St. Louis Daily Brief: Police Budget Tension, School-Site Redevelopment, and Late-Night Road Closures

City Hall & public safety

Police budget debate escalates under new state spending rules

St. Louis leaders are wrestling with how to fund policing after a new state requirement ties city spending to the department. The city police board and Mayor Cara Spencer clashed this week over how to interpret the mandate and what dollars count toward the required share, turning a technical budget definition into a high-stakes fight over priorities and control.

Schools & neighborhoods

SLPS sells two former school buildings to the city

St. Louis Public Schools approved the sale of two buildings to the city: the former Cleveland High School site in Dutchtown for $300,000 and the former Marshall School in The Ville for $200,000. City officials say the goal is to move the long-vacant properties toward redevelopment, with neighborhood plans expected to shape what comes next.

Roads & commuting

Overnight closures and lane restrictions start Thursday

MoDOT is warning drivers about targeted overnight closures tied to Route 67 and I-55. On Thursday night (Feb. 26), the southbound Route 67 ramp to northbound I-55 is scheduled to close from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. A second closure follows Friday night (Feb. 27), when southbound I-55 is slated to close at Route M from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Detours will be posted.

Input meeting set for New Halls Ferry Road improvements

In north St. Louis County, MoDOT is continuing public outreach on a potential New Halls Ferry Road upgrade between Lindbergh Boulevard and I-270. The agency is asking drivers, nearby residents, and business owners to weigh in on safety concerns and design ideas as the project moves forward.

People & community

Former city health director takes on a statewide role

Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, who previously led the City of St. Louis Department of Health, has started a new job with the Missouri Foundation for Health as executive vice president and chief strategy officer. The organization says she will help align programs, partnerships, and policy work focused on removing barriers to health and opportunity across Missouri.

Worth a look: a Black History Month pop-up at City Museum

Before it closes March 1, the ‘Blessed by the Ancestors’ pop-up exhibit at Beatnik Bob’s Café inside City Museum offers a St. Louis-centered snapshot of Black joy, memory, and everyday culture. The show is curated by Brock Seals and features work by local artists including 314RY and BriLynn Asia.