Today: St. Louis’ tenant relief fund faces delays, Kaldi’s Coffee workers unionize, and groundbreaking begins for Venice’s new grocery market. Plus, October’s restaurant surge, the Blues name a new head coach, and area schools meet accreditation benchmarks. Stay informed on the region’s top developments.

MAIN STORY

St. Louis Tenant Aid Delayed

A St. Louis city program aimed at helping displaced tenants, including tornado victims, has not accepted any applications since its launch in early 2024, officials confirmed Wednesday. The Impacted Tenants Fund was approved by the Board of Aldermen last year with American Rescue Plan Act funds.

City Human Services Department officials cited legal hurdles and funding confusion as the main reasons for the delay. The fund, which recently expanded to include victims of the May 16 tornado, was expected to assist about 200 people. Approved applicants could receive a month’s federal fair market rent to cover upfront housing costs.

The department now expects to open applications in about two weeks. Meanwhile, new legislation could add nearly $14 million to local housing and shelter efforts, including $1 million more for the tenant fund. For more on the program's rollout, see updates from the city’s Human Services Department.

AROUND TOWN

October restaurant openings in St. Louis outpaced closings nearly 5-to-1, signaling industry resilience. According to recent data, 19 new eateries launched, while only 4 shuttered, including Rooster’s unexpected closure of its Clayton location. Mainlander relocated successfully in the Central West End, and Swig debuted the region’s first dirty soda shop in St. Peters. The historic Centennial Malt Building welcomed Extra Wavy, Prohibition, and Gatsby Events’ event spaces, marking dynamic shifts ahead of the holiday season.

Filmmaker Cami Thomas’s short film “Keenelan” premieres at the St. Louis International Film Festival. The narrative centers on relationships and St. Louis’s civic identity, features a local cast and crew, and draws on Thomas’s personal experiences. Audiences nationwide have connected with the film’s themes, according to Thomas and editor Jazzy Kettenacker. The 34th annual Whitaker St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase runs Nov. 6-16, 2025, at various locations. Listen to their interview on St. Louis on the Air for more insights.

St. Louis Blues have named Drew Bannister as their permanent head coach, the team announced Tuesday. Bannister, who has served as interim head coach since December, guided the Blues to a 30-19-5 record after taking over midseason. General Manager Doug Armstrong cited Bannister’s leadership and impact on player development in the decision to promote him. The Blues missed the 2024 playoffs by six points but will look to build on their improved performance under Bannister when next season begins. Read more about Drew Bannister’s appointment.

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Kaldi’s Coffee Workers Launch Union Effort

More than 100 people rallied Wednesday outside Kaldi’s Coffee headquarters in Forest Park Southeast as workers from eight St. Louis-area locations announced their campaign to unionize, citing workplace conditions and pay.

Workers allege problems ranging from lack of air conditioning to drainage issues, while company officials say pay and benefits are competitive. Both Starbucks Workers United and the American Postal Workers Union joined the demonstration. Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier plans to introduce a resolution in support of the right to organize. Kaldi’s management said it will follow the legal process and respect workers’ decisions.

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Venice Grocery Market Breaks Ground

Venice officials and project leaders broke ground Wednesday on Venice Grocery Market, set to open by August 2025 as part of a $5 million community revitalization plan. The store will anchor new developments, including a pizza restaurant, renovated schools, and a health clinic.

The Illinois Grocery Initiative awarded $2.4 million to the project to address food access in areas designated as food deserts. The nearest supermarket is four miles from Venice. The city will own the building and lease space to investor Ed Hightower. Read more about the project and state funding.

QUICK HITS

The majority of school districts and charter schools in the St. Louis area remain within accredited ranges, according to 2024-2025 data from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which shows over 92% of public students attend schools meeting or exceeding state expectations.

"Citizens for Modern Transit" and AARP in St. Louis unveiled new benches at MetroBus stops in East St. Louis and Cahokia Heights, aiming to enhance rider comfort and attract community investment through their placemaking program, as detailed in their recent collaboration.

St. Louis animal shelters report worsening overcrowding in 2025, with nonprofit CARE STL now holding 109 dogs—far over its 61-dog capacity—as regional leaders cite rising surrenders, financial hardship, and limited affordable pet-friendly housing as key factors.

Efforts to clean up and revitalize Kinloch are ramping up as local groups host a Thursday news conference and prepare for a large-scale community clean-up this weekend.

Foot Locker St. Louis Galleria donated $7,500 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis on Nov. 5, marking the third consecutive year of support and surpassing last year’s $6,000 contribution.