It’s been almost four years since I first covered the case of Michael Politte, who was convicted as a teenager of murdering his mother, and I vividly remember making my way past metal detectors in the state prison to interview him as he insisted on his innocence. Today, Mike has been set free—but he’s still fighting to clear his name. And he’s getting help from an unlikely source: A juror who once voted to convict him. I hope you’ll read about her efforts—and get up to speed on how Mike is doing, too.
We also have news on a daiquiri bar coming to Soulard, a surprising slice of media history, and an analysis of what’s at stake for Missouri with federal budget cuts. And whether your weekend involves an Easter vigil, an egg hunt, or simply an omelet, I hope you’ll get to see people you love and blue skies—even if the forecast suggests that’s wishful thinking.
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Michael Politte is fighting to clear his name. Photography courtesy of MacArthur Justice Center
THIS JUST IN
Juror fights to overturn conviction she helped to reach
Twenty-three years ago, Linda Dickerson-Bell sent a teenager to prison for life. Michael Politte, then 18, was on trial in Washington County, Missouri, accused of beating his mother to death and then setting her body ablaze. Dickerson-Bell voted to convict.
But she was plagued with doubts, tormented by the idea that she’d sent an innocent kid to prison. She’s been speaking out for the past four years, and this Tuesday, she’s hosting a rally outside the office of Washington County prosecutor John Jones IV. She’s tried to initiate conversation for months: “He has chosen to ignore me, and so now I feel like standing in front of his office might keep him from doing that.”
Due to criminal justice reforms aimed at juveniles, Politte was released on parole three years ago. He continues to fight to clear his name and be freed from the restrictions of parole, which otherwise will continue for the rest of his life.
Politte and he and Dickerson-Bell happened to be at the same social gathering in recent years. He recognized her right away. She was worried he’d be angry. He wasn’t. “What happened to me is not the fault of her,” he tells SLM. He gave her a hug. —S.F.
Money flowing to Missouri could soon get downsized. Douglas Rissing / iStock / Getty Images Plus
DEEP DIVE
Federal cuts could spell trouble for state budget
Nearly half of Missouri’s general revenue comes from federal funds, which could spell trouble for the state if President Donald Trump’s administration continues to hack away at government spending.
According to data from Pew Charitable Trusts, federal grants accounted for 47 percent of Missouri’s general revenue in 2022, the most recent year that data is available. That’s well above the national share of 36.4 percent, and ranks Missouri sixth among states with the highest percentage of revenue from federal funds.
All told, Missouri received $20.4 billion from the federal government in 2022. State taxes, meanwhile, accounted for 38.9 percent of Missouri’s revenue that year.
Why It Matters: In Gov. Mike Kehoe’s operating budget for fiscal year 2026, which remains under debate in the state legislature, federal funds account for 48 percent of revenue. But the Trump administration’s approach to spending oversight could cost the state—bigly. Earlier this month, the Missouri Budget Project cautioned that Republican plans to reel in government spending would force state lawmakers to make tough decisions about health care, food assistance, education, and more. Congress’ interest in cutting its share of the costs of Medicaid—a program that is constitutionally protected in Missouri, and therefore very difficult to slash—would further complicate matters. As the New York Times recently reported, Medicaid costs add up to roughly 35 percent of Missouri’s entire budget, and federal cuts would force the state to scramble.
What’s Next: The Missouri House recently advanced legislation to reduce the state income tax, starting on the path of Gov. Kehoe’s campaign promise to eliminate it. The Republican-backed plan calls for a gradual tax reduction from 4.7 percent to 3.7 percent over a 10-year period, along with reductions in corporate and capital gains taxes. However, income tax reductions would only kick in if tax revenue in the state grows by $175 million annually. The Senate has yet to vote. Hitting the marks delineated by the bill would be that much harder if many—or any—of the proposed federal cuts come to pass.—Mike Miller
A MESSAGE FROM SAINT LOUIS ART MUSEUM
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Experience SLAM’s Roaring: Art, Fashion, and the Automobile! With 12 vintage cars and over 100 works of art and fashion, don't miss this stunning exhibition.
Missouri House approves abortion ban (Missouri Independent): If approved by the Senate, the measure would go to voters statewide, asking them to undo the constitutional amendment they passed last year.
Spencer taps chief of staff to lead St. Louis Development Corp. board (stltoday): Nancy Hawes will serve as chair of the board of directors. Neal Richardson remains as CEO, but Spencer's public remarks have indicated that won't last long, and Richardson has suggested he won't fight her attempt to replace him.
The Yale Bar to open soon in Richmond Heights (SLM): Parker’s Table impresario Jonathan Parker is preparing the open an eclectic wine bar in a space adjacent to his beloved wine, cheese, beer, and gourmet food shop.
Southern Classic Daiquiri Factory plans to offer Soulard creative combos. Photography by George Mahe (left), courtesy of the restaurant (right)
Around Town
✍️ NOTED
“If they can’t put their phone away, then we’re going to create a system where they have to put it away.” —Parkway School District assistant superintendent of teaching, learning, and accountability Kevin Beckner, as quoted in the Post-Dispatch about the smartphone ban just approved for 2026–2027. The district will require students to put their phones in a container outside of each classroom, but they can still use them in the hallways and at lunch.
🗞️ MEDIA WATCH
The St. Louis Media Hall of Fame inducts its new class this coming Wednesday, with local luminaries including Mike Bush, Julius Hunter, Wendy Wiese, and Condé Nast all getting the nod. And if one of those names seems unlike the others, well, you’re not the only one wondering what a New York-based publishing company is doing on a list of local journalists. Dan Martin, president of the board of the St. Louis Media History Foundation, has the answers, explaining, “Condé Nast, the human, was largely raised in St. Louis. His mother was a Benoist and he attended WashU law school. Oakland House, the historic home in Affton, was his grandfather’s house. I’m betting most St. Louisans had no idea.” Even Nast’s Wikipedia page has no clue—and that right there is why the St. Louis Media History Foundation is so important. Learn more about Nast, the St. Louisan, and the other luminaries in this year’s event on April 23. (You may even spot a certain newsletter editor at the bar.) —S.F.
🧱 CITY LIVING
Nearly a decade after Tropical Liqueurs’ expansion into Soulard ended in an ugly legal battle, a different daiquiri bar is giving the neighborhood a go. Southern Classic Daiquiri Factory was granted a liquor license by the city yesterday, with an opening date TBA. As SLM’s Cheryl Baehr reports, this is the first Missouri location for a small Texas chain with locations in Dallas–Fort Worth; Sherman, Texas; and Durant, Oklahoma. The Soulard location, which is currently being renovated, was previously home to The Wood Shack, and before that Twisted Ranch, the infamous ranch-dressing-themed restaurant that later moved elsewhere in Soulard before decamping to the Central West End. It’s unclear whether neighbors will prefer Southern Classic Daiquiri Factory’s operation to Tropical Liqueurs, which was accused of bringing noise, trash, and guns to the neighborhood or catering to a more diverse clientele than the neighborhood was ready for, depending whom you ask. One positive sign? Unlike Trops, Southern Classic is apparently known for its food. More in Baehr’s online story. —S.F.
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