Severe storms are possible Saturday with damaging winds. Also in today’s newsletter: strong opposition to a St. Charles park sale, St. Louis wins a clean energy grant, an evacuation ends after an Affton train derailment, plus updates on drug overdose trends, transit upgrades, and community campaigns across the region.

MAIN STORY

Severe Weather Threat Saturday

The St. Louis region faces an increased threat of severe weather Saturday, with the primary risk expected from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to local meteorologists. The main concerns are wind gusts between 40 and 60 mph and the possibility of a brief tornado.

Forecasters attribute the threat to a cold front and a dip in the jet stream moving through the area. The most severe potential is expected south of St. Louis, where higher instability is present. Most of the region will see rain, with average rainfall around half an inch and higher amounts possible in some spots. Severe weather has been minimal in recent months, making this event notable for early June.

Residents are encouraged to review safety plans and stay informed about watches and warnings, especially if travel or outdoor activities are planned. Cooler and clearer conditions are forecast to follow by Saturday evening.

AROUND TOWN

Residents in Affton were allowed to return home after a precautionary evacuation following a train derailment. Two residential blocks near the intersection in Affton were cleared Thursday after several train cars left the tracks, prompting hazmat teams to inspect for hazardous materials. No injuries were reported, and officials confirmed there were no threats before lifting the evacuation order. The cause of the derailment remains under investigation, as safety protocols and railway infrastructure in the area face renewed scrutiny. Read the full story here.

Missouri's drug overdose deaths dropped 26% in 2024, marking the lowest toll since 2017. State data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services show 1,450 deaths last year, down from 1,948 in 2023, with declines across most demographics and regions. Experts attribute the drop to expanded distribution of naloxone via opioid settlement funds and shifts in drug supply. Black overdose deaths increased in Kansas City but fell in St. Louis; further analysis continues. Read more about Missouri's overdose trends here.

ALSO READ

St. Charles Park Sale Opposed

Thousands of St. Charles residents have signed a petition to block the proposed sale of local parkland, organizers said this week. The effort comes as city officials consider selling the property.

The petition highlights growing concern about the loss of public green space. Advocates argue the park is vital for community recreation and environmental protection. City leaders say no final decisions have been made and public input will be considered. For more details on the petition and community response, see this breaking coverage of the proposed park sale.

ALSO READ

St. Louis Wins $250K Energy Grant

St. Louis and Missouri Green Banc have received a $250,000 national grant from the Municipal Investment Fund to develop partnerships that invest in clean energy and lower energy costs for local residents.

The grant, announced in June 2024, was awarded by the Coalition for Green Capital and ICLEI USA. St. Louis is one of 50 recipients chosen from 114 applicants nationwide. Funding will help design finance-ready clean energy projects and may unlock up to $2 million in future support. For more, read about the St. Louis energy grant win.

QUICK HITS

Shero Imaging, Missouri's first concierge breast cancer practice, opened in St. Louis in July 2025, offering same-day results, transparent pricing, and the state's first breast CT, providing early, accessible cancer screening for women.

Bella's Frozen Yogurt will transform its downtown St. Louis froyo spot into a coffee cafe, following challenges during COVID-19, property damage from protests, and a recent car crash, according to a recent report.

Missouri Historical Society launched the “I am St. Louis” campaign to boost civic pride by encouraging residents and organizations to share their stories and confront the city’s complex history.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will join more than a dozen rock musicians at Powell Hall on Friday and Saturday to celebrate Chuck Berry's legacy ahead of his 100th birthday in March.

MetroLink will begin installing new touch-screen fare validators at 11 stations starting Oct. 21, aiming to streamline ticketing and integrate with recently added safety gates and a mobile “RideOn” app.