Today: Demolition begins on the historic Millennium Hotel, a new citywide food insecurity fund launches, and the Flyover Comedy Festival returns. Also, ongoing tornado recovery, proposed elimination of state income tax, and local school districts brace for impacts from a property tax freeze. Read on for more St. Louis updates.

MAIN STORY

Millennium Hotel Demolition Begins

Demolition crews started tearing down the 28-story Millennium Hotel in downtown St. Louis on Thursday. The Gateway Arch Park Foundation, which purchased the 4.2-acre site in July, called the action a significant step toward downtown redevelopment.

The project, led by Cordish Cos., is expected to cost about $670 million. Plans call for a new 1.3-million-square-foot structure, including residential, office, commercial, and public space. The original hotel, built in 1968, has been vacant since 2014 and contains asbestos and mold, according to developers.

No timeline for completion has been announced, but the foundation launched a story-collecting campaign to preserve memories of the hotel. To learn more, visit the Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s update.

AROUND TOWN

Six months after a powerful May 16 tornado, North St. Louis neighborhoods remain in slow recovery. The storm damaged or destroyed nearly 5,000 homes and businesses, causing $1.6 billion in losses across St. Louis City, County, and Metro East. Residents like DeMarco Davidson and Larry Gray rallied community efforts on blocks lagging behind official aid, with nearly 10,000 volunteers serving affected neighborhoods. As winter nears, many families still await permanent housing solutions, underscoring ongoing recovery challenges. Read more on North St. Louis’s recovery.

Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe plans to unveil a proposal to phase out Missouri’s income tax. Kehoe, who recently announced his gubernatorial campaign, has said eliminating the state’s income tax would attract jobs and investment but did not provide a timeline or funding alternatives. Tax experts and some lawmakers have raised concerns about potential impacts on state revenue and public services. Missouri last cut its top individual tax rate in 2023. The proposal’s specifics are expected later this year.

St. Louis County school districts expect multi-million-dollar revenue losses due to the new Senior Citizen Property Tax Freeze. Parkway School District projects a $2.4 million reduction in operating revenue and $375,000 less in bond payments in the 2024-25 school year, while Rockwood School District anticipates a $4 million shortfall as more than 10,000 homes qualify. District leaders say reserve funds and strategic planning will help offset initial losses, with budget task forces now reviewing long-term impacts. More details are available in the districts’ impact report.

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Mayor Launches Food Insecurity Fund

Mayor Cara Spencer on Monday announced the creation of the 2025 City Food Insecurity Fund in St. Louis, aiming to address rising hunger amid recent federal SNAP benefit cuts.

The fund, backed by United Way and local food banks, seeks donations to support emergency food assistance for over 54,000 residents who previously relied on SNAP. Spencer urged residents and businesses to contribute to local food banks, which are facing unprecedented demand following the May 16 tornado and ongoing federal funding cuts. More details can be found at Mayor announces food insecurity initiative.

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Flyover Comedy Festival Returns

The Flyover Comedy Festival returns to St. Louis this weekend, running Thursday through Sunday at venues like Delmar Hall and the St. Louis Art Museum. Headliners include Aziz Ansari, Dulcé Sloan, and St. Louis natives Jason and Randy Sklar.

Founded in 2017, the festival aims to showcase local talent and national acts, drawing hundreds of comedy fans each year. The Sklar Brothers, who left St. Louis in 1990, now headline two shows and host live podcast events. For tickets and a complete schedule, visit the Flyover Comedy Festival website or listen to coverage on St. Louis on the Air.

QUICK HITS

Shipping-container businesses along Brickline Greenway received a grant from the city of St. Louis as part of a mile-long downtown project featuring a new two-way bike path, crosswalks, and curb expansions.

Sando Shack has fully reopened in Maplewood after relocating from Tower Grove South, now serving its Japanese-style katsu sandwiches, rice bowls, and ice cream at the corner of Manchester Avenue and Sutton Boulevard.

Epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic disease that causes skin to tear easily, is the focus of “Matter of Time,” screening Saturday at Washington University during the St. Louis International Film Festival, with a post-film panel featuring filmmakers and families.

Account holders on the STLtoday website have reported technical issues related to login and account processing, including duplicate email addresses and invalid passwords.

High school basketball star Toni Bryant signed his letter of intent on Nov. 12, 2025, committing to play for the Mizzou Tigers basketball team next season.