Happy Halloween, St. Louis! Today’s highlights: The city ranks 4th coziest nationally, a major apartment project is halted, officials unveil a new snow plan, and a local brewery launches cannabis beverages. Plus, major funding for winter shelters, a school levy proposal, zoo arrivals, and more community news.

MAIN STORY

St. Louis Ranks Among Coziest U.S. Cities

St. Louis has been named the nation’s 4th coziest city in a recent comprehensive study. The report highlights local parks, historic neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community as key factors in the city's ranking.

St. Louis ranked #1 in Nature & Walkability, thanks to its extensive park system anchored by Forest Park, which is larger than New York’s Central Park. Neighborhoods like The Hill and Soulard were also recognized for their walkable streets and vibrant traditions, including the historic Soulard Farmers Market.

Officials say the recognition affirms St. Louis’s blend of urban convenience and small-town warmth. The city maintains its focus on preserving green space and historical sites as it looks to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

AROUND TOWN

St. Louis-based 4 Hands Brewing Co. will launch 4 Hands Cannabis Co., featuring delta-9 THC and adaptogen-infused drinks, Nov. 7. The company will debut Zest, Raz, and Trop—each containing 5 mg hemp-derived THC and 5% juice—at its LaSalle Park, Kirkwood, and Chesterfield locations, with wider Missouri retail rollout following the week of Nov. 10, according to founder Kevin Lemp. Plans for 10 mg versions are slated for January. Read more about the cannabis beverage expansion.

St. Louis will allocate $13.7 million to boost winter shelter and housing support, prioritizing tornado-affected residents. Mayor Cara Spencer, Board President Megan Green, and other aldermen announced on Thursday that three new bills will fund shelter expansion, rental assistance, and emergency housing operations, with expedited legislative action planned next week. Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard’s bill redirects $9.3 million in city reserves, while Alderman Rasheen Aldridge’s proposal adds $1 million to the Impacted Tenants’ Fund for relocation help. City leaders estimate 10,000 residents are currently living in unsafe, sometimes unheated, homes.

Rockwood R-VI School District seeks its first teacher and staff levy increase in 31 years. Proposition S appears on the Nov. 4 ballot in several local communities, proposing a 45-cent increase per $100 of assessed value to address salary and benefit competition. If passed, the measure would generate $27 million annually, impacting homeowners by $14 to $28 per month, depending on property value. District leaders say the funds aim to improve rankings and retain experienced educators. Read more about Proposition S here.

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St. Louis Apartment Project Halted

NorthPoint Development has canceled plans for a new apartment complex at a north St. Louis site after demolishing a row of deteriorating homes. A company official said the decision came due to unpredictable local tax incentives.

The project’s demise reflects ongoing concerns from developers about volatility in St. Louis incentive policies. City leaders continue to debate reforms for tax abatement programs, which often shape city revitalization efforts. There is no announced timeline for new proposals at the site.

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St. Louis Unveils Snow Plan

The City of St. Louis announced an updated snow removal plan on October 23, 2025, aimed at increasing road safety this winter. Mayor Cara Spencer detailed the city’s investments in new equipment, expanded salt supplies, and improved protocols to handle severe storms.

The city has doubled its salt supply to 15,000 tons and added eight new plow trucks. A contingency contract with a snow removal company will activate during major storms. Residents can track snowplowing status and submit requests via the city's winter weather hub.

QUICK HITS

Peter Merideth and his family moved from St. Louis city to the Parkway North district this summer to better address his daughter's special needs, highlighting ongoing discussions about expanding the Special School District to city schools.

Community leader Linda Robinson serves as a NAMI STL group facilitator, helping families and individuals navigate mental illness while advocating for suicide prevention and reducing mental health stigma in the Black community.

St. Louis Zoo's WildCare Park welcomed its first rhinos and two giraffes, Mo and Daniel, ahead of its scheduled public opening in 2027 in north St. Louis County.

Lindenwood football fell to Gardner-Webb 48-20 at Hunter Stadium on Saturday, despite a season-high 184 rushing yards, as Carson Gresock scored four touchdowns and earned OVC-Big South Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Sylvan Learning Centers in Cottleville and Lake Saint Louis abruptly closed, leaving parents unable to access prepaid tutoring services or receive refunds, as the Missouri Attorney General investigates at least three complaints.