St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner Resigns, Temporary Replacement Appointed.

St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner has resigned abruptly, two weeks earlier than expected, leaving the city's courts system in further chaos. Gardner's office has already lost key leaders, and her resignation has scuttled an early plan to hand off some responsibilities to St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell. Missouri Governor Mike Parson has appointed his general counsel, Evan Rodriguez, as a temporary replacement until he can appoint a permanent replacement by Friday. Gardner's office has been criticized for months, and Missouri lawmakers filed a bill seeking to strip her of most of her power.