Good morning, St. Louis. Today’s top stories: the Missouri House moves forward with a divisive redistricting plan and tougher initiative petition requirements, major safety improvements begin on Route 100, new maternal mortality data is released, and the region celebrates its A-List dining and lifestyle winners.

MAIN STORY

Missouri House Advances Redistricting, Initiative Petition Bills

The Missouri House approved a new congressional map and restrictions on the state’s citizen initiative petition process on Tuesday after two days of debate. Both bills now move to the Missouri Senate for consideration during the current special session.

The redistricting proposal would split the Democratic-leaning 5th District, aiming to secure a Republican advantage in seven of eight congressional districts. The initiative petition measure would require constitutional amendments to earn both a statewide majority and a majority in each district, a shift critics say would let as few as 5% of voters block statewide changes. The Missouri NAACP has already filed suit, and Democrats call the bills a partisan power grab.

If adopted, opponents could try to force a statewide referendum before the new map takes effect. Senate Democrats are expected to fight both proposals using filibusters and procedural tactics.

AROUND TOWN

Missouri's latest maternal mortality report found that missed warning signs in pregnant women contribute to preventable deaths. The 2024 report highlights a widespread lack of awareness about critical symptoms requiring urgent medical care, particularly among patients and some healthcare providers. Missouri consistently ranks among states with high maternal mortality rates, with the Department of Health urging education on early symptoms and timely intervention. Advocates call for increased training and public outreach to prevent future fatalities; the full report is available online.

CrossRoads Counseling has opened The Center in Ferguson, expanding access to mental wellness services. The organization, established in Creve Coeur with a South City branch since 2022, aims to address holistic community needs in North St. Louis County by providing counseling and programs such as Families Flourishing, which focuses on supporting mothers and children, particularly single moms. Community members can attend upcoming events at the new center; details are available through announcements online.

St. Louis Magazine’s A-List Awards celebrated top dining, drink, and lifestyle spots in a live interview. Editor George Mahe joined “Show Me St. Louis” to highlight acclaimed newcomers like Marconi Mercato and innovative concepts, including Crispy Sips’ mobile soda bar, during a segment airing this week. The annual awards recognize culinary excellence and unique experiences shaping St. Louis’ food scene. Read more about the A-List winners and sign up for local lifestyle updates.

ALSO READ

Route 100 Safety Upgrades Begin

Construction to improve safety along a six-mile section of Route 100 from Broadway to the St. Louis city limits began this week. The corridor, which includes Chouteau and Manchester avenues, saw over 1,500 crashes in the past five years, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The $7 million project combines $4 million in MoDOT safety funds with $3 million for resurfacing. Upgrades include protected bike lanes, narrower lanes, updated crosswalks, and medians designed to slow traffic and reduce injuries. Completion is expected by the end of 2025. Read more about the Route 100 project here.

QUICK HITS

Missouri hemp business leaders and advocates filed four initiative petitions aiming to repeal Missouri's 2022 cannabis constitutional amendment, seeking to regulate marijuana and hemp products under the same rules as alcohol and tobacco, with a goal of reaching the 2026 ballot.

The Grove neighborhood faces frustration over derelict properties on Manchester Avenue, as new St. Louis city policies this month raise fines and expedite the seizure of vacant buildings for unpaid penalties that have lasted more than one year.

St. Louis Blues face key questions about how Doug Armstrong will manage in-season cap space, the development of players in contract years, growing new defensive partnerships, and Jordan Kyrou’s pursuit of a 40-goal season.

Missouri Lottery announced a record Powerball ticket worth $893.5 million was sold at a QuikTrip in north St. Louis, with the winner splitting the $1.787 billion jackpot with another player in Texas.

A historic church in north St. Louis burned on Saturday, marking the fifth church fire in the area within five years. The building, which once housed Friedens United Church of Christ, was destroyed.