Today’s top stories: St. Louis officials race to secure winter housing for tornado survivors; MoDOT seeks public input on New Halls Ferry safety upgrades; and hundreds receive Thanksgiving meals in Overland. Plus: property tax hikes, city earnings tax vote, local newsroom deals, and community spotlights.

MAIN STORY

Tornado Recovery Faces Winter Deadline

With winter approaching, St. Louis city officials are under mounting pressure to find safe housing for hundreds of families still displaced by the spring tornado that struck North St. Louis. Many residents continue to rely on shelters, hotels, or relatives as they wait for permanent solutions.

Mayor Cara Spencer’s administration has evaluated options like the AT&T tower and Armory, but a city financial assistance program has yet to accept any applications, citing legal hurdles. Nearly 10,000 households applied for federal help by August, highlighting the widespread need. Some city officials and residents have expressed frustration with delays, while others point to unprecedented destruction and federal policy changes as major challenges.

Officials expect to open aid applications in the coming weeks and recently approved more than $13 million for immediate housing needs. Leaders acknowledge that full recovery could take years, given the scope of the damage.

AROUND TOWN

St. Louis City voters will decide in April 2026 whether to keep the 1% earnings tax. The city’s budget committee discussed the tax on Wednesday, which funds over 33% of city services and brings in more than $200 million annually. The tax, required by state statute to appear on ballots every five years, saw nearly 80% approval in 2021. City leaders argue it is vital for police, fire, and infrastructure; more details are available in this tax impact summary.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch is promoting new digital subscription offers for local news. The paper is advertising discounts of less than $1 a week for new subscribers, touting both individual and gift options valid for a limited time and subject to taxes. The digital push underscores the continuing challenges newspapers face in balancing subscriber growth and sustainable revenue. Users can review the subscription details and terms to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

St. Louis homeowners have reported major increases in property tax bills, raising concerns across the city. Many residents have seen property tax hikes of 20% or more after 2023 assessments, with some neighborhoods experiencing significantly higher rates than others. County officials attribute the spikes to rising home values and state-mandated reassessment cycles, while residents question the accuracy and fairness of valuations. The county’s Board of Equalization is processing appeals, and property owners can learn more about the appeal process through county resources.

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MoDOT Seeks Input on New Halls Ferry Safety

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is asking drivers and residents to share feedback on proposed improvements for New Halls Ferry Road, a busy St. Louis County corridor. MoDOT held a public meeting on Thursday to review the project, which targets the stretch between Lindbergh Boulevard and Interstate 270.

From 2019 to 2023, this area saw 1,429 crashes, including five fatal incidents, and up to 81% of drivers exceeded the speed limit in some sections. MoDOT’s $9 million plan may include resurfacing, new sidewalks, and traffic signal upgrades. Construction is slated for March 2027. Learn more about the project.

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Thanksgiving Meal Drive Supports Hundreds

Schnucks employees and Operation Food Search (OFS) volunteers distributed turkeys and sides to hundreds of families in Overland, Missouri, on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. The event aimed to address food insecurity ahead of Thanksgiving.

The holiday meal drive combined efforts from Schnucks, OFS, and local food pantries, providing both frozen turkeys and non-perishable sides to long lines of residents. Organizers say the annual initiative helps foster community and ensures more neighbors can gather for the holiday. Recipients expressed gratitude for the assistance and community spirit amid economic challenges.

QUICK HITS

Clement Ford will open its 71,000-square-foot, $45 million, redesigned dealership in Wentzville on Friday, featuring a Bronco-exclusive showroom, climate-controlled service shop, and new customer experience model.

STL Pot Chef Arica Avery shares her top five St. Louis restaurant picks, including Adriana’s on the Hill, Gulf Shores Restaurant & Grill, Lorenzo’s Trattoria, Tasty Treats Snack Shop, and The Gramophone, alongside her recent podcast episode.

Missouri educators say shifting student needs and higher support demands, intensified by COVID-19 disruptions, have deepened the state's teacher shortage and reshaped classroom expectations, despite new efforts to boost retention and salaries.

Missouri Botanical Garden Press has released its first children’s book set at the Garden, highlighting multi-sensory nature experiences for all, written and illustrated by local staff and available at the Garden Gate Shop and online.

St. Louis City SC will begin its 2026 MLS season at home against Charlotte on Feb. 21, while Major League Soccer will shift to a July start in 2027.