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This Week’s Big Stories
1. Keyless car thefts start in St. Charles
After thieves access a vehicle via break-in or if it’s left unlocked, they attach the module to access the vehicle’s computer. By retrieving its unique key fob data, they’re able to reprogram blank key fobs on the spot to start and steal their victim’s cars.
2. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to seek a 3rd term amid questions about higher political ambitions
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker will seek a third term in office next year amid growing questions about the Democrat’s ambitions for higher office. The Democrat will announce his intentions Thursday at an event in Chicago, according to two people familiar with his plans who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly ahead of the events.
3. St. Luke’s closing Des Peres hospital on August 1
“Despite the dedication and hard work of our team members, the hospital has faced persistently low utilization and increasing financial pressures, making continued operation as an acute care facility no longer viable for St. Luke’s,” the organization said in a statement. “Though this decision was not made lightly, it reflects our commitment to long-term sustainability and our vision for a stronger, more focused future in delivering exceptional care.”
4. Two Missouri veterans laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks
Two funerals were held at Jefferson Barracks on Tuesday. One funeral was held for United States Army veteran, Retha Moore. The second was for Air Force veteran, Steven Benear. Both veterans were unclaimed by any survivors, allowing the local veterans community the opportunity to give the two a proper sendoff.
5. Nordstrom at Saint Louis Galleria to close in August
Nordstrom at the Saint Louis Galleria will permanently close later this summer, which will affect 135 employees, according to a WARN notice. Certain employees will be offered the chance to transfer to other Nordstrom locations. The company has not determined who will be offered the opportunities, according to the notice.
6. First human case of West Nile virus found in southern Illinois
“The fact that we are seeing the first human case of West Nile virus so early in the season serves as a timely reminder – especially for seniors and those with weakened immune systems – to protect yourself from illnesses caused by mosquito bites,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra in a press release. “I encourage all Illinoisans to ‘Fight the Bite’ and take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
7. St. Louis County piano teacher charged after allegedly sexually assaulting a minor
A University City piano teacher has been charged with sexually assaulting a child after authorities say he confessed to them about the crimes. St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged 39-year-old Daniel Yavitz with three counts of first-degree statutory sodomy.
8. Leonor K. Sullivan buckled from heat
Traffic on Leonor K. Sullivan by the Arch discovered a new speed bump put in by Mother Nature. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has warned about this possibility in the past for roads to buckle due to heat waves. MODOT said this happens when moisture seeps into a crack, which weakens the pavement. The heat causes it to warp and buckle.
9. St. Louis nonprofits need more volunteers to deliver tornado relief supplies
The Relief Dash program, coordinated by the People’s Response Hub and Action STL, has already reached over 7,000 residents affected by the May 17th EF-3 tornado. But with hundreds of new requests daily, organizers say the demand outweighs the number of volunteers.
10. Missouri, Illinois officials urge firework safety ahead of July 4
Emergency responders and governmental agencies have advice for people who choose to set off their own fireworks, even though they would prefer people leave fireworks to the professionals.
The St. Louis Blues unveiled a new jersey today, creating a modernized version of the iconic Blue Note logo.