Good morning, St. Louis! Leaders are at odds over $96 million in unused transit tax funds, a new pediatric hospital reaches a milestone in Webster Groves, recycling options expand citywide, and tornado-damaged schools plan winter reopening. Plus: local events, business headlines, and must-see performances for your weekend.

MAIN STORY

Transit Tax Stalemate

St. Louis leaders are debating how to use $96 million from a city sales tax originally approved for a north-south MetroLink light rail line. The money, collected since 2017, now sits unused as City Hall officials argue about the best path forward.

Mayor Cara Spencer supports shifting the funds to a bus rapid transit project, citing lower costs and faster completion. Board of Aldermen President Megan Green opposes this move without new voter approval, warning it may violate the intent of the 0.5% economic development sales tax. Projected light-rail construction costs have ballooned to $1.1 billion, dividing officials and raising legal and political questions about the use of tax revenue.

Board Bill 106 would put a transit funding question before voters in 2026, but no consensus has been reached. The city awaits further legal guidance as debates continue. Read more at KSDK’s report on the transit tax debate.

AROUND TOWN

Business owners in St. Louis' Near North Riverfront are organizing for better city services amid years of decline. The area, once a thriving industrial hub, now faces complaints about eroded infrastructure, crime, and limited city response, despite major employers like Procter & Gamble operating a 17-acre plant. Business leaders revived their association in September, recently electing officers and seeking nonprofit status, hoping collective action will finally draw political attention to longstanding issues; Mayor Cara Spencer has promised to listen. Read more about the Near North Riverfront effort here.

Downtown St. Louis will see a permanent mounted police patrol beginning in 2026. Local hotelier Bob O’Loughlin announced that the forthcoming force will feature about 20 officers focused on boosting safety throughout the district, with patrols active year-round, not just during major events. The initiative aims to support increased tourism and large-scale concerts at the Dome. O’Loughlin called the move a step toward making St. Louis the nation’s safest city. Read more from the St. Louis Business Journal.

Three St. Louis Public Schools buildings damaged by the tornadoe will reopen by January 5, following unanimous board approval. Washington Montessori Elementary, Yeatman-Liddell Middle, and Beaumont High will welcome students back after the May 16 tornado forced the closure of seven schools and damage to 12. The Board of Education also set Hickey Elementary to reopen in 2026-27. Three remaining schools face delays in reopening until January 2027 due to material shortages and extensive damage. Families will receive new bus route information on December 15. See more details here.

ALSO READ

Webster Groves Pediatric Hospital Rises

Construction crews marked a milestone Tuesday with a topping-off ceremony for a new 77-bed children’s psychiatric hospital in Webster Groves. The facility, operated by St. Louis Children’s Hospital and KVC Missouri, is expected to open in late 2026.

The hospital will offer both short-term and long-term inpatient psychiatric care for patients ages 6 to 18. Local health officials say the new beds should help address a regional shortage that has forced many families to seek care far from St. Louis. Some neighborhood concerns about the project have moderated after months of dialogue.

ALSO READ

St. Louis Expands Recycling Drop-Off

St. Louis residents have faced overflowing recycling bins nearly four months after the city switched to drop-off centers. As of December, the city has increased the number of sites from 25 to 45 and expanded pick-ups to several times weekly at high-traffic locations.

City officials report 76% of collected material was recycled under the new system, compared to less than half previously. The city saves $100,000 monthly due to reduced contamination. Some residents surveyed want additional locations and better distribution. The city continues to solicit feedback and is studying the feasibility of introducing roll carts. Drop-off site info is available online.

QUICK HITS

Missouri History Museum will open a 1,000-square-foot exhibit highlighting Forest Park’s 150-year legacy, from its 1876 founding to today, on December 13, 2025, running through May 2027.

Operation Any Means Necessary continues to repair and tarp tornado-damaged homes in north St. Louis, racing to keep senior residents safe before a forecasted cold snap this weekend.

El Monstero drummer John Pessoni shares five of his favorite locally owned restaurants, highlighting longtime favorites from Sunset Hills to Concord and The Hill.

DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal) headlines at The Factory, joined by LAYZ, Calcium, and Mary Droppinz for an electronic music event beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday.

High school Athletes of the Week features standout performances by St. Louis-area students, highlighting achievements across various sports and schools during the latest competition week.