It is cold. Really cold. If you stepped outside this morning in the Lou, you already know the wind chill isn't playing around. Honestly, "chilly" doesn't even cover it. We are looking at a deep freeze that has city officials on high alert and the rest of us reaching for the heavy-duty parka.
But despite the arctic air, the city is buzzing.
Between the Cardinals takeover downtown and some pretty heavy headlines coming out of the Mayor’s office, there’s a lot to dig into. If you’re looking for Saint Louis news today, you’ve probably noticed the mix of excitement for baseball season and the reality of a city still grappling with the scars of last year's weather disasters.
The Cardinals Are Taking Over (And Fans Don't Care About the Cold)
You can't talk about Saint Louis news today without mentioning the 29th annual Cardinals Care Winter Warm-Up. It officially kicked off today, January 17, at Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village.
It’s that weird, wonderful time of year where we all pretend it's spring even though the ground is frozen solid. Over 50 players, coaches, and alumni are scheduled to be there.
What's Happening at the Stadium Right Now
- The Main Stage: Earlier today, at 11:20 a.m., Team Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. and President Bill DeWitt III sat down for a Q&A. Fans are always looking for hints about the 2026 roster, and the DeWitts usually keep it close to the vest, but the energy was high.
- The Ultimate Day Auction: This is actually pretty cool—they are auctioning off a chance to have a "30-minute catch" on the field at Busch.
- Autograph Sessions: Jon Jay and David Freese are among the legends signing today. Seeing Freese always brings back those 2011 vibes, doesn't it?
It isn't just about the stars, though. The money goes to Cardinals Care, which supports local kids. It’s basically a massive charity drive wrapped in a baseball party. If you’re heading down there, the gates at Busch opened early at 8:45 a.m., and things are running until 5:00 p.m.
✨ Don't miss: The CIA Stars on the Wall: What the Memorial Really Represents
The Caravan is Moving
While the fans are at the stadium, the 2026 Cardinals Caravan is already out on the road. They hit Jefferson City and Springfield yesterday. It’s a huge operation—35 players and prospects split across five different routes. They’ll be back in town by Monday night.
The "Deep Freeze" and Public Safety
Switching gears to something a bit more serious. The City of St. Louis has activated Code Blue Level 3.
When temperatures are expected to hit $20^{\circ}F$ or lower, the city opens up emergency shelters. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a life-saving necessity for the unhoused population. The Department of Human Services is coordinating transportation to these sites.
Why This Matters Right Now
We are still feeling the "FEMA cracks" that Mayor Cara Spencer talked about recently. If you remember the EF3 tornado from last May (the one that hit on May 16), the city is still in recovery mode. Just this month, the Community Development Administration (CDA) announced that 101 vacant units are being turned into housing for tornado-impacted residents using the Rams settlement funds.
It's a lot of moving parts. You've got people still displaced from the tornado, and now they are facing a weekend where wind chills could drop near or below zero. It’s a tough spot for the city’s infrastructure.
🔗 Read more: Passive Resistance Explained: Why It Is Way More Than Just Standing Still
Local Headlines You Might Have Missed
There is some weird stuff happening too. Have you heard about the monkeys?
No, seriously. Vervet monkeys were spotted in North St. Louis earlier this week. They are diurnal, which means they sleep in trees at night, so they aren't a huge threat to public safety, but it’s definitely the kind of "only in St. Louis" story that gets people talking. Local authorities are still keeping an eye out for them.
Crime and Courts
- The Riverview Mayor: Mayor Raymonnd Berry of Riverview made his first court appearance recently on some very serious felony sex crime charges. It involves four alleged victims and spans nearly a decade.
- St. Charles Cemetery Theft: Police are looking for whoever stole 41 bronze vases from a cemetery in St. Charles. The value is around $15,000, but the emotional cost to the families is obviously way higher.
- Alton Murder Trial: A "shot caller" in the death of a young girl in Alton was found guilty. It’s a heavy story, but a significant win for local prosecutors.
The Future of the South County Center
In a bit of business news that has everyone talking, there is a plan gaining traction to turn the South County Center mall into a youth sports complex.
Let's be real: that mall has been struggling for a while. Macy’s closed in 2025, and the second floor is basically a ghost town. St. Louis County Councilman Mike Archer has been discussing the study to see if a sports facility is the right move. Given how much people love youth sports in this town, it might actually work.
Sports Beyond the Birds
The St. Louis Blues are coming off a big 3-0 win against the Hurricanes, but they are dealing with some injury drama. Robert Thomas, their leading scorer, is out for two weeks with a lower-body injury.
💡 You might also like: What Really Happened With the Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz
However, they managed a 3-2 shootout win over the Tampa Bay Lightning last night. Jordan Kyrou got the winner in the shootout. Joel Hofer has been solid in net, which is exactly what the team needs while Thomas is sidelined.
Also, shout out to the Lindenwood Men’s Volleyball team. They pulled off a massive upset against #12 CSUN on Friday night. It was a dogfight, especially that 30-28 second set.
What Most People Get Wrong About Saint Louis News Today
People often think Saint Louis is just a "flyover" city with nothing but bad news. That’s just not true. Honestly, look at the Saint Louis Science Center’s McDonnell Planetarium. They are getting a major tech upgrade starting next month.
Or look at Saint Louis University (SLU). They just announced they will cover 100% of tuition for families earning $60k or less. That is a massive deal for local education.
We are a city of layers. Yeah, we have the "FEMA cracks" and the cold, but we also have $19.2 million in tornado recovery investments and a community that shows up in the freezing cold for a baseball fan fest.
Actionable Steps for Your Weekend
If you're out and about in St. Louis today, here is the "cheat sheet" to stay safe and informed:
- Check the Shelter Status: If you see someone in need of a warm place, call 211 or the City's Department of Human Services. Code Blue is in effect.
- Cardinals Fans: If you're going to the Winter Warm-Up tomorrow (Sunday), remember that the Baseball Writers' Dinner is tomorrow night at the Missouri Athletic Club. Tickets are usually required in advance.
- Weather Proofing: Keep your faucets dripping. This deep freeze is expected to last through Sunday morning.
- Support Local Art: The Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea exhibit is open at the Saint Louis Art Museum today until 5:00 p.m. It’s indoors, it’s warm, and it’s world-class art.
- Stay Informed on Education: If you have a student looking at colleges, check the new SLU tuition guidelines. The $60,000 threshold could change a lot of lives in the Metro area.
The city is moving fast, even when it's frozen. Stay warm, stay safe, and maybe keep an eye out for those monkeys if you’re up north.