholas to back away, then used pepper spray.

Per court documents, the deputy attempted to arrest Nicholas, who then struck him in the chest with the screwdriver. Amanda reportedly approached the deputy and pulled him away from Nicholas before both ran inside their home.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says the situation prompted an hours-long standoff involving negotiators, a SWAT team and a K-9 deputy. The situation led to Nicholas refusing warnings and being bitten by a K-9.

Nicholas and Amanda are both jailed in the Jefferson County Jail without bond. Nicholas is charged with first-degree assault on a special victim and armed criminal action. Amanda is charged with resisting/interfering with arrest.

Close Modal

Suggest a Correction

[ad_2]

Source link

News

St. Louis Public Schools superintendent to be sworn in

Published

2 years ago

July 11, 2023

Natural Bridge

[ad_1]

ST. LOUIS — The new St. Louis schools superintendent will be officially sworn into office today. Dr. Keisha Scarlett took over the job in July after the retirement of Dr. Kelvin Adams. She was assistant superintendent in the Seattle Public School District. The installation ceremony is at 6:15 p.m. before the regular school board meeting.

Close Modal

Suggest a Correction

[ad_2]

Source link

News

Gas tanker crashes into St. Louis Metro transit center

Published

2 years ago

July 11, 2023

Natural Bridge

[ad_1]

ST. LOUIS — A gasoline tanker truck crashed into a Metro transit center near Riverview and Hall Streets early Tuesday morning and knocked over a power pole. The pole is leaning on other power lines. Police have the area blocked off here because there is a downed power line. Ameren and Metro crews are also on the scene.

The incident happened around 12:30 a.m. It’s still unclear exactly what caused the crash, but we do that there was a second vehicle somehow involved. The airbags on that second vehicle did deploy.

Accused killer’s case thrown out over one question at trial

Police at the scene have not been able to give us a lot of details. Metro officials tell FOX 2 that the transit center here is operating this morning for passengers and buses. Access to certain areas will be limited here as clean up unfolds.

A Metro spokesperson says half of the station isn’t being used right now because of safety issues. It isn’t impacting overall bus operations, everything is just happening on the other side of transit center.

The extent of the damage to the actual transit center is still unclear, but I’m told it does not appear to be extreme. A Metro spokesperson tells me there were no injuries to any metro workers or passengers. The tanker driver also was not injured.

Close Modal

Suggest a Correction

[ad_2]

Source link