Friday brought a nationwide flight halt that rippled through Lambert, a court ruling on the big Midtown data center, and a cold snap that has the city opening extra shelter beds. Here’s what happened around St. Louis today.
Flights halted nationwide; Lambert reports dozens of delays
Flights across the United States were halted Friday after the FAA issued a ground stop citing “extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety.” The FAA said the stop followed communication issues impacting multiple Air Route Traffic Control Centers. At St. Louis Lambert International Airport, FlySTL.com showed 45 delayed departures and 49 delayed arrivals as of 3:45 p.m. Friday.
Read more: https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/lambert-airport-delays-reported-amid-faa-grounding-alert/
Why it matters: The article describes this as the second nationwide FAA ground stop since 9/11 — check your flight status before heading to the airport.
Judge drops renewable-energy condition for $3 billion Midtown data center
A judge ruled Thursday that the developer of a proposed $3 billion data center near The Armory in Midtown no longer has to meet an additional renewable-energy requirement tied to its conditional use permit. The ruling removes a condition to supply at least 2.4 megawatts of power from renewable sources, along with a requirement that the Board of Aldermen approve the project’s community benefits agreement, after finding the Board of Adjustment overstepped its authority. City ordinances still require data centers to work toward sourcing at least 50% of their energy from renewable sources within five years, and developer TerraWatt must still enter into a community benefits agreement.
Why it matters: The ruling clears a hurdle for one of the city’s largest developments, while the debate over data centers and energy use continues.
City adds 100 shelter beds ahead of the weekend freeze
The City of St. Louis secured 100 additional overflow shelter beds ahead of below-freezing temperatures this weekend, bringing the total to about 500 beds for people needing emergency shelter from Friday, Nov. 13, through Sunday, Nov. 15. Space is available for men, women, and families starting at 6 p.m. Friday, and anyone needing help can call 2-1-1. The decision followed meetings with the National Weather Service, the Mayor’s Office, the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services, and the City’s Emergency Management Agency.
Read more: https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/st-louis-secures-extra-shelter-beds-for-winter-freeze/
Why it matters: A hard freeze is expected Saturday morning, and the city’s annual Code Blue program doesn’t officially begin until Dec. 1.
Black Hawk Middle School shifts to virtual learning after stabbing
Black Hawk Middle School in Warrenton shifted to virtual learning Friday, one day after a student allegedly stabbed two students and a teacher inside a classroom. A student suspect is in custody, according to authorities, and the community gathered across from the school Thursday evening to support the victims.
Read more: https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/black-hawk-middle-school-shift-to-virtual-learning-after-stabbing/
Why it matters: The school is closed Friday as the Warrenton community rallies around the victims.
Holiday markets are popping up across St. Louis
St. Louis Magazine rounds up the season’s holiday markets for design lovers, from Sasha’s Shop n’ Sip Holidaze Prep Party in Clayton on Nov. 18 to the Merry Mayhem Market in St. Charles Nov. 20–22 and the 13th annual Belleville Christkindlmarkt, running Nov. 27 through Dec. 23. Expect handmade goods, curated vintage, local art, and plenty of seasonal treats.
Read more: https://www.stlmag.com/design/top-holiday-markets-in-st-louis-for-the-design-enthusiast/
Why it matters: Holiday shopping season is officially underway, and these markets are a good place to start.
Checkers & Rally’s reopens on North Grand after fire closure
Checkers & Rally’s has reopened its restaurant at 3605 N. Grand Blvd. in St. Louis with an updated design and refreshed operations. The location had closed after a fire and reopened its doors Nov. 10, with a grand opening celebration planned for a later date.
Read more: https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/checkers-rallys-reopens-upgraded-restaurant-in-st-louis/
Why it matters: A neighborhood fast-food staple is back on North Grand.
That’s St. Louis today. Stay warm this weekend, and check back tomorrow afternoon for the next roundup.
