Today’s top stories: Gov. Mike Kehoe eyes phasing out Missouri’s income tax, Winterfest marks a decade in downtown St. Louis, local unions address worker suicide rates, and a major charity closes amid abuse findings. Plus: community awards, initiatives for tornado survivors, and local sports updates.

MAIN STORY

Kehoe Eyes Income Tax Phaseout

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe announced plans on Monday to unveil a proposal aimed at phasing out the state’s income tax. Details of the plan, including a timeline and potential offsets for lost revenue, have not yet been released.

Income tax accounts for a significant portion of Missouri's annual state revenue. The proposal is expected to draw debate, with supporters arguing it could attract new residents and businesses. At the same time, critics warn it could strain funding for essential services such as education, health, and infrastructure. Legal and economic experts are watching closely as similar efforts in other states have faced logistical and fiscal challenges.

Kehoe’s plan will likely be introduced during the next legislative session. Lawmakers and budget analysts say public hearings and fiscal impact studies will be key in determining viability. For background on Missouri tax policy changes, see recent legislative developments.

AROUND TOWN

MOKAN will host its 49th Annual Awards Dinner on Nov. 21, 2025, to honor St. Louis construction leaders and support workforce programs. The event, themed “Building Tomorrow Together – Lifting Communities, Raising Futures,” brings together industry professionals and advocates for a pivotal fundraiser supporting programs that aid minority- and women-owned businesses. Highlights include recognizing industry and community leaders, fundraising for MOKAN’s Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program and Business Institute, and honoring first responders on May 16, 2025. More event and sponsorship details are available here.

Solar storms brought colorful northern lights to St. Louis and other regions, delighting skywatchers and scientists. The rare atmospheric event, visible as far south as Missouri, illuminated the night with vibrant hues and could return if solar activity remains high. Experts say historic solar storms like those in 2024 occur roughly every 20 years; public safety officials remind residents not to look directly at the sun during peak activity. Track upcoming visibility at the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.

St. Louis labor unions are collaborating to address rising suicide rates among local workers. Leaders like James Pursell from Laborers Local 110 have launched the Lean-STL hotline, supporting union members facing addiction and mental health struggles. The initiative responds to what officials call “shocking” statistics: construction and labor sectors experience suicide rates several times the national average. Union representatives aim to improve peer support, raise awareness, and connect members to resources as they mobilize for legislative changes and workplace reforms. Learn more about the unions’ approach.

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Missouri Races Seen as 2026 Midterm Barometers

Democratic activists and candidates in Missouri are showing enthusiasm a year ahead of the 2026 election cycle, despite limited high-profile statewide races on the ballot. Attention has turned to contests like the 2nd District seat in the St. Louis area, where multiple Democratic challengers, including Fred Wellman, are mounting campaigns.

Although Missouri leans Republican and most statewide contests favor the GOP, national Democrats are targeting districts they believe could gauge national sentiment. Key measures, including ballot initiatives on abortion rights and citizen-led petitions, are also expected to highlight political divides and influence turnout next November. Read more about Missouri's role in the 2026 midterms."

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Winterfest Marks 10th Year

St. Louis' annual Winterfest returns to Kiener Plaza on Saturday, Nov. 22, celebrating its tenth year with expanded activities, including free ice skating on opening day. The event runs through Sunday, Jan. 11, in downtown St. Louis.

This year features a new heated activation tent offering free family programming, from holiday karaoke to arts and crafts. Organizers with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation aim to make Winterfest accessible and fun for the community. Learn more about Winterfest’s offerings and schedule in this event overview.

QUICK HITS

Local advocacy groups will rally at 4:30 p.m. Friday in Creve Coeur to celebrate the cancellation of a proposed Israel Chemicals Limited battery plant in North St. Louis City, following the loss of a $197 million federal grant.

St. Louis University men's soccer team did not receive a bye and will play Kentucky in the NCAA first round, while Lindenwood debuts against Kansas City.

Giddo Simon Ministries now provides about $30,000 in fresh produce monthly to four food pantries and one school, serving 6,000 people across 20-plus St. Louis zip codes, continuing George Simon’s legacy of local charity.

Jason Brown, an Olympic bronze medalist and Chicago-area native, will compete at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships at Enterprise Center in St. Louis, returning to a city where he launched his competitive career.

St. Louis County Councilwoman Rita Days described the county’s $80 million budget deficit as the worst she has seen, urging officials to consider spending cuts rather than relying solely on reserves or one-time funds.