Today: St. Louis students and families navigate new school bus routes after tornado damage. The city launches its first major zoning overhaul since the 1950s. Plus, Flyover Comedy Festival announces headliners, and Fufu n’ Sauce opens its first restaurant. More on these stories inside.

MAIN STORY

New School Bus Service Debuts

St. Louis Public Schools launched the school year with a new school bus service company yesterday, marking the first day of class for students. Some families reported mixed experiences, especially after tornado damage at Ashland Elementary required changes in student bus routes.

Superintendent Millicent Borishade is overseeing the transition as students from Ashland are attending Gateway Elementary and Gateway Middle schools. Ray Cummings, president of the American Federation of Teachers Local 420, acknowledged both successes and early concerns, noting transportation challenges with the new provider. The district did not immediately release statistics on on-time performance or missed stops.

School officials say they will continue to monitor the bus company's reliability and work with families to resolve issues. For more details, visit the coverage of the school bus transition.

AROUND TOWN

A new proposal would add 106 townhomes on nearly 11 acres in University City’s historic cemetery area. Developer William James Capital LLC, led by Jack and Mike Ehlers, has spent 18 months coordinating with city officials on "The Enclave on Canton" for 7701 Canton Ave., currently part of the 20-acre United Hebrew Cemetery. The United Hebrew Congregation, which owns the $1.2 million property, is selling as University City weighs $10 million in neighborhood improvements. Read about neighborhood history and development details here.

The Flyover Comedy Festival will return to St. Louis Nov. 13-16 with a star-studded lineup. Headliners include Aziz Ansari, Kym Whitley, and Kyle Kinane, with featured appearances by Beth Stelling, Dulcé Sloan, improv group ASSSSCAT, and a live taping of “Dumb People Town,” co-hosted by Creve Coeur natives the Sklar Brothers. The full festival lineup—expected to top 150 acts—will be revealed in the coming weeks. Tickets go on sale Aug. 21, with presale available Aug. 20. Shows will take place across area venues, including the Pageant, Improv Shop, and Stifel Theatre. For more details on the festival’s return, visit the official Flyover Comedy Festival announcement.

St. Dominic High School has integrated its upgraded security camera system with a regional law enforcement intelligence center. Administrators used a federal grant to help fund $150,000 of a $275,000 upgrade, boosting surveillance with over a dozen new cameras and an advanced operating system. The new system connects to the Regional Intelligence and Information Center, which covers St. Louis and St. Charles counties and allows real-time communication during emergencies. School officials and law enforcement hope other area schools will seek similar security upgrades with federal support.

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St. Louis Launches Zoning Code Overhaul

St. Louis has begun its first significant update to city zoning rules since the 1950s and is inviting residents to participate in the process. Applications are open for a 12-member Zoning Upgrade Community Advisory Committee, which will guide the rewrite and engage the public.

The overhaul will align with the Strategic Land Use Plan adopted in February and address concerns like economic growth, neighborhood design, and climate issues. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 12, with committee selections and the first meeting expected in early October."

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Fufu n’ Sauce Opens First Restaurant

Adjo Honsou has opened the first brick-and-mortar location of Fufu n’ Sauce at 8100 Page Ave. in north St. Louis County, following two and a half years as a popular food truck. Honsou launched the restaurant after preparing 25,000 meals, aiming to provide a gathering space for the local community.

The restaurant offers signature West African dishes, like egusi and fufu, and plans to host cooking workshops, storytelling, and chef collaborations. Honsou’s mission centers on celebrating heritage and building community. Learn more about Fufu n’ Sauce’s new location and vision online.

QUICK HITS

The St. Louis Zoo is now exhibiting four endangered Mexican spider monkeys rescued from wildlife traffickers and seized as infants at the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting both a new attraction and the threat of illegal animal trade.

Tackle Hunger campaign launches its fourth annual food drive on Aug. 22 in St. Louis, with a goal of collecting 75,000 pounds to support Operation Food Search after the May 16 tornado.

The Animal Protective Association of Missouri has purchased property at 11755 Benham Road for its new APA North shelter, with construction starting in early 2025 and Phase 1 scheduled for completion in 2027.

Jewish Federation Impact Grants will provide St. Louis area nonprofits with $5,000 to $50,000 in funding for collaborative, innovative projects addressing emerging needs in the local Jewish community starting August 4, 2024.

St. Louis City Alderman Matt Devoti is proposing a bill to limit golf cart usage to streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less and require safety equipment and valid driver’s licenses for operators.