Today’s top stories: St. Louis faces legal barriers to collecting a new housing tax backed by voters. Sista Strut draws thousands in support of breast cancer awareness. St. Louis Public Schools outlines financial reforms after an audit. Plus, nonstop flights to London return, and City SC extends a road win streak.

MAIN STORY

Housing Tax Blocked

St. Louis voters approved a tax to fund new housing, but the city is currently unable to collect it. The situation leaves planned housing projects in limbo despite recent voter support for the measure.

Legal hurdles prevent the city from moving forward with the tax, with officials citing concerns about compliance with state law and the Missouri Constitution. Similar housing taxes and ordinances have been challenged and struck down elsewhere as violations of First Amendment free speech rights. The city estimates that the delay puts millions of dollars for affordable housing at risk.

City leaders are examining potential legal paths forward while advocates watch for court rulings or state legislative action. For more on the city council's response and legal details, visit housing tax legal roadblocks.

AROUND TOWN

Marcel Hartel scored twice as St. Louis City SC defeated CF Montreal for its third straight road win Saturday. The 3-2 victory at Montreal pushes City SC’s away-game streak, with Hartel contributing four goals across the last three matches and strengthening the club’s late-season performance. Coach Neil Critchley praised the team’s determination under pressure, though City SC’s playoff hopes remain out of reach. Fans can find highlights and schedules on the MLS website.

Volunteers with the St. Louis Coalition to Protect Cyclists and Pedestrians cleared trash along Gravois Avenue on Sunday. Dozens participated in the cleanup near the intersections of Gravois, Spring, and Grand, working to remove litter and overgrowth that obstructs sidewalks and bike lanes. Organizers aimed to make the area safer and more accessible for cyclists and pedestrians. The event reflects ongoing efforts to improve urban infrastructure and promote active transportation across St. Louis.

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Sista Strut Draws Thousands

Thousands gathered in downtown St. Louis on Saturday for the 16th Annual Sista Strut, a three-mile walk and parade supporting people of color battling breast cancer. Organizers, including iHeartMedia St. Louis, reported that nearly 5,000 participants attended.

African American women in the U.S. face a higher death rate from breast cancer compared to white women, according to Sista Strut data. Survivors at the event urged early screenings and shared personal stories. St. Louis was the first iHeart market to host Sista Strut 16 years ago; it has since spread to other cities nationwide. Read more about this year’s event.

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Schools, Business Council Address Audit

The St. Louis Regional Business Council and St. Louis Public Schools are collaborating after a recent state audit highlighted questionable spending and policy gaps. District leaders presented a financial improvement plan to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Audit findings showed $3.5 million in improper attendance incentives and $12,436 in questionable credit card charges. The district is projected to outspend its revenue by $86.5 million through 2026. Superintendent Dr. Millicent Borishade said new financial controls are underway, while officials noted ongoing policy reforms. Find more on the partnership and action plan here.

QUICK HITS

MU Health’s Mobile Clinical Simulator provides hands-on training for rural Missouri hospitals to prepare healthcare workers for the cold, flu, and RSV season, as facilities face staffing shortages and increased patient volumes.

Mylo Mundwiller’s Dino Trading Post in south St. Louis County has become a local hub where children and families swap dinosaur toys, aiming to encourage sharing and community among young enthusiasts.

St. Louis University High received a $16 million gift from a 1970 alumnus, marking the largest donation in the school's history to launch a new teaching program honoring a retired educator.

Belleville residents say surveillance video shows three children, estimated to be in 6th or 7th grade, stealing packages from a porch on Sept. 26, prompting calls for parental accountability.