Family members of Gary L. Smith, accused of trying to kill his wife and child when his Belleville home exploded, say he denies trying to harm them.

Nearly 12,000 adults and kids were on hand to experience an opportunity to Meet the Machines at Budrovich Excavating & Contracting headquarters on April 26.

Gregory F.X. Daly, St. Louis collector of revenue, and his deputy, Tom Vollmer, are among the more popular people at cocktail parties - a fact they concede with more surprise than hubris.