Waymo’s ride-hailing service launches in St. Louis with human-driven EV taxis. Plus, the county faces a major budget deficit, Forest Park renovates Steinberg Rink after tornadoes, and neighborhood initiatives spotlight community resilience. Catch critical updates on jobs, public health, and local leadership inside today’s newsletter.

MAIN STORY

Waymo Launches Taxi Service

Waymo will begin operating its ride-hailing service in St. Louis this week, using Jaguar I-PACE electric vehicles. The taxis will have human drivers to start as the company works to familiarize itself with the local community.

The San Francisco-based firm says it will gradually expand its operations, following established safety protocols. Missouri House Speaker Jon Patterson called the partnership progress for regional transit, citing safety and reliability. St. Louis joins several new expansion cities; Waymo also announced launches in Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. In November, the company added service in five Texas and Florida cities.

Waymo has not set a timeline for removing drivers from its St. Louis taxis. For more on Waymo’s local plans, see this detailed update.

AROUND TOWN

Fresh & Chill, a new Tower Grove South restaurant, blends American comfort food with classic Latino cuisine. Opened Nov. 15 by Julieta Feliz and Rodolfo Martinez at 4621 Beck Ave., Fresh & Chill serves dishes like los tres golpes and arepas, alongside creative twists such as lamb chop waffles, reflecting the multicultural team’s backgrounds. The restaurant seats 284 guests across two levels and operates daily, aiming to create a welcoming spot for cross-cultural dining and community. Learn more about Fresh & Chill’s opening and menu.

The SLATE Missouri Job Center will host its annual Holly Jolly Holiday Hiring Fair Dec. 4-5 in downtown St. Louis. More than 20 employers and training organizations—spanning transportation, healthcare, IT, trades, education, and local government—will be on-site at 1520 Market St. from 9 a.m. to noon. Organizers urge job seekers to create or update a profile at jobs.mo.gov ahead of the event. For more details, visit the event announcement.

Jami Cox Antwi, elected July 1, 2025, is the new 8th Ward alderperson in St. Louis. The ward, spanning downtown to historic neighborhoods, reflects the city’s complexity and growth. Cox Antwi, a third-generation local with experience in public policy, aims to bridge longstanding divides, address housing and transit issues, and shift power in development toward residents. Her priorities include restoring affordable homes, advancing transit upgrades, and fostering community-driven investment to build trust and encourage citywide momentum. Read more here.

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St. Louis County Faces $81M Deficit

St. Louis County officials are working to approve a budget before the new year, facing an $81 million deficit that has increased tension between the County Council and County Executive Sam Page.

The deficit includes $61 million in general revenue and $20 million in the health fund, prompting debate over spending reductions versus new revenue streams. Page has proposed using lawsuit settlement funds and introducing an online sales tax, estimated to raise $75 million annually. Council members argue that deeper fiscal discipline is needed, warning of possible bankruptcy without significant changes. Read more about the budget crisis.

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Forest Park Renovates Steinberg Rink

Crews are refurbishing Forest Park after last May’s tornado, replanting trees and completely overhauling the Steinberg Ice Rink, which is closed for the 2024-2025 skating season. The rink will reopen as a year-round, multi-use space.

Forest Park Forever, the park’s nonprofit steward, is leading recovery and renovation projects. Leaders say community input shaped plans for a two-story rink building, a rooftop terrace, and new features such as a splash pad. The May tornado destroyed thousands of trees; crews are restoring the canopy. Private donations fund the renovations, and supporters can find more details on Forest Park Forever’s support page.

QUICK HITS

2025 Take Flight Forum brought together aviation leaders, educators, and students in St. Louis to highlight regional collaboration, industry growth, and the wide array of aviation and STEM opportunities and scholarships available for youth across Missouri and Illinois.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will allocate $40.5 million to expedite cleanup at Coldwater Creek and other St. Louis sites contaminated with Manhattan Project-era nuclear waste, advancing ongoing remediation activities in the area.

Lafayette Square residents launched a community “kindness cabinet” at 2012 Lafayette Ave., offering free winter clothing and food that is regularly restocked by neighbors as demand spikes during colder months.

Total Access Urgent Care reports a surge in flu cases across its 31 St. Louis County locations, attributing increased infections to recent Thanksgiving gatherings and cold weather, and urges residents to seek treatment and flu shots promptly.

Inside Pitch reviews St. Louis Cardinals offseason moves, including trades and signings, as the team prepares for the upcoming MLB Winter Meetings.