Today’s newsletter covers rising West Nile virus deaths in Missouri, a surge in St. Louis pedestrian fatalities, shifting enrollment at area colleges, and stormwater concerns over a proposed housing development. Plus: Taiwanese moon cakes, Pines Fest, new rhinos at the zoo, tree awards, and more local highlights.

MAIN STORY

West Nile Virus Deaths Rise in Missouri

Three people have died and 15 have been hospitalized due to West Nile Virus in Missouri as of October 4, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. At least 16 cases are confirmed, with more under investigation.

State officials report the highest levels of the virus in recent years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said nationwide cases are 40% higher than usual. In early September, more than 770 cases were identified across the U.S., compared to 550 during the same period last year. Health experts urge Missourians to take precautions against mosquito bites.

Health officials note that 1 in 5 infected people may develop symptoms, including fever and headache. The state health department continues to monitor cases and recommend preventive steps, especially for older or immunocompromised residents.

AROUND TOWN

Foundry Bakery in Maryland Heights is blending Taiwanese and local ingredients for its artisanal moon cakes. Owners Ray and Leah Yeh discussed their moon cake lineup, which includes new offerings featuring goji berries, walnuts from Northern California, and jujube from Southern California, while celebrating their fourth year of the tradition. Demand for their moon cakes, particularly the jujube variety, has surpassed expectations among St. Louisans unfamiliar with such flavors. Moon cakes remain available for purchase through Sunday. More details here.

University City’s stormwater commission unanimously opposed a plan to rezone part of United Hebrew Cemetery for 106 townhomes, citing flooding risks. The Enclaves at Canton Avenue project would clear 11 forested acres, and although planning and traffic commissions have offered support, critics warn of flash flooding issues similar to those experienced in 2022. Opponents said trees currently absorb runoff and fear the developer’s stormwater detention plans are inadequate. The University City Council will vote Oct. 13; project details and meeting information are online.

Pines Fest returns Oct. 18 in a new Grove location, boasting its biggest lineup to date. The festival, hosted by The Mighty Pines at Atomic by Jamo, features 11 bands—including The High Hawks and local favorites Jake’s Leg—and nearly doubles previous years’ rosters. Talmage Avenue will close for a block party feel, featuring music, food, arts, and live painting from 2 p.m. to midnight. Tickets start at $30; find details at the Pines Fest event page.

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St. Louis Pedestrian Deaths Surge

At least 169 people have died so far in 2025 across the St. Louis region, with 25% of the fatalities involving pedestrians, according to MoDOT. Many of these crashes are happening on neighborhood streets, raising concerns among advocates and officials.

MoDOT launched a new “Heads Up St. Louis” public safety campaign this week to address the trend, which has doubled since 2010. Infrastructure improvements, including enhanced lighting and updated crosswalks, are also underway. Authorities warn pedestrian risks rise as nights get longer; more details can be found in this news report on rising pedestrian deaths.

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Area Colleges See Shifting Enrollment

St. Louis Community College reported a 10% increase in enrollment this fall, primarily in its health science programs, compared to the same period last year. In contrast, the four area universities experienced a year-over-year decline in international enrollment of more than 2,700 students.

The University of Missouri-St. Louis announced layoffs of 40 facilities workers, with plans to outsource custodial and maintenance roles. Meanwhile, nearly 40 staff were cut from Washington University’s advancement office. Faculty at several institutions seek clarity on recent staff reductions. Read more details in the full report on local enrollment trends.

QUICK HITS

Saint Louis Zoo received its first herd of five southern white rhinoceroses at WildCare Park in late September, marking the species’ return to zoo care for the first time in decades.

STL Neighborhood Foresters received the Missouri Arbor Award of Excellence for organizing hundreds of local volunteers to water, mulch, and prune young trees across St. Louis, using a new web app to track maintenance and tree needs.

Trick or Tree will mobilize St. Louis children on October 31, 2025, to collect donations while trick-or-treating, directly supporting tree replanting in tornado-impacted neighborhoods and helping to restore the city's green canopy. Learn more about the initiative.

Lindenwood improved to 3-3 overall and 2-0 in the OVC-Big South, as wide receiver Smith caught three passes for 146 yards and a 62-yard touchdown in a 30-14 win over Tennessee-Martin at Hunter Stadium.

Larry Gray continues to provide daily meals, hygiene items, and supplies to north St. Louis residents impacted by the May 16 tornado, as larger nonprofit emergency relief efforts begin to taper off.