St. Louis seeks aid for tornado survivors as officials tally housing needs. Also in today’s newsletter: biotech investments bring new jobs, Powell Hall’s grand reopening, and Southwest Airlines cuts regional nonstop routes. Plus: school fellowship news, new Union Station rides, local scholarships, and a teen entrepreneur’s Walmart milestone.

MAIN STORY

St. Louis Seeks Shelter Aid

St. Louis officials are requesting outside assistance to house residents displaced by the May 16 tornado, which damaged homes in neighborhoods like Academy. Survivors are clearing out properties for inspections and hope to rebuild in the coming months.

City leaders have not specified how many people remain in need of shelter, but recent storms have strained local resources. Insurance and engineering assessments continue as the city deals with criticism over failures, such as storm siren malfunctions. The scale of need for temporary and long-term housing is still under review, with officials urging community support.

Authorities say victim assistance efforts will continue as the extent of the damage becomes clearer. For more updates and resources, visit the city’s official tornado response page.

AROUND TOWN

The Gateway Teaching Fellowship is addressing St. Louis’s teacher shortage by recruiting, training, and retaining educators in local schools. Launched by The Opportunity Trust in August, the pilot enrolled nine fellows across four partner schools after a three-week training focused on instructional readiness and classroom management. With federal budget cuts pressuring teacher preparation programs, the fellowship offers hands-on experience and up to $15,000 in incentives while aiming to reverse declining first-year teacher retention rates. Learn more at Gateway Teaching Fellowship or read the full story.

Southwest will end nonstop flights from St. Louis to several regional cities this year. The carrier, which dominates St. Louis Lambert International Airport, plans to discontinue direct connections to destinations such as Des Moines, Oklahoma City, and Indianapolis in October, citing shifting travel demands and route profitability. Other airlines provide limited alternatives, raising concerns among business travelers and city officials about connectivity and economic impacts. The airport will work with airlines to explore new service options. Read more on the planned route changes.

New amusement rides are coming to St. Louis Union Station with a grand opening planned for August 2025. The expansion, which includes a new Ferris wheel, aims to boost downtown tourism and provide new family-friendly attractions, with Lodging Hospitality Management CEO Bob O’Loughlin emphasizing the importance of showcasing city landmarks. The upcoming rides were previewed by visitors, including out-of-state guests, and officials hope the additions will further energize local businesses and community pride. Read more about the Union Station rides.

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Varro Life Sciences Expands

Varro Life Sciences announced a $42.5 million expansion in St. Louis, launching a lab and research facility in the Cortex Innovation District and creating 33 new biotech jobs. The company develops biosensor devices for infectious disease detection.

The new jobs will offer wages above local averages and support St. Louis’ growing status in the high-tech sector. Backed by the Missouri Works program and collaborations with Washington University, Varro’s focus includes two new diagnostic devices. Learn more about the expansion and Varro’s work at St. Louis Argus News.

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Powell Hall Set to Reopen

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will celebrate the reopening of Powell Hall in Grand Center after a two-year, $140 million expansion, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 19 at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center.

Renovations include the new Education and Learning Center, providing additional space for community music programs. A free community concert at Art Hill in Forest Park will take place September 17, followed by opening weekend performances September 26-28. Powell Hall turns 100 in November. Details and ticket information are available on the SLSO website.

QUICK HITS

City of St. Louis began construction of a protected cycletrack on Convention Plaza, with additional safety upgrades planned for 4th Street and Broadway Avenue following high crash and speeding rates.

St. Louis Labor Council is reviving its annual Labor Day parade with a new location and an earlier date than usual, hosting the event in Florissant a week ahead of the traditional holiday.

Stray Rescue in St. Louis placed 16 abandoned puppies from two litters in foster homes after a local couple rescued them from the side of I-55 last Friday.

Ivy Alliance Foundation awarded $105,900 in scholarships to 56 St. Louis-area high school graduates at its Annual Scholarship Reception on July 27, 2025, at the Gary Gore Community Center in Jennings.

Joshua Danrich has become one of fewer than 100 teens to sign a deal with Walmart, getting his “Mr. Fresh” air fresheners into stores in Missouri, select Illinois locations, and online worldwide.