Missouri’s auditor has rated St. Louis Public Schools’ finances as “poor,” its lowest mark, raising concerns about deficit spending and long-term fiscal health. Here’s what the audit revealed and what happens next.

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Auditor Rates SLPS Finances ‘Poor’

Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick gave St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) the lowest possible rating of “poor” following a year-long financial review, sharing findings at a news conference on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025.

The audit cited a “perilous financial path” for the district, referencing unchecked deficit spending. This is the lowest rating SLPS has received under the state’s audit system. Fitzpatrick’s office raised alarms about long-term fiscal health and the sustainability of current spending patterns. District officials have previously acknowledged financial challenges, but some have questioned aspects of the state’s methodology.

The audit’s release initiates further scrutiny, with the district now required to submit a corrective action plan. For more details on the audit, you can review the full findings via this audit report coverage.

AROUND TOWN

Bar K, a popular St. Louis dog-park bar, filed for bankruptcy just one week after closing its doors. The business in the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood attracted dog owners for years before abruptly ceasing operations in July. Bar K’s owners blamed mounting financial challenges for the decision, which leaves customers and staff in uncertainty as the bankruptcy process unfolds. The filing may impact outstanding debts and lease obligations as the company seeks possible avenues for resolution. Read more details about Bar K’s closure.

Fordo’s Killer Pizza opens a second outpost within Urban Chestnut Brewing Co. in The Grove. The acclaimed pizza brand, operated by Niche Food Group, began serving its menu inside the brewery on July 16, 2024, expanding beyond its original St. Louis location. Customers can order signature pies and sandwiches from Wednesday through Sunday, pairing food with Urban Chestnut beers. This collaboration underscores a growing trend of cross-brand partnerships in the city’s dining and craft beer scenes. Learn more about this partnership.

The body of missing O'Fallon, Mo., woman Keywana Montgomery was found inside a culvert near her home. Police said they do not suspect foul play but continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the discovery. Montgomery had been missing since earlier this week, prompting a search in her neighborhood. The O’Fallon Police Department urged anyone with information to contact investigators. Updates are expected as authorities await autopsy results and review evidence from the scene.

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SLPS Adds 243 New Buses

Saint Louis Public Schools will launch a modernized fleet of 243 buses, operated by Zum Services, when classes start Aug. 18. The new partnership follows last year’s transportation disruptions that left many students without rides for weeks.

Zum will serve approximately 220 daily routes under a $30 million, three-year contract. Each bus features air conditioning, safety cameras, and GPS tracking. Parents can track their child’s ride in real time using the Zum app. The district and Zum aim to avoid past chaos, offering improved reliability, safety, and real-time updates for St. Louis families. Learn more about the upgrades.

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Tennessee Williams Festival Marks 10 Years

The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis celebrates its 10th anniversary this month, highlighting the playwright’s deep ties to St. Louis. The festival opens Thursday with a production of “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

Williams, who lived in the Central West End for more than 20 years, drew significant inspiration from his time in St. Louis, with plays like “The Glass Menagerie” based on his experiences there. This year’s festival features scholarly panels, site-specific performances, walking tours, and tribute readings. Learn more about festival events and Williams' St. Louis legacy.

QUICK HITS

St. Louis Lambert International Airport will permit Turo car rental app users to exchange keys at airport facilities starting Sept. 1, following the Airport Commission’s approval of a one-year permit.

RTI International researchers found that beer from St. Louis contains PFAS, or "forever chemicals," at levels below current EPA health standards, with concentrations reflecting those in local water sources.

Several north St. Louis County cities have jointly asked voters to approve a new tax aimed at funding road repairs and infrastructure improvements amid ongoing budget challenges.

Jewish Light Unsung Heroes will honor 10 community volunteers at its 16th annual event on Oct. 26 at the Jewish Community Center, with profiles featured in the Nov. 5 print edition.

Clayton elects new alderwoman to fill vacant seat on board as city officials face federal demands requiring difficult decisions, according to a statement from Mayor Cara Spencer.