Catherine Hanaway is nominated as Missouri’s next attorney general. Anheuser-Busch invests further in its St. Louis brewery, and city officials end alley recycling. Learn more about local education updates, festival changes, and major security and emergency response initiatives.

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Hanaway Nominated as Attorney General

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe announced yesterday that he has nominated Catherine Hanaway to become the state’s next attorney general. Hanaway will assume the role in September, following confirmation.

Hanaway, a former U.S. attorney and Missouri House speaker, was introduced at a press event in Jefferson City. Her nomination marks a significant appointment as she will replace the current attorney general, continuing the office’s legal oversight of state matters. The choice follows recent political shifts and is expected to draw attention from both major parties.

Hanaway’s confirmation process begins in the coming weeks. For historical context, she previously served as Missouri’s first female House speaker from 2003 to 2005. For more coverage on the transition, visit this detailed nominee profile.

AROUND TOWN

St. Louis has officially ended alley recycling, citing inefficiency and high landfill rates. City officials report that prior to suspending alley recycling in June, 50% of blue-bin contents ended up in landfills instead of recycling centers. Mayor Tishaura Jones said the system was not working and faces ongoing challenges with contamination and compliance. Residents may see alternative recycling options proposed as city leaders consider future waste management solutions. Learn more about the decision’s background here.

Saint Louis Public Schools reported a smoother start to the school year despite some bus issues. Compared to last year’s disruptions, many families, including parent Sabrina Clark, saw improved transportation as Zum Services began providing service under a 3-year, $30 million contract. Some students, however, experienced delays or missing rides, prompting parents like Jennifer Jones to adjust their schedules. District officials said all 220 routes were covered, and all buses are now air-conditioned. Read more about the first day of school transportation.

The St. Louis Jewish Book Festival will expand to a year-round format, launching in October 2024. The storied festival, run by the Jewish Community Center, will offer more than 25 author events stretching through February 2025, including appearances by freed Israeli hostage Eli Sharabi, actor Joshua Malina, storyteller Hunter Prosper, and designer Nate Berkus. Select programs will partner with the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Art Museum, and local libraries. All-Access Passes and event details are available via the festival’s official website.

ALSO READ

Anheuser-Busch Expands STL Investment

Anheuser-Busch announced Tuesday an additional $15 million investment in its St. Louis Brewery as part of its ongoing $300 million commitment to boost manufacturing jobs. The new funding will improve supply chain infrastructure and expand job opportunities, especially for veterans.

The investment also opens the brewery's Technical Excellence Center to local organizations, trade schools, and educators—the first time the company has offered facility access beyond its workforce. Company leaders say the initiative aims to build a strong talent pipeline in St. Louis and enhance American manufacturing. Learn more in this full story.

QUICK HITS

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer said her administration has begun automating siren activations and updating emergency plans after an external audit found that preventable failures led to siren malfunctions during the May 16 EF3 tornado that killed five.

St. Dominic High School upgraded its security camera system with federal grant funding, becoming the first St. Charles County school to integrate live surveillance data with regional law enforcement intelligence, enhancing emergency response capabilities.

Jameson Williams, the Detroit Lions wide receiver and St. Louis native, hosted "Jamo Day" in Detroit, distributing more than 500 backpacks and other school supplies to local children.

Lindenwood defensive end Kobe McClendon leads a rebuilt Lions defense—bolstered by young talent and key veterans—into its August 28 season opener at St. Thomas, aiming to improve its 2024 defensive stats and conference standing.