Today: County Council debates budget cuts amid an $82 million shortfall; Spire announces a new fee waiver for low-income customers; Porano and Big Mouth unveil a collaborative pizza special. Plus: COCA’s holiday performances, summer school expansions, and updates from around St. Louis.

MAIN STORY

Council Eyes Police, Health Cuts

The St. Louis County Council will reveal proposed budget cuts Tuesday, likely targeting police and health services, as it faces an $82 million shortfall in its nearly $1.1 billion 2025 budget. County Executive Sam Page is expected to criticize the council’s moves, urging instead the use of remaining Rams settlement funds.

The budget gap, if unresolved, could leave the county insolvent by 2027, according to budget coordinator Chris Grahn-Howard. Both Page and the council agree the shortfall is a serious issue, but disagree on solutions. Page proposes spending Rams settlement reserves—about $100 million—and placing an internet sales tax on the April ballot, which could bring in $45 million to $75 million annually. However, a similar tax was rejected by voters in 2022.

The council must approve ballot measures and finalize cuts in upcoming meetings. Page says federal pandemic aid previously masked the structural deficit, which has persisted over a decade.

AROUND TOWN

COCA in St. Louis is launching the holiday season with student-led music and dance productions. This year, 63 Allegro choir members, directed by Dr. Philip A. Woodmore, rehearse weekly for “Joyful,” which began in 2008, blending holiday classics and choral works by Eric Whitacre. COCA’s dance division presents “Illuminated Echoes,” a staged, immersive experience choreographed by Tommy Waheed Evans, incorporating large-scale lighting inspired by James Turrell. Both performances highlight local youth talent and creative innovation. Read more about COCA’s 2024 holiday programs.

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, a St. Louis native, starred in a recent NCAA game against Stanford. Love, a graduate of CBC High School in St. Louis, ran the ball during the first half of Notre Dame’s matchup on November 29, 2025, in Stanford, California. The game featured Love’s impressive performance, highlighting St. Louis talent on a national stage, and reinforcing the city’s reputation for producing top collegiate athletes.

St. Louis area school districts are expanding summer learning options to address pandemic learning gaps. District officials report growing demand for summer programs in 2024, offering academic and enrichment courses for K-12 students to help recover from COVID-19 disruptions. Some districts, such as Ferguson-Florissant and Rockwood, cite evidence of student improvement from past participation. Critics question the programs’ reach and equity, urging more targeted support. Families can register online for local summer learning opportunities or contact their district for details.

ALSO READ

Spire to Waive Fees for Low-Income Customers

Spire Gas will launch a pilot program in early 2026, waiving its $22 monthly customer charge for eligible low-income customers across Missouri. The Customer Charge Waiver Program aims to ease financial strain amid rising living costs.

The program is part of Spire’s broader efforts to boost energy-assistance resources. In 2024, Spire helped customers secure more than $23 million in federal, state, and company aid. Interested residents can consult Spire’s list of assistance programs for details and eligibility requirements.

ALSO READ

Porano, Big Mouth Launch Pizza Collaboration

Porano at 13323 Manchester Road in Des Peres has launched its December pizza special in collaboration with Big Mouth Sandwich Co. The featured item, Stuffed Italian Hoagie Pizza, is available through the end of the month.

The deep, double-layered pie uses focaccia by Big Mouth co-owner Matt Frentzel and includes layers of Italian charcuterie, pepperoncini aioli, provolone, tomato sauce, mozzarella, lettuce, and raw onion. You can learn more about the collaboration and pizza here.

QUICK HITS

Missouri Botanical Garden's seed bank outgrew its longtime home and moved to a new St. Louis facility, now housing more than 9,000 seed samples for conservation and research.

Waymo has begun mapping St. Louis streets with human-driven cars, but proposed state legislation means fully driverless taxis are unlikely before late August 2026.

Former downtown residents cite political challenges, public safety concerns, and neglected city infrastructure as key reasons for moving from St. Louis' central district, noting broader trends of business closures and declining residency.

Torch Electronics owner Steven Miltenberger and employee Sondra Miltenberger left the Thomas Eagleton federal courthouse in downtown St. Louis with their legal team on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025.

St. Louis Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program provided 540 families $500 monthly for 18 months, resulting in higher savings, reduced food insecurity, and improved credit scores, but a court-ordered payment pause and end of funding left many households financially vulnerable again.