Today’s updates: Missouri enacts new state laws affecting utilities, policing, worker benefits, and homeschooling; measles cases rise amid falling vaccination rates; Gravois corridor safety gets attention; tornado recovery aid deadline may extend; St. Louis City FC changes leadership; and the Chess Club’s major expansion nears reopening.

MAIN STORY

Missouri Laws Roll Out

Several new Missouri state laws are taking effect this week, impacting utility bills, police oversight, worker benefits, and homeschooling. The measures invalidate some local ordinances in cities such as St. Louis, Clayton, and Kansas City.

Utility bills for electric, water, gas, and sewer services have already climbed in many parts of the St. Louis area, with additional rate hikes expected. Lawmakers have approved a state takeover of the St. Louis police department, rolled back sick leave benefits for some workers, and advanced a proposal to put abortion access on the state ballot. A bill sent to the governor would allow homeschooled students to join public school activities, including sports and band.

The new laws reflect ongoing debates in Missouri about the balance of power between state and local governments, individual rights, and access to schools. Updates will follow as state agencies and localities implement these measures. Read more in this detailed breakdown of Missouri's new laws.

AROUND TOWN

Tornado aid deadline (yesterday) extension denied after slow recovery efforts. Mayor Cara Spencer requested that federal authorities move the housing and disaster aid application deadline from Tuesday to Sept. 25, citing ongoing needs three months after the May 16 tornado. The city plans to open 250 housing units soon, but notes that the number may fall short, as cleanup costs have doubled to $730 million. About $180 million could become the joint responsibility of the city and state governments. Community leaders warn that the city’s needs for food, shelter, and healthcare remain acute as many impacted residents weigh rebuilding versus leaving St. Louis. Residents can find details on aid and housing programs by visiting the city’s tornado recovery information page.

St. Louis City FC dismissed sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel on Monday amid a difficult season. The club, which leads only one team in the Western Conference with seven matches left, credited Pfannenstiel for building its inaugural roster and programs after hiring him in 2020. President Diego Gigliani cited the need for leadership change as the club pursues long-term stability. Interim management and a search for a new sporting director continue. Read more here.

The Saint Louis Chess Club will reopen its expanded 30,000-square-foot facility this fall in the Central West End. Club officials say the new space, over four times larger than before, will host international tournaments starting in October, fueling excitement among residents and local leaders. Signature features include a chess-themed restaurant, high-tech tournament hall, and event spaces, solidifying St. Louis’s reputation as a chess capital. Community members anticipate increased activity, despite concerns about neighborhood vacancies. Read more about the club’s plans.

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Missouri Measles Cases Rise

Missouri has reported seven measles cases this year, including five in Cedar County, which has one of the state’s lowest kindergarten vaccination rates at 74.4%. State health officials say falling immunization rates are contributing to a resurgence not seen since 1992.

According to the Kansas City Health Department, efforts are underway to improve vaccine access and combat hesitancy, which has increased alongside the rise in religious exemptions. Data show that only 2.4% of kindergarteners claimed religious exemptions in the 2020-21 school year, but that figure has more than doubled for the 2024-25 school year. Read more about declining vaccination rates here.

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Gravois Safety Efforts Continue

St. Louis and the Missouri Department of Transportation have added new crosswalks along Gravois Avenue, aiming to address safety on one of the region's most dangerous traffic corridors. A recent MODOT study found 22 fatalities and 77 serious injuries from 2020 to 2024 along the route.

Advocates are calling for faster action, citing high vehicle speeds and challenging crossings. MODOT plans a full redesign in 2029 and is seeking public input now. City officials acknowledge the complex state–city partnership, while groups like the St. Louis Coalition to Protect Cyclists and Pedestrians call for more immediate measures. Read more on street safety plans.

QUICK HITS

MOKAN St. Louis Construction Contractors Assistance Center will host a Topgolf Fundraiser on Sept. 25, 2025, supporting its 10-week Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program to empower minority and women workers in the St. Louis construction industry.

Urban Born, a St. Louis literacy nonprofit, faces $230,000 in repair costs and the possibility of indefinite closure after a tornado destroyed its facility. At the same time, disaster relief remains inaccessible primarily to uninsured families like the Langerstons.

Dontea Anthony, hospitalized with burns over 85 percent of his body after a house explosion in north St. Louis County, is receiving community support through this weekend’s benefit event as his family seeks donations for ongoing recovery needs.

Lindenwood football enters the 2024 season eligible for the playoffs for the first time, with players and coaches focused on translating that opportunity into postseason success.

Better Family Life, Incorporated is inviting bids for the 2025-26 Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program, serving multiple St. Louis sites with nutritious meals. The bid period runs from August 25 to September 5, 2025.