🌱 Charges Dropped In Car Bomb Case + $1 Million Budweiser Prize

Happy Thursday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

An a.m. rain or snow shower. High: 47 Low: 29.

Here are the top 3 stories today in St. Louis:

1. St. Louis prosecutors have dropped charges against a man accused of setting a bomb off underneath his ex-wife’s car. Prosecutors initially charged Dean McBaine with arson and other charges following the incident in The Hill neighborhood in 2018, but St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner’s Office dismissed the charges on Wednesday following allegations that the office had violated the suspect’s right to a speedy trial. Had McBaine been convicted on the four charges Gardner's office issued, he could have faced a maximum of 30 years in state prison. (KSDK.com)
2. St. Louis-based brewery Anheuser-Busch is channeling "Willy Wonka" in a new nationwide contest for a golden beer can. The company has scattered 10,000 golden beer cans in specially-marked cases around the country. Anyone who finds one of the lucky cans is eligible to enter a random drawing for $1 million that will take place on Feb. 21. (KMOV.com)
3. Forecasters are encouraging St. Louis residents to gear up for another chance of snow this weekend. Officials say a low-pressure system that is expected to reach the region Friday could bring a wintry mix that evening and change to snow overnight. Most of the snow will likely be over by the early afternoon on Saturday, but some areas south could see snow stick around through late afternoon. (KSDK.com)

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Today in St. Louis:

• Pawns And Passports: Chess Sets From Around The Globe (Exhibition) - World Chess Hall Of Fame (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• A recent study led by researchers at the Saint Louis Zoo’s department of Reproductive and Behavioral Sciences explored how bear behavior changes over time. The purpose of the study was to determine if the zoo's bears’ activities reflected daily engagement and variety in their daily schedules. (Facebook)
• The next Police Academy Class starts in April, but applications must be received by the end of February. Apply today and start your new career with the St. Louis County Police Department! (Facebook)
• The Brentwood Public Library is closed through today, Jan. 13, due to a staff shortage. Updates are available on the library's website. (Nextdoor)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around!

— Helen Eckhard

About me: Helen Eckhard is a marketing assistant at Lightning Media Partners. She is a self-professed logophile who is currently pursuing her master’s degree in library science. Outside of work, you can find Helen constructing crossword puzzles, knitting, or devising increasingly crafty ways to kill off characters in her mystery novels.