🌱 Illustrated World Series 2022 Top Prize + St. Louis City Agency

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening these days in St. Louis. Without further ado...

First, today's weather:

Intervals of clouds and sun. High: 96 Low: 75.

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

1. St. Louis' Jason Spencer has taken home the top prize in the international Illustrated World Series 2022 Digital division. The London-based competition pitted 16 different illustrators against each other in a bracketed tournament to find the ultimate winner. Spencer received a little over $2,000 for winning. This was his first year competing and subbed in for another competitor at the last minute. (Riverfront Times)
2. A former FBI agent has been tapped to lead a proposed St. Louis City agency that would investigate police misconduct. Matthew Brummund would lead the Division of Civilian Oversight if it is created through the passage of a bill by the Board of Aldermen. He is currently a commissioner for the city's existing Civilian Oversight Board. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
3. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has reported an alarming increase in syphilis cases in St. Louis city and county. According to the department, cases have risen by 233 percent in the county and by 1,000 percent in the city since 2017. The acting director of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health is urging pregnant residents to get tested along with their partners. (St. Louis American)

Today in St. Louis:

• Lap Time At The Weber Road Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Summer Lunches At The Lewis And Clark Branch Library (12:00 PM)
• Summer Lunches At The Weber Road Branch Library (12:00 PM)
• Cards & Game Club At The Weber Road Branch Library (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Saint Louis Science Center shares its artifact of the week: a Kagu bird. This fascinating creature is a rare bird native to New Caledonia. Click to learn more about the artifact. (Saint Louis Science Center via Facebook)
• The seventh annual Tennessee Williams Festival will be at Grand Center from Aug. 8 through Aug. 18. Click to learn more and purchase tickets. (Explore St. Louis)
• The STLFringe FESTIVAL will be at St. Lou Fringe from Aug. 15 through Aug. 21. Click to get tickets. (Broadway World)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Online Webinar with specialists for roof repair in St. Louis (July 15)
• Lowered Costs for 2022, Get Your Cannabis Card from Home! (July 16)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— 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.