A judge has blocked enforcement of Missouri’s abortion restrictions, allowing services to resume statewide. See how local clinics and officials are responding to this major legal change in today’s updates.

MAIN STORY

Missouri Abortion Services to Resume

Abortion services will return to Missouri on Monday after a Jackson County judge blocked enforcement of most state laws restricting the procedure. Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang’s Thursday order enforces the abortion rights amendment approved by voters in November.

The ruling halts enforcement of several longstanding restrictions, including requirements for two appointments, special facility licensing, and hospital admitting privileges. The amendment was approved by 52% of voters. The attorney general’s office said it will appeal the decision, citing health and safety concerns. A pending ballot measure could ask voters to repeal the abortion amendment in 2026, but that effort is being challenged in court.

Kansas City’s clinic will resume procedures Monday, and St. Louis’ Planned Parenthood says it will open appointment books as soon as possible. For more details, visit the Missouri abortion ruling coverage.

AROUND TOWN

A sprawling federal budget bill approved in Congress could shift billions in costs to Missouri. Gov. Mike Kehoe recently signed state budget bills after vetoing $310 million in general revenue, warning that Missouri faces a near $1 billion shortfall in fiscal year 2027. The federal legislation specifically targets Medicaid, with projections that Missouri could lose about 14% of its federal funding—an estimated $17 billion—over the next decade. Changes would also require the state to bear a greater share of SNAP costs, tighten eligibility rules, and lower provider tax limits, potentially jeopardizing coverage for tens of thousands of Missourians. Fiscal concerns have prompted debate, with lawmakers and healthcare leaders warning that these measures risk major service cuts, higher taxpayer burdens, and increased pressure on Missouri’s general revenue fund.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is investigating the Grain Belt Express transmission line, challenging the project’s economic impact. Bailey sent a letter Tuesday to state utility regulators urging a reevaluation of the approved line, which would bring Kansas wind energy through Missouri and Illinois to Indiana. Invenergy, the project’s developer, claims that customers could save $52 billion over 15 years; however, Bailey alleges that the impact analyses are flawed or possibly fraudulent. A PSC spokesperson confirmed the agency is reviewing Bailey’s request, while Invenergy continues pursuing project development. The proposal has bipartisan supporters and faces nearly 50 eminent domain lawsuits, while utility and federal backing contrast with years of local opposition.

St. Louis is launching multiple bike and pedestrian infrastructure projects downtown over the next few months. The 7th Street Connector—a two-lane protected cycle track nearing completion between Busch Stadium and America’s Center—marks a major upgrade, providing new paths and sidewalk improvements and replacing a lane of vehicle traffic. Similar protected lanes on Broadway, 4th Street, and Washington Avenue are underway. Project leaders and business owners believe the efforts will slow traffic, boost safety, and improve visitors' experiences downtown, setting a new standard for future street designs.

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Tornado Damage Deepens Food Insecurity

Nearly eight weeks after an EF-3 tornado hit St. Louis, residents on the north side still struggle to access groceries following heavy damage to the Save-A-Lot on Natural Bridge Avenue. The closure has left locals, especially those without cars, with few options and long walks to other stores.

While neighborhood groups and nonprofits offer aid from the store’s parking lot, their presence is declining. Leevers Supermarkets, which operates Save-A-Lot, said the store’s future depends on site repairs and assessments. Read more about the ongoing recovery and community response.

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Celebrate St. Louis Festival Returns

Thousands gathered on Thursday at the Gateway Arch, with the Celebrate St. Louis festival continuing on Friday for its key Independence Day events, starting at 2 p.m. The fireworks and new Superman-themed drone show kick off at 9:20 p.m.

The festival features nationally ranked fireworks, a drone display sponsored by Warner Bros. Productions, live music including Gavin DeGraw, and local food vendors. The event has become a Fourth of July tradition for many families. Find event details and the full schedule at the official Celebrate St. Louis event page.

QUICK HITS

St. Louis Cardinals approach a pivotal series against the National League Central-leading Cubs at Wrigley Field after a grueling 15-game, 14-day stretch, with trade deadline decisions hinging on their performance.

Mental health conditions and cardiovascular disease were the leading underlying causes of pregnancy-related deaths in Missouri between 2018 and 2022, according to a new state report that found 80% of these deaths were preventable.

Community Life Line, an East St. Louis nonprofit, is guiding 11 teens through a six-week UpTurn program, which this summer includes producing an original movie about decision making and personal growth, with a planned August premiere.

Ford, a dog rescued by volunteers during Operation Clean Stream along the Meramec River near Fenton, has fully recovered and now lives with his adopted owner after being found malnourished and alone.

GENERATING BUZZ

A St. Louis community member shared a firsthand account of being hit by a car after a driver ran a red light at the intersection of Forest Park and Boyle around 9:30 a.m. The impact, at 15-20 mph, caused the poster to be thrown into a telephone pole, resulting in a tibial plateau fracture likely requiring surgery. The incident highlights the dangers of running stoplights and the severe consequences for both pedestrians and drivers. The poster emphasized the importance of obeying traffic signals to prevent serious injuries and financial burdens. Check it out.

ON THIS DAY

The first Independence Day Concert at Forest Park. On July 4, 1875, Forest Park hosted its inaugural public Independence Day concert just weeks after opening. Local musicians performed patriotic music, drawing thousands of St. Louis residents to celebrate amid the newly established park's scenic landscape. The event marked the beginning of an annual tradition of musical festivities in Forest Park, highlighting its immediate popularity as a gathering place for the community.