Storm Damage Confirmed, Arch Expansion Gains Steam, Police Budget Scrutiny Grows

St. Louis is cleaning up after a turbulent stretch of weather while city leaders and lawmakers tackle big-picture issues on both sides of the river.

EF-1 Tornado Confirmed in Metro East

Severe storms swept through the region early March 11, producing an EF-1 tornado near Moro and Midway, Illinois. The National Weather Service confirmed peak winds near 95 mph.

At least one home suffered major roof damage, and debris was scattered across parts of the Metro East. A popular restaurant and resort in Grafton also reported structural damage. While most of the St. Louis area avoided the worst-case scenario, the storms packed heavy rain, hail and strong winds during the overnight hours.

More unsettled weather is possible later this week as temperatures fluctuate.

Police Board Faces Funding Questions

The St. Louis police board is drawing attention after moving $3 million out of its facilities fund, then inviting reporters to tour aging department buildings.

Board leaders argue the department’s infrastructure is deteriorating and in urgent need of investment. The move comes as part of a broader $250 million budget request. Critics, however, are questioning financial decisions and transparency as budget season unfolds.

The debate is likely to intensify as city officials weigh public safety needs against other funding priorities.

Gateway Arch Park Expansion Proposal Advances

A bipartisan group of lawmakers from Missouri and Illinois is backing a proposal to expand Gateway Arch National Park across the Mississippi River into East St. Louis.

The plan would add Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park to the national park’s footprint, fulfilling part of the original vision for the Arch grounds. Supporters say the move could boost regional tourism and strengthen economic ties between the two downtowns.

The legislation is still in early stages but is gaining notable cross-party support.

New Spanish-Language Newscast дебuts

St. Louis also marked a media milestone this week with the launch of a new weekday Spanish-language newscast. The broadcast aims to better serve the region’s growing Latino community with local reporting at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Looking Ahead to 314 Day

As the city heads into the weekend, businesses are preparing for 314 Day on March 14, with restaurants, breweries and shops planning special events and deals celebrating St. Louis pride.

Sources

https://spectrumlocalnews.com/mo/st-louis/news/2026/03/11/evening-briefing-in-st–louis–march-11
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/st-louis-police-board-moved-234125598.html
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/plan-extend-gateway-arch-national-232025383.html
https://hoodline.com/2026/03/telemundo-plants-its-flag-with-first-ever-spanish-newscast-in-st-louis/
https://www.saucemagazine.com/events/where-to-celebrate-314-day-in-st-louis-in-2026/