Aldermen panel advances data center regulations
A St. Louis Board of Aldermen committee has advanced legislation that would establish the city’s first regulations for data centers, including stricter standards for larger facilities.
The proposal would require major data centers to be located farther from homes, schools and parks, use cool or green roofs to reduce heat and transition to renewable energy over 10 years.
Supporters said the rules would help protect neighborhoods, while opponents argued they could discourage investment and jobs. The measure now heads to the full Board of Aldermen.
St. Louis County recommends $3.5 million in federal community grants
St. Louis County has recommended more than $3.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funding for projects aimed at improving parks, streets, neighborhoods and services for low- and moderate-income residents.
The proposed awards include nearly $1.8 million for improvements at six county parks, along with grants for organizations providing social services, including Urban Sprouts’ child care scholarships, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ youth mentoring program and Room at the Inn’s emergency shelter operations.
City rejects about 350 tornado aid applications as it screens for fraud
The city of St. Louis has denied about 350 applications for tornado repair, demolition and debris removal assistance after determining the properties were ineligible, according to city data reported by St. Louis Magazine.
Officials said the rejected applications included properties outside city limits, homes outside the tornado damage zone, buildings condemned before the May 2025 tornado and properties purchased after the storm.
Nearly 3,000 applications have been filed, and city officials said additional reviews are continuing as they work to protect the integrity of the relief programs.
St. Louis County extends senior tax freeze application deadline
St. Louis County has extended the deadline for homeowners to apply for or renew the county’s Senior Property Tax Freeze program to July 10 after software problems affected the online application process.
County officials are encouraging residents to submit applications online because of limited staffing for in-person assistance.
The program is available to eligible senior homeowners seeking to freeze increases in their property taxes on their primary residence.
Super Fair returns to WWT Raceway July 31-Aug. 8
The Super Fair by Kissel Entertainment will return to World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, from July 31 through Aug. 8, bringing carnival rides, games and live entertainment to the Metro East.
The event will feature more than 30 rides, including the Python roller coaster, along with food vendors and daily circus performances included with admission.
Organizers said the fair also will offer sensory accommodations for guests with sensory needs, including a quiet space and complimentary sensory bags.