Today's newsletter covers the devastating fire at Crunden-Martin warehouse, Missouri’s proposed school voucher expansion, St. Louis’s upcoming winter storm, UMSL and Maryville’s NCAA soccer successes, a citywide tree replanting effort, and a Florissant teen’s recovery after a car crash. Stay informed with the latest St. Louis updates.

MAIN STORY

Fire Destroys Historic Warehouse

A five-alarm fire destroyed much of the Crunden-Martin warehouse complex near 2nd Street and Gratiot in St. Louis on the morning of November 28, with over 200 firefighters responding to the scene. Four buildings were fully engulfed when crews arrived, but all unhoused people were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

The fire hit a centerpiece of the $1.2 billion Gateway South redevelopment, which aimed to turn the nearly 500,000-square-foot complex into a hub for building-tech innovation and mixed-use space. Good Developments Group, the project’s developer, said the fire will force design changes but does not threaten the overall effort. The cause remains undetermined, and most sites outside the Crunden-Martin complex were not affected.

Built between 1904 and 1920, the warehouses were among the last major remnants of St. Louis’s historic woodenware industry. Read more on the redevelopment’s future at Gateway South updates.

AROUND TOWN

UMSL advances to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight with a 2-1 victory over Maryville. The University of Missouri–St. The UMSL women’s soccer team secured its spot in the national quarterfinals on Sunday, following a tightly contested win against crosstown rival Maryville. This Elite Eight berth marks a significant achievement for UMSL, which previously reached this point in the tournament in 2015. The team will await details on their next NCAA fixture, as bracket updates are announced.

Maryville’s backup goalkeeper, Sophia Sulawske, made a critical penalty save to send her team to the NCAA Sweet 16. Stepping in for a sick teammate, Sulawske helped the Maryville University women’s soccer program make school history by advancing to the Sweet 16 for the first time. Her decisive stop in the shootout sealed a second-round NCAA win, illustrating the depth and resilience of Maryville’s lineup. The team will now prepare for the next round, seeking to extend their tournament run.

St. Louis is launching a major effort to replant thousands of trees lost during a recent tornado. The city collaborated with Forest Park Forever and other groups to plant about 150 saplings of various species in Forest Park on Nov. 18, 2025. Officials say restoring the urban canopy will help prevent erosion and improve air quality, while long-term plans aim to transform the landscape across public parks and neighborhoods. Learn more about the initiative’s impact on the city here.

ALSO READ

Missouri Treasurer Seeks Voucher Expansion

Missouri Treasurer Vivek Malek is seeking to double the state’s spending on private school vouchers, according to statements this week. The proposal could significantly expand the voucher program’s reach in the next fiscal year.

Supporters say the increase would boost educational choices for families, while critics argue it could divert funds from public schools. The current proposal comes amid ongoing debates over education funding and state budget priorities. For more details, see the full story on Missouri’s voucher expansion debate.

QUICK HITS

Holly Bernstein coordinates voter protection volunteers, leads committees at Congregation Shaare Emeth, and promotes social equity, earning the Shaare Emeth Tzedek Award in May 2025 for her advocacy and community service.

St. Louisans experienced the season’s first snowfall, causing challenging morning commutes and leading residents to sled on Art Hill, while city crews responded to the unusually early winter weather.

St. Louis Blues shut out the Utah Mammoth 1-0 on Nov. 29, 2025, at Enterprise Center, marking the team’s first back-to-back wins since early October and Joel Hofer’s second shutout of the season with 18 saves.

Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz discussed Mizzou’s road win over Arkansas on Nov. 29, 2025, and addressed details of his new contract in a postgame media session.