The spread of COVID-19 and frequently changing guidelines have contributed to the difficulties that small businesses on the Delmar Loop have grappled with over the past year.

We boarded the cream-and-blue-colored trolley car and sat on the wooden seating alongside one of the vehicle’s walls. As the trolley began to chug Eastward along the 2.2 mile line, I likened the feeling of its slightly bumpy, rocking motion to that of an amusement park tram.

After almost four years of construction and a host of complications, the opening ceremony of the Delmar Loop Trolley went ahead in Delmar Hall Thursday, although a winter weather advisory delayed its actual first run to Friday.

The Loop Trolley connecting the Delmar Loop to Forest Park is set to open Nov. 15 with an opening ceremony after numerous delays, requests for increased funding and concerns raised by small businesses.

In a lawsuit filed against the Loop Trolley project, plaintiff Peter Sarandos argues that the Loop Trolley tracks extend 300 feet past the designated boundary in St. Louis City and 235 feet past the district’s boundary in University City.

The Delmar Loop Trolley has obliterated taxpayer funds since it’s inception. It’s time for the people of St. Louis to stop paying for a pet project.

As national media, politicians and protesters descend on Washington University’s new Sumers Recreation Center for the quadrennial ceremony of a presidential debate, a different kind of ceremony will be taking place just across the street. And while there are likely to be many dissenters among the debate-faring crowd, one lucky couple will hopefully have none.

Joe Edwards, who has a hand in many of the businesses and projects that have made the Delmar Loop one of the top 10 streets in America, has made his life purposeful by improving, not leaving behind, this place he calls home.

Sometimes in the course of human events, people have controversial ideas that are dangerous and should be heavily analyzed before being acted upon. Human cloning, genetically modified food and Uggs are a few of these. Spending 24 hours at the Peacock Diner is another.

At last, the Peacock Diner will be opening its doors on the Delmar Loop. The first day of business is tentatively set for Parents’ Weekend, Oct. 10.