Good morning, St. Louis. Today: an investigation finds Missouri police often keep their licenses after serious misconduct, federal officials respond to tornado recovery, the mayor’s staff sees key changes, Barnes-Jewish opens a prominent new tower, and cheetah cubs debut at the Zoo. Plus, construction and restaurant news.

MAIN STORY

Missouri Officers Keep Licenses After Misconduct

Several Missouri police officers retained their law enforcement licenses after being disciplined, fired, or even convicted of crimes, according to a recent investigation. The report found that officers involved in cases like excessive force and assault remained on the job, even after coming before a state license discipline board.

A review of 627 misconduct allegations between 2014 and 2024 showed that it typically took a median of at least 539 days for complaints to reach formal review. Missouri law does not require police departments to report misconduct within a set time frame, and the state does not automatically revoke licenses for serious crimes. In some cases, officers convicted of felonies continued working while their cases were unresolved.

State officials have increased investigative staff and implemented notification programs, but calls for automatic decertification and stricter reporting rules continue. Some neighboring states have enacted more stringent laws regarding police licensing.

AROUND TOWN

Barnes-Jewish Hospital will admit patients to its new Plaza West Tower in October, expanding its heart and vascular care services. The seven-floor facility features 224 private inpatient rooms, state-of-the-art imaging capabilities, and enhanced family amenities, reflecting input from staff and patients, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospital expects to serve 80 to 100 new patients at any one time and fully staff the building at launch. The renewal project has generated $2 billion in regional economic impact, with further renovations planned for 2026. See photos of Plaza West Tower here.

Developers broke ground Thursday on Albion West End, a $145 million tower in St. Louis’ Central West End. The 30-story building, located at Kingshighway and Lindell, has been delayed since 2022 due to rising costs. It will feature more than 300 apartments, retail space, and parking, with a scheduled completion date of 2027. Leaders from Albion and Clayco cited the tower’s location next to Forest Park as a draw, as new large-scale construction in the city remains limited. Read more about the groundbreaking.

Scouts, a new restaurant from chefs Elliott Brown and Brandon Panosh, will open in November in St. Louis. Brown and Panosh, known for their work on the popular pop-up Dinner at the Loft, will debut the concept with Will Rogers and a focus on locally sourced cuisine. The opening comes as the city’s dining scene continues to evolve, with anticipation for Scouts building among food enthusiasts. Read more about the restaurant’s plans and team here.

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Feds Decline Tornado Cleanup

Federal officials have declined to take over tornado cleanup in St. Louis after the destructive May 16 storm, but pledged to provide additional funding and support for recovery efforts.

Residents in hard-hit areas, such as Greater Ville, where houses have collapsed and many lack homeowners’ insurance, say the need for assistance remains urgent. City leaders will coordinate ongoing recovery with federal agencies. For more details, see this coverage of federal response and local impact.

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St. Louis Mayor’s Communications Chief Departs

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer’s communications chief has left City Hall, marking the second recent departure of a key adviser. City officials confirmed Monday was her last day in the role.

The official’s departure comes as Mayor Spencer marked her first 100 days in office on July 24, 2025. Interim replacement plans have not been announced. The mayor’s office stated that the chief left to pursue other opportunities. For more information about recent changes at City Hall, visit the local government news.

QUICK HITS

Marie-Hélène Bernard has led the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra through a $ 140 million renovation of Powell Hall and a $ 173 million fundraising campaign, emphasizing the symphony's role in elevating St. Louis's national and global presence.

Saint Louis Zoo cheetah cubs made their public debut Wednesday, with limited viewing hours as the five siblings and their mother, Cora, acclimate to their new River's Edge habitat.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has approved a $341.6 million balanced budget for fiscal year 2026, following the elimination of programs and a nearly 8% increase in enrollment from last fall, which came after a $10.3 million deficit was reported last year.

Portions of Missouri are experiencing extreme drought for the first time in a year, with record-low rainfall in August 2025 impacting fall foliage for a sixth consecutive season, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Airport ramp on northbound I-170 near St. Louis Lambert International Airport will close from Friday evening until early Monday for bridge work each of the next two weekends, according to MoDOT.