Today’s newsletter highlights Governor Kehoe’s selections for St. Louis’s new police oversight board as the city’s police department transitions to state control. Learn about the appointees and their upcoming responsibilities.

MAIN STORY

St. Louis Police Board Appointed

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe on Monday announced his appointees to the new board overseeing the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department as it transitions to state control. The board includes St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer, four city residents chosen by the governor, and one nonvoting commissioner.

Four of the five governor appointees are area business owners, while the fifth is a former top city official known for disagreements with former Mayor Tishaura Jones. The board will begin work with transition director Derek Winters, establishing meeting policies and bylaws before overseeing department policies, contracts, assets, and budgets. Kehoe cited officer recruitment and retention as the department’s main challenge, with over 300 positions currently unfilled.

The creation of this board comes as St. Louis shifts from local to state-controlled police oversight, a move supported by state lawmakers.

AROUND TOWN

Homeowners across St. Louis see property tax assessments rise by 15% to 20% for 2025. The St. Louis County Assessor reports single-family home prices rose 13.4% since 2023, leaving residents like Tom Hayden in Des Peres facing tax hikes that strain retirees on fixed incomes. Officials acknowledge some increases reflect past undervaluations but urge those who disagree to file appeals by July 14 via the Board of Equalization, as 40–60% of appeals result in reductions. More appeal tips are available online.

PLAY STL, a new initiative, pays local musicians to perform outdoors in St. Louis neighborhoods through September. The program, organized by Interco Charitable Trust, Kranzberg Arts Foundation, and Rio Vista Foundation, aims to enhance St. Louis’ vibrant music scene and foster community safety and engagement. Musicians receive up to $500 per set, with performances planned for the Central West End and Forest Park. Visit the PLAY STL official page for updates.

On Tuesday, the St. Louis Cardinals will give Michael McGreevy another spot start against the Chicago Cubs. Manager Oli Marmol said McGreevy's increased pitch diversity and self-awareness have solidified his place in the Cardinals’ rotation plans. However, he’ll return to Memphis afterward due to the team’s scheduling needs and roster rules. The move sets right-handers Gordon Graceffo and Andre Granillo aside for about two weeks, barring a doubleheader or injury. All-Star voting updates show minimal Cardinals representation, with Brendan Donovan ranking fifth at second base. The Cubs, meanwhile, expect to start Shoto Imanaga in Thursday’s series finale and have promoted reliever Michael Fulmer to strengthen their bullpen after his strong AAA showing. Ivan Herrera, sidelined with a Grade II hamstring tear, is rehabbing but could be out for up to a month.

Tornado

Old Town Donuts Wins Best in U.S.

Old Town Donuts in Florissant was named “Best Donuts in America” after winning a national bracket-style tournament hosted by The64. The final round closed Sunday, with Old Town Donuts beating Jason’s Donuts from Eagle River, Alaska.

The competition began June 5 and included 64 shops nationwide, chosen through public nominations and The64’s prescreening. Each round of public voting lasted two days. Old Town Donuts has served the St. Louis area for over 50 years. For more details, read about Old Town Donuts’ national win.

JUNETEENTH

Tower Grove Connector Construction Begins

Construction started Monday on phase 1 of the Tower Grove Connector, a 1.8-mile bicycle and pedestrian project linking Tower Grove Park to Cortex. The nearly $18 million project, funded mainly by federal grants, aims to boost safety and connectivity.

The first phase covers 1.4 miles along Tower Grove Avenue and Vandeventer, with completion expected by summer 2026. Supporters cite connections to the Brickline Greenway, economic impact—over $82 million projected annually—and improved public safety. Economic impact studies suggest the project will support more than 900 jobs annually. The Phase 2 design will finish later in 2024.

QUICK HITS

The Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force focused on the 20-year-old formula’s outdated property tax assumptions. State officials discussed wide funding inequities and the formula’s heavy reliance on local tax revenue over state aid.

Missouri Asian American Youth Foundation launched a statewide mental health directory, connecting users with more than 40 culturally competent Asian and Pacific Islander therapists to help address rising mental health needs among Asian Americans after the pandemic.

Lumber Logs is salvaging centuries-old trees toppled in the May tornado from St. Louis neighborhoods and recycling the wood into usable lumber for local craftsmen.

St. Louis animal shelters face severe overcrowding, funding cuts, and disease outbreaks, prompting officials and advocates to debate control of city and county facilities as demand rises after the May 16 tornado.

The CityArchRiver project completed its $380 million, decade-long initiative in May with the reopening of the Old Courthouse. This generated more than $572 million in regional economic impact and drew over 2.5 million visitors in 2024.

GENERATING BUZZ

The community recently celebrated Larry's photography work, highlighting his skill and artistic eye through shared images. Participants shared admiration for Larry’s photographic talent and exchanged thoughts on his approach and the impact of his work. The conversation offered insight into the creative process behind striking local photography, fostering appreciation for visual storytelling within the community. This discussion exemplified how art connects people and inspires dialogue about local culture and personal expression. Check it out.

HISTORICAL EVENT

In 1904, St. Louis hosted the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, commonly known as the 1904 World's Fair. This massive event celebrated the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase and brought together exhibits from over 60 countries, introducing innovations like the public debut of the ice cream cone. The fair coincided with the 1904 Summer Olympics, making St. Louis the first U.S. city to host the Games. Learn more.