Welcome to your St. Louis news update. Today, the city allocates Rams Settlement funds for tornado recovery housing, Collinsville steps up water testing, and SLSO unveils its new Jack C. Taylor Music Center. Plus: legislative changes, significant education donations, and top sports headlines.

MAIN STORY

Collinsville Water Testing

Collinsville Water Department chief operator Michael Crawford collected water samples from the city’s water plant on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, as part of the facility’s ongoing water quality monitoring. Crews test water every two hours for chlorine and pH levels.

However, testing for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) requires samples to be sent to outside laboratories, as the equipment needed for PFAS testing is too costly for the department to purchase. Many municipalities face similar challenges to those of federal agencies, and researchers debate the health impacts and regulatory standards for PFAS in public water systems.

City officials have not reported elevated PFAS levels but plan to follow new state and federal guidelines as they emerge. For more information on PFAS and local water testing, visit the Illinois EPA’s PFAS page or the original article.

AROUND TOWN

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bill 1 on Sunday, enacting a new congressional redistricting map. The law, effective after an August special session and legislative passage on September 12, updates Missouri’s congressional boundaries and amends the initiative petition process. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin criticized the move as partisan, while the resulting “Protect Missouri Voters” amendment goes to voters on a future ballot. Details on the new “Missouri First Map” are available via the Office of Administration’s Redistricting Office. Read the full story.

St. Louis University High received a $16 million donation to establish a new teacher training program. The gift honors retired educator Dennis Graviss and is among the largest ever received by the private Jesuit school. School officials stated that the program aims to support teaching innovation and professional development, with implementation expected to span several years. The endowment is intended to help address teacher shortages and boost instructional quality. Read more about the donation and its impact on education in the St. Louis area.

Willson Contreras says he hopes to remain part of the St. Louis Cardinals’ future amid an expected rebuild. Contreras met with the incoming president of baseball operations, Chaim Bloom, in Chicago on Friday, expressing his commitment to the team as it prepares to overhaul its roster and focus on developing its farm system. With two years and $36.5 million left on his contract and a full no-trade clause, Contreras remains open to dialogue, saying any move must benefit both parties. For more on Contreras' outlook, see this in-depth report.

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St. Louis Offers Tornado Recovery Housing Aid

The City of St. Louis is allocating $2.5 million in Rams Settlement funds to renovate vacant rental properties for families displaced by the May 16 tornado. Applications for these funds opened on Friday and will remain open through October 31.

Only nonprofit developers, Community Development Corporations, and public entities with rental portfolios are eligible for this program. The goal is to rehab units quickly so tornado-impacted families can move in before winter. Each renovated unit could receive up to $10,000 in funding. A public hearing and workshop on the new program are scheduled for October 7.

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SLSO Unveils Jack C. Taylor Music Center

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) opened the Jack C. Taylor Music Center this weekend, celebrating a $140 million renovation and expansion at Powell Symphony Hall. Music Director Stéphane Denève led a rehearsal during the ribbon-cutting event, which drew local media and community leaders.

Funded by a record $173 million campaign, the 64,000-square-foot facility includes new rehearsal and educational spaces, aiming to make music more accessible across St. Louis. The SLSO, the second-oldest orchestra in the U.S., welcomes audiences to its redesigned campus this season. Learn more at the SLSO website, or read details in St. Louis Argus coverage.

QUICK HITS

St. Louis City2 clinched the best record in MLS Next Pro, securing home-field advantage throughout the postseason after a win at CityPark Stadium on July 6, 2024.

Six Flags St. Louis officials stated that the park has "no plans to close" despite the company's financial challenges and speculation about the future of the Eureka location.

St. Louis Cardinals plan to prepare Kyle Leahy as a potential starting pitcher next spring after his breakout season as a top reliever, signaling a pivotal offseason of roster changes and player development focus.

St. Louis City SC ended its playoff run after a 3-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, under interim coach David Critchley.

St. Louis Blues agreed to a three-year, $18.3 million contract extension with defenseman Cam Fowler, securing his services through 2028 and granting him a full no-trade clause before a modified no-trade agreement in 2029.