A Missouri appeals court has updated abortion ballot wording for a 2026 vote. US Steel will revive Granite City's blast furnace, restoring 400 jobs. Coldwater Creek’s cleanup effort receives a $40 million boost. Plus, Forest Park renovations, a new Kirkwood pop-up, and the latest on local education and sports.

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Missouri Court Revises Abortion Ballot Language

A Missouri appeals court on Thursday issued revised ballot language for a constitutional amendment that would ban most abortions, after hearing arguments in Kansas City earlier this week. The panel sided with Dr. Anna Fitz-James, who challenged Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ previous wording, stating it did not sufficiently inform voters of the amendment’s effects.

The judges found that the previous language failed to make clear it would repeal and replace an existing constitutional section. The ruling allows ballot language to mention abortions for rape, incest, emergencies, and fetal anomalies, and clarifies terminology regarding gender-affirming care. The ACLU of Missouri and other groups argued that clearer wording is essential for voter understanding, while Hoskins’ office maintained the language need only be sufficient, not perfect.

Hoskins may still appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court. Voters are expected to see the measure on the November 2026 ballot. Read more on the appellate ruling and legal background.

AROUND TOWN

Forest Park is undergoing major renovations, including rebuilding the Steinberg Ice Rink and replanting trees damaged by the tornado. Forest Park Forever, working with the City of St. Louis, is expanding the rink into a year-round hub by adding a second story, rooftop terrace, and multi-season amenities such as a splash pad. The May tornado toppled thousands of trees, prompting a reforestation effort. Private and community donations fund these projects; supporters can contribute through the Forest Park Forever website. Read more about the renovations and recovery.

4 Hands Brewing Co. has launched Cocktails and Claws, its first holiday pop-up, in Kirkwood. The event, running through Dec. 31 at 150 W. Argonne Drive, features specialty cocktails made with 4 Hands’ spirits and local favorites from Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co., including crab claws, caviar-topped deviled eggs, and more. Festivities include a Dec. 7 visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, with a portion of the proceeds from Kirkwood Lager sales benefiting local firefighters’ outreach. Read more about the Cocktails and Claws pop-up.

A Missouri campaign to repeal the state's gerrymandered congressional map will submit signatures next week. The organizers say their petition aims to reform how districts are drawn, with the intent to put redistricting in the hands of an independent commission. Current lines, enacted by the legislature in 2022, have faced ongoing criticism from advocacy groups who claim they dilute voter representation. If approved, the measure could appear on the November 2024 ballot, according to campaign leaders. (Read more about the gerrymandering repeal campaign.)

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US Steel Restarts Granite City Furnace

US Steel announced plans to restart its Granite City blast furnace, bringing back 400 jobs to the Metro East facility. The company expects operations to resume in the coming months following a period of idling.

The move signals renewed demand in the steel market and follows months of uncertainty for workers at the Granite City Works plant. US Steel's decision could have significant effects on the local economy, which has historically relied on manufacturing. For more background, read about the Granite City plant’s history and impact.

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Coldwater Creek Cleanup Gets $40 Million Boost

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ St. Louis District will receive $40.5 million to advance the cleanup of Coldwater Creek, the north St. Louis County waterway contaminated by radioactive waste for decades.

Funding comes from the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program’s cost recovery, following lawsuits against Cotter Corporation and Norfolk Southern Railway Company. Local advocates, including the North County Community Action Group, said they expect sustained accountability and meaningful community involvement. Learn more about the cleanup and community reaction from this detailed local report.

QUICK HITS

SLU, UMSL, and Washington University men's soccer teams all remain in contention for NCAA soccer titles, with SLU reaching the Elite 8 this season.

Missouri state senators pressed education officials during a hearing Thursday to lower the accreditation status of underperforming school districts one year earlier than department policy allows, potentially affecting five districts statewide.

St. Louis Community Improvement Districts contracted private crews to salt every street and alley in Soulard, clearing lingering ice after winter storms left side streets across the city dangerously slick for commuters and schoolchildren on Wednesday.

Permanent Vacation Tattoo drew crowds to its annual Toys for Tats event on Wednesday, where customers donated $50 worth of toys for local foster children in exchange for a free tattoo, raising nearly $100,000 since 2016.

St. Louis officials reported success with the city’s new winter weather response plan after record-setting early snowfall, activating additional emergency shelter beds and deploying 92,000 gallons of brine and 2,160 tons of salt, but acknowledged improvements are still needed.