EAST ST. LOUIS - Dr. Katie Harper-Wright Elementary School kicked off its summer session with a popcorn-themed celebration aimed at fostering community and creativity among students. Summer School Principal Alecia Johnson shared details about the first week’s activities, which took place this past week at the school. Under the theme “Popping into Summer,” students engaged in a variety of popcorn-related projects and games designed to promote curiosity and teamwork. One notable event was the “Popcorn Race,” a science challenge where students used straws and popcorn kernels to explore the concept of air force while competing to move kernels across a finish line. Principal Johnson described the week as both exciting and successful, highlighting the energetic participation of staff and students. The week concluded with “Popcorn Friday,” a celebration where students received popcorn treats in recognition of their hard work and positive behavior.
TROY, IL. - The Troy Police Department marked a night of promotions, new appointments, and farewells to longtime commissioners at a Monday night, June 16, 2025, city board meeting. Justin Christ was promoted to lieutenant, while Jessica Callahan and Austin Cripe were elevated to the rank of sergeant. The Troy Police Department also welcomed Chris Rice, who was sworn in as its newest officer. Rice brings more than 20 years of experience from a police department in Missouri and will serve as a School Resource Officer within the Troy school district. The meeting also recognized Don Clark and Tom Canivit for their years of service as Police Commissioners. Both Clark and Canivit officially stepped down from their roles, receiving commendations for their dedication to public safety and support of the department. The Troy Police Department expressed appreciation for the contributions of the departing commissioners and encouraged the community to congratulate the promoted officers
SPRINGFIELD — As the school year approaches, the Illinois Optometric Association urges families to make comprehensive eye exams a priority on their back-to-school checklist. Vision is a key component of academic success, and undiagnosed vision problems can hinder a child’s ability to read, write, and learn effectively. According to the American Optometric Association, one in four school-aged children has an undetected vision condition. Unlike basic vision screenings at schools or pediatric offices, comprehensive eye exams with a doctor of optometry can detect a wide range of issues — including focusing problems, eye teaming, depth perception, and eye health concerns — that could otherwise go unnoticed. “Comprehensive eye exams are necessary to detect problems that a simple vision screening can miss, such as eye coordination, moderate amounts of farsightedness and astigmatism,” says Angela Oberreiter, OD, President & Chair of the Illinois Optometric
ST. LOUIS – A man is dead after an early Sunday morning shooting in north St. Louis City. Police were called to Saint Louis Avenue off Kingshighway around 1:35 a.m. They found a man shot and killed. Homicide detectives are investigating. About 12 hours earlier there was another homicide. Officers were called to Plymouth Avenue [...]
Plant of the Week: Leeks. Gardeners who planted in Spring are harvesting now thru July. When you see $7.89 a pound leeks at the grocery in December, remind yourself to get some seeds and start leeks indoors in January. St. Louis Master Gardeners Horticulture Answer Service: Monday through Thursday from 9 am. to 2:30 pm … Continue reading This Week in Gardening & Nature →
ST. LOUIS – A suspect is dead after being shot by police early Sunday morning. Police say it started just after 2 a.m. when they responded to a shooting on Manchester off Sarah Street near the Grove. They found a man shot. That man was taken to a hospital. Shortly after, officers put out a [...]
Saturday's high temperatures hit 96 in St. Louis and humidity was high causing heat index readings well into the triple digits. Temperatures will again climb into the mid 90s for Sunday with heat indices reaching around 105 degrees. The Extreme Heat Warning and Heat Advisory continue through at least Tuesday. Highs temperatures into the work [...]
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The United States struck three sites in Iran early Sunday, inserting itself into Israel’s war aimed at destroying the country’s nuclear program in a risky gambit to weaken a longtime foe despite fears of a wider regional conflict. Addressing the nation from the White House, President Donald Trump asserted that [...]
SAM MEDNICK, AAMER MADHANI and DAVID RISING, Associated Press
Beloved husband of Laurette V. Graf, father of Jim (Margaret) Graf, Tom (Nancy) Graf, Joe Graf, Rosemary (George) Graf Levy, Dan (Alejandra) Graf and Teresa (Tom) Stanton. Grandfather of 13.
Robert Vernon Cralle passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Affectionately known as “Daddee”, “PopPop”, and Dr. Bob by his family, friends, patients and colleagues. Please visit www.newcomerstlouis.com for full obituary and service details.