Missouri axes sales tax on essential hygiene items, repeals paid sick leave, and strengthens protections against utility shutoffs. Plus, Edward Jones layoffs, St. Louis population shifts, new Union Station rides, top high school athletes, and more in today’s headlines.

MAIN STORY

Missouri Ends Sales Tax on Hygiene Products

Missouri families will now pay less for essential hygiene items after a new law took effect, eliminating state and local sales tax on diapers, period products, and incontinence supplies, effective Thursday. The move aims to ease the financial burden for residents who struggle to afford necessities.

Advocates, including the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank, say the tax cut will help thousands of families. The group distributes approximately 3 million diapers and 800,000 period supplies annually, underscoring the high demand and cost of these essential items. State officials estimate Missouri will lose up to $33 million in annual revenue, while local governments could see a $47 million reduction. Still, supporters believe the savings will benefit families and spur spending elsewhere.

Missouri joins 22 other states that do not tax these products. The tax exemption applies automatically to eligible items purchased in Missouri stores or delivered to Missouri addresses from online retailers.

AROUND TOWN

Edward Jones laid off 259 employees this week in the U.S. and Canada, including its Des Peres headquarters. The financial services firm announced that 552 additional associates had previously accepted a voluntary separation plan, streamlining its North American operations and affecting less than 2% of its workforce. Employees learned of the cuts on Monday and Tuesday, while staffing in the St. Louis area has dropped 21% since 2019. For more information on company impacts, please refer to the full report.

St. Louis City’s overall population continues to decline, but the Central West End shows notable growth. Recent census data indicate that the city has just over 279,000 residents, yet the Central West End neighborhood has gained approximately 2,000 people in the past decade, according to Alderman Michael Browning. Browning emphasizes the need for diverse housing options to expand the tax base and stabilize city services. He also questions census accuracy, citing penalties for demolishing vacant homes. Read more.

St. Louis Union Station debuted three new amusement rides at its outdoor Wheel Park, providing family-friendly fun in the heart of downtown. The attractions—Flying Louie, Loco Motion, and Wave Swinger—opened Thursday, Aug. 28, and operate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., joining the beloved St. Louis Wheel. Tickets are available for individual rides or combo packages that include other activities. Union Station, a National Historic Landmark, has transitioned from a railway hub to an entertainment destination, featuring mini-golf, classic games, an award-winning aquarium, and family dining.

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Missouri Repeals Paid Sick Leave

Approximately 700,000 Missouri workers lost access to paid sick leave on Thursday as a new state law repealed the provision of voter-approved Proposition A. Gov. Mike Kehoe signed the repeal less than four months after the benefit took effect.

Proposition A passed in 2024 with 56% support, granting one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked and increasing the minimum wage. While the $15 minimum wage for 2026 will remain in effect, future increases will not be tied to inflation. Advocacy groups and business leaders remain divided on the effect of the mandate.

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Missouri Tightens Utility Shutoff Rules

Missouri utility companies must now wait longer to disconnect service during extreme weather, following the implementation of Senate Bill 4 on Thursday. Utilities must pause disconnections for 72 hours if temperatures are forecast to be dangerously hot or cold, up from the prior 24-hour rule.

The new law covers natural gas and electric utilities. Last summer, it would have added 18 extra protected days, and 25 more in the recent winter. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities nationwide. In June, Ameren reported disconnecting over 4,000 customers, while more than 160,000 were behind on bills. Learn more about the utility weather rule changes here.

QUICK HITS

48Hr Film Project attracted a record 35 teams in its 24th annual St. Louis competition, challenging filmmakers to complete a short film in 48 hours for a September screening at Galleria 6 Cinema.

Global Aerospace Summit in St. Louis highlighted regional innovations in crop-based fuels and ethanol aimed at scaling up sustainable aviation fuel production to meet U.S. demand by 2030.

Top St. Louis area high school football prospects showcase their talent in the annual senior rankings, highlighting athletes like SLUH’s Keenan Harris and De Smet’s Titan Davis for the 2024 season.

Muscular Dystrophy Association "Show of Strength" telethon returns live this Sunday from Grant's Farm, celebrating its 75th anniversary with a two-hour broadcast at 8 p.m. to raise funds for those affected by neuromuscular diseases in St. Louis.

Fire along North Broadway damaged a former industrial building Thursday morning, underscoring ongoing concerns about illegal dumping, vacant structures, and public safety, as city officials cite property owner responsibility and enforcement efforts across North Riverfront.