Today’s update: Recycling drop-off bins are overflowing, the Hispanic Heritage flag is raised at City Hall, and Music at the Intersection draws crowds despite the heat. Plus: East St. Louis’ new affordable homes, an officer-involved shooting, local job fairs, and a new BBQ spot in Kirkwood.

MAIN STORY

Overflowing Recycling Bins Frustrate Residents

One month after St. Louis ended alley recycling in favor of drop-off sites, residents report that many blue bins across the city are already overflowing. Some say the bins often remain unemptied for days, making recycling inconvenient.

The city switched to drop-off bins, citing lower costs and reduced contamination, but residents like Joe Kaminski and Mary Stenger want more frequent pickups or additional bins. There are currently approximately 43 drop-off locations listed online; however, some residents worry that the lack of convenience discourages recycling, especially during hot weather or for those living farther from the sites.

City officials encourage residents to report overflowing bins through the Citizens Service Bureau by phone or online. No changes to the new recycling system have been announced yet.

AROUND TOWN

All 38 apartments and townhomes at the new Winstanley Park affordable housing project in downtown East St. Louis have been claimed, highlighting strong demand. Spearheaded by Mt. Sinai Development Corp. and the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the $13 million project targets working families earning 60% or less of the area’s median income. With a 100-person waitlist and plans for more than 220 new homes, developers aim to revitalize the community, attract businesses, and expand services for residents. Learn more about the project’s future phases and community impact.

Sabrina Betts, a St. Louis-area mother, found a new path through Rung for Women’s advanced manufacturing program. After leaving banking and raising her children, Betts joined Rung’s yearlong training in March and recently completed forklift certification through Southwestern Illinois College. Rung, founded by Ali Hogan in 2017 and led by President Leslie Gill, has served over 600 women, aiming to bridge gender gaps in technology and manufacturing, bolstered by a $1 million federal grant (awarded in 2022) to support economic recovery and skills training. Read more about Rung’s impact.

St. Louis police are investigating after an officer shot a person on South Grand Boulevard on Saturday. The incident occurred in the 3600 block of South Grand Boulevard on September 13, 2025, leading to a strong police presence at the scene. Officials have released limited details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting but confirmed the officer's involvement. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has launched a formal investigation and encouraged witnesses to come forward as the inquiry continues. Read more details about the police shooting.

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Hispanic Heritage Flag Raised

St. Louis city officials and Latino community members will raise the Hispanic Heritage flag at City Hall this morning, mirroring a similar event in St. Louis County on Friday. The display highlights the region’s rapidly growing Latino population.

St. Louis ranks ninth among large U.S. metros for Latino population growth, according to recent Census data. The metro area is now 6.3% Latino, which is well below the national average of 19.5%. Demographers caution that, while numbers are up, other cities, such as Cincinnati, are growing even faster. Learn more about Hispanic community events in St. Louis.

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Music at the Intersection Draws 17,000

Music at the Intersection drew an estimated 17,000 attendees to Grand Center for its three-day festival. The event, held over the weekend, featured a revamped tiered ticketing system and a new carnival area with a Ferris wheel.

The festival’s highlights included performances by hometown favorites like Playadors St. Louis Superjam, Drea Vocalz, and Ryan Trey. Headliners Leela James and Patti LaBelle packed stages despite temperatures climbing into the triple digits. Organizers introduced new venues such as the Sovereign, which debuted its first show during the festival. Find more about the festival’s lineup and changes here.

QUICK HITS

St. Louis area is spending billions on river cleanup projects, but ongoing infrastructure limitations mean some sewage will still enter local waterways despite recent upgrades and construction.

Adam Jiricek, 19, looks forward to his first Blues prospect tournament this weekend in St. Paul, as St. Louis evaluates young talent ahead of the 2025 season and monitors open cap space for roster decisions.

MOKAN will host its Pre-Apprenticeship Program Job and Career Fair at O’Fallon Park Recreation Complex on September 18, 2025, connecting construction employers with skilled, job-ready graduates who have been trained over 10 weeks.

Christ Community International coordinated the travel of a 2-year-old girl from Uganda to St. Louis for a life-saving heart surgery at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, with her recovery expected through October.

Schnuck Markets Inc. is adding local eatery Tender Love BBQ to its Kirkwood store, located at 10233 Manchester Road. Counter service will launch on Tuesday, with hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.