Here’s what’s happening around St. Louis today — a court ruling with big local stakes, a big week ahead for downtown dining, and a 75-year-old neighborhood tavern still going strong.
Missouri Supreme Court lets storm-relief and stadium law stand
The Missouri Supreme Court ruled 5-2 on Tuesday that two state lawmakers and a lobbyist lacked standing to challenge a wide-ranging 2025 tax bill, so the case will not move forward. The decision leaves intact programs to fund sports stadiums and tax relief for victims of the May 2025 St. Louis tornado. The court did not rule on the constitutional merits — it held the challengers had not shown the direct taxpayer spending needed to bring the suit.
Read more: St. Louis Public Radio
Why it matters: The ruling clears the way for the state to start issuing the disaster tax credits it had held back, including credits for insurance deductibles for tornado victims.
Downtown Restaurant Week returns November 16-22
More than 35 downtown restaurants will offer specials and deals during Downtown Restaurant Week, November 16-22, from Laclede’s Landing to Washington Avenue to Ballpark Village. Participating spots include Salt + Smoke, Sugarfire Smokehouse, Blood & Sand, Idol Wolf and the Wash Ave Food Hall vendors. The full list of participating restaurants is at DineDowntownSTL.com.
Read more: Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Why it matters: It’s a direct boost for downtown’s small businesses — and a good excuse to plan a night out next week.
Taste of Green 2026 is tonight
earthday365’s Taste of Green, the sustainable-culinary showcase, is tonight, Thursday, November 12, at the International Institute, 3401 Arsenal Street. James Beard Award winner Chef Loryn Nalic of the Balkan Treat Box group gives the keynote, with small plates from Green Dining Alliance-certified restaurants, an open bar, a live DJ and a silent auction.
Read more: Explore St. Louis
Why it matters: It spotlights the local restaurants doing the most on sustainability — and it’s one of the year’s best food nights.
Robbie Avila is reportedly headed to TCU
Saint Louis transfer Robbie Avila, the reigning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, is finalizing a deal to join TCU, according to multiple reports. Avila won a preliminary injunction last week allowing him to play a fifth college season in 2026-27, but Saint Louis’ roster was already at its 15-player limit. The 6-foot-10 center averaged 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists last season for a Billikens team that went 29-6.
Read more: Reuters
Why it matters: One of the best players in recent Billikens history is leaving — a big loss for Saint Louis’ 2026-27 hopes.
Blues look to keep winning in Utah tonight
The Blues (8-8-2) visit the Utah Mammoth tonight at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, looking to build on Tuesday’s 3-2 win over Detroit. Logan Mailloux is back in the lineup, steadying the blue line, and Dalibor Dvorsky returns after being benched for much of Tuesday’s game. Joel Hofer gets the start in goal. Since a 4-0 win on opening night against Dallas, the Blues have dropped five straight divisional road games.
Read more: The Hockey News
Why it matters: A divisional win on the road would keep the Blues’ momentum going after a shaky stretch.
Colombo’s Cafe & Tavern marks 75 years
Colombo’s Cafe & Tavern on Manchester Avenue has been part of the St. Louis neighborhood bar scene for 75 years, serving burgers, wings, pizza and sandwiches since brothers Mike and Tony Colombo opened it in 1951. The third-generation family tavern now also hosts live podcast recordings on Thursday evenings, including “The Brighter Side of Blue,” recorded downstairs at the tavern.
Read more: St. Louis Restaurant Review
Why it matters: Few neighborhood taverns make it to 75 — Colombo’s is still going, still family-run, and still pouring 36 drafts.
That’s St. Louis today. Check back tomorrow afternoon for the next roundup.
