Utility bills are climbing across the St. Louis region, impacting electric, water, gas, and sewer costs. Here’s what you need to know about new rate hikes and community responses.

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Utility Bills Rising

Utility rates in the St. Louis region are increasing for electric, water, gas, and sewer services, raising the average monthly bill by about $30. Local residents should expect additional rate hikes in the coming months.

The combined increases affect thousands of households across the region. Some residents and advocates have voiced concerns about affordability as more families feel the financial strain. The changes come amid ongoing debates over utility regulation and infrastructure needs in Missouri.

Regulatory agencies will review future rate proposals, and public hearings may follow. For more on current rate adjustments and factors behind the hikes, see this rate hike coverage.

AROUND TOWN

The Missouri Legislative Black Caucus voiced opposition to potential gerrymandering at a press conference Monday at St. Louis City Hall. The group addressed discussions of redrawing congressional district lines in Kansas City, which could impact Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s current 5th District, following former President Trump’s call for a new map favoring Republicans. Leaders, including Rep. Yolanda Fountain Henderson, warned of likely legal battles, citing Texas as a precedent, while reaffirming their commitment to resist such efforts in Missouri’s major cities. Read more about the gerrymandering debate.

A second company has received early approval to store hazardous materials in St. Charles, raising concerns among residents. City officials granted preliminary permission for the development, which comes amid ongoing contamination disputes involving water wells and the nearby Ameren Huster Road Substation. Community members say they lack details about the materials and the company involved, while legal battles over groundwater contamination continue. Residents can follow updates through city meetings or review the preliminary permit information online.

A judge has allowed a Gravois Park neighborhood lawsuit over the derelict St. Alexius Hospital to proceed. Residents and the Gravois Park Block Link Neighborhood Association have fought for nearly a year to force Delaware-based SA Hospital-Jefferson and trustee Mark Ganjianpour to address nuisance and safety concerns at the 400,000-square-foot former hospital, shuttered since 2022. The court recently rejected the owners’ motion to dismiss, enabling the neighborhood group to begin gathering organizational and financial records. For full coverage, visit St. Alexius nuisance case developments.

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Taste of St. Louis Returns

Taste of St. Louis runs Friday, Aug. 15, through Sunday, Aug. 17, bringing its annual three-day food and drink festival to downtown Clayton at 40 S. Central Ave. The event is free and open to the public.

Organizers expect a large turnout, as past years have drawn up to 100,000 attendees. This year includes dozens of local eateries, live music, and a rooftop kickoff party. The event also partners with Make-A-Wish Missouri and Kansas, inviting donations for children with critical illnesses. Learn more on the Taste of St. Louis event page.

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Duck Room Gets Renovation

The Duck Room at Blueberry Hill in St. Louis has reopened with a new look after recent renovations. Updates include advanced stage lighting, refreshed blue walls, and a renovated Green Room beneath the notable Delmar Loop restaurant.

Since 1997, the Duck Room has hosted a range of artists, most notably rock legend Chuck Berry, with over 200 performances. The venue aims to improve the experience for both performers and fans while maintaining its intimate setting. To see upcoming events or learn more, visit the Duck Room and Blueberry Hill."

QUICK HITS

National Gooey Butter Cake Day, created by Schnucks Markets in 2019, celebrates St. Louis’ signature dessert, which originated in 1930 after a local baker’s mistake.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Victor Scott II reached a personal milestone with his baserunning achievements, marking a significant moment during the team's latest series victory over the Cubs.

The Missouri State Board of Education voted to close 12 schools for students with disabilities. It renewed two St. Louis charter schools for five years, affecting more than 1,500 students at Premier Charter School and Gateway Science Academy in South City.

New Ballwin Road celebrated the completion of a nearly $4 million, two-mile makeover with new pavement, sidewalks, and ADA-compliant upgrades, improving safety and accessibility between Manchester Road and Big Bend Road.

Nina Gilden Seavey and Washington University researchers are analyzing 250,000 newly released federal records to map St. Louis’s connections to 1960s extremist networks and the Martin Luther King Jr. assassination investigation.