Missouri’s new sports betting law takes effect, with expected revenue gains for the state. We update you on ongoing tornado recovery in St. Louis, a rise in ‘grandfamilies,’ local business news, and seasonal activities at Eckert’s Farm. Plus, catch up on sports, research cuts, and more community updates.

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Missouri Legalizes Sports Betting

Missourians can now legally place bets on sports after a constitutional amendment approved in November 2024 took effect Monday. Voters narrowly passed Amendment 2 with 50.1% of nearly 3 million votes cast.

This change follows years of stalled efforts by state lawmakers to legalize sports betting, despite support from local teams like the St. Louis Blues. Of Missouri’s eight neighboring states, only Oklahoma does not offer legal sports betting, which was cited as a reason for the amendment’s success. Sports betting is now available at casinos and via approved mobile apps, with operators taxed at 10% of adjusted gross revenue. Revenue will go to regulating sports betting, the Missouri Department of Mental Health for problem gambling, and education funding.

Officials expect initial annual state revenue from sports betting to range from $20 million to $28 million. Further data on gambling participation and state earnings will emerge in the coming year. For more, read about how Missouri rolled out legal sports betting.

AROUND TOWN

St. Louis-based Arch Apparel draws crowds before Cardinals games with its locally inspired merchandise on Clark Avenue. On Sunday, July 16, 2023, shoppers, including families, visited the store across from Busch Stadium to browse hats and other apparel ahead of the home game. The company, founded in 2016, has grown in popularity for its St. Louis-themed designs. Arch Apparel continues to benefit from its strategic location and local sports partnerships, contributing to the city’s retail and tourism sectors. Learn more about Arch Apparel’s growth.

The Buttery, a longtime St. Louis diner famed for its slinger, closed in early November after owner Ed O’Day died. Fans mourned as the closure marked the end of an era for local late-night food culture, with cook Bryan Kerbow sharing gratitude on social media for years of patronage. November also saw several significant restaurant openings, including Comet Coffee’s new location, Tee Rak Thai’s Shaw debut, Ozzy’s Market in Downtown West, Dirty Pop in O’Fallon, and Nettie’s Pizza Den in Clayton. Sasha’s on Demun introduced Cellar Bar, offering wine by the glass and showcasing leftover bottles collected over 15 years. Readers can suggest additional openings or closings by contacting reporter Jody Rogen via email. Read more on restaurant changes in St. Louis.

Eckert’s Farm in Belleville has launched its annual holiday festivities, welcoming families through Christmas. The family-owned business, rooted in the St. Louis area for over 100 years, offers classic traditions such as cutting your own Christmas tree, photos with Santa, and seasonal treats at the Cider Shed. Angie Eckert says they aim to engage both new and returning visitors. Families can view the full schedule of weekend events on the Eckert’s Farm event calendar.

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Tornado Victims Face Ongoing Struggles

More than six months after the May 16 tornado, many St. Louis residents, including Baron Johnson and Kenneth Tate, are still waiting for repairs or permanent housing. Recent snowfall has worsened damage for families still living in or beside damaged homes.

The City of St. Louis has extended Code Blue shelter operations through 9 a.m. on Friday. As of Monday, 285 emergency shelter beds are available, with a surge capacity of 345. Shelters and transport options are open for walk-ups. Read more about residents' concerns and ongoing recovery efforts here.

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Rise of 'Grandfamilies' in St. Louis

A growing number of grandparents in the St. Louis area are raising their grandchildren, with school districts developing specialized support. Cheryl and Paul Engelman of Arnold care for their 7-year-old grandson, Landin, who has lived with them since infancy.

The Fox School District is among those offering programs for “grandfamilies,” recognizing their unique challenges. According to district officials, the number of such families has increased in recent years. Support includes homework help and resource coordinators. For more on how local schools are responding, visit this news article on grandfamilies.

QUICK HITS

SLU coach Josh Schertz described the Billikens' loss to Stanford as "gut-wrenching," after the team fell in the final second of their recent matchup.

Washington University in St. Louis faces significant research cuts after the Trump administration reduced National Institutes of Health funding by 40 percent and terminated 44 NIH grants totaling $11.7 million, affecting Parkinson’s disease research and staffing.

Environmental Protection Agency allocated $3 billion in federal funding to help St. Louis and other cities comply with a lead pipe removal rule, as the city continues surveying local properties to identify lead service lines.

US Handball Center has purchased a historic home in Florissant for administrative offices and programming, rather than handball activities, according to officials.

Mary Ellen Anderson, a longtime St. Louis educator, musician, and civil rights advocate, died on November 23, 2025, at Barnes Hospital at age 103, leaving a lasting legacy in the arts and education.