This will be the last newsletter this week as we take a break to celebrate Thanksgiving. Enjoy the turkey!

Today’s newsletter covers the BJC HealthCare-Aetna contract standoff affecting thousands, increasing need at the Urban League’s holiday turkey giveaway, the rebranding of the St. Louis Senior Olympics, city council rezoning for a data center, and shifts in KDHX radio. Get the latest updates on these top local stories.

MAIN STORY

BJC, Aetna Coverage Standoff

Thousands of St. Louis-area patients face uncertainty as BJC HealthCare and Aetna remain at an impasse over insurance contract negotiations. Coverage for Aetna members at BJC hospitals may lapse if the groups do not reach a new agreement soon.

BJC operates 14 hospitals—including Barnes-Jewish and Missouri Baptist—and serves more than 135,000 Aetna customers in the region. Both organizations blame each other for stalled talks, while affected patients express frustration about possible disruptions to care. The dispute reflects broader national tensions between hospital systems and insurers over contract terms and reimbursement rates.

If the contract expires without resolution, Aetna members may have to find new providers or pay out-of-network costs at BJC facilities. Similar disputes have occurred in St. Louis before, prompting calls for improved transparency in insurer-hospital negotiations. Read more on the ongoing negotiations.

AROUND TOWN

The Festus City Council approved rezoning land for a data center, but project details remain unclear. At Monday’s meeting (Nov. 24, 2025), supporters cited economic growth, while opponents voiced concerns about environmental impact and secrecy. City officials did not disclose the future operator or project specifics, citing confidentiality agreements. The council’s decision comes amid rising demand for data infrastructure across Missouri. Officials expect more information within several months, though residents can follow future meeting agendas for updates. Read more in the full article.

The historic KDHX call letters will soon identify a conservative talk radio station instead of a community one. Starting Monday, KXEN-AM 1010 will adopt KDHX’s call sign, following FCC approval and a $190 fee paid by East Central Broadcasting. The former KDHX 88.1 FM, now owned by Gateway Creative Broadcasting after a bankruptcy-court-approved $8.75 million sale, will relaunch in January as Christian station 88.1 Worship One. Many longtime KDHX supporters have condemned the loss of both the beloved call letters and the community-driven format. Still, former DJs and listeners are planning to launch an online station with a similar mission, under the recently formed Love of Community Radio STL. The group will hold an open meeting on December 2 in Richmond Heights and a fundraiser record sale on December 6, seeking to debut their effort by mid-January.

St. Louis restaurants are turning to social media to plead for customer support as sales decline. Many local eateries have reported a drop in business in recent months, prompting owners to post appeals on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to explain their financial struggles and encourage patrons to dine in or order takeout. The trend reflects a broader challenge for the city’s hospitality industry, with rising costs and changing dining habits compounding the pressure. Some restaurants have noted that immediate customer action could determine whether they remain open through the year. For more on this industry challenge, see local restaurant appeals.

ALSO READ

Thousands Attend Turkey Giveaway

On Tuesday morning, long lines formed at the Urban League St. Louis as nearly 3,000 people waited hours in the rain for a holiday turkey, toiletries, and sides. About 250 volunteers made deliveries and distributed meals, with some arrivals as early as midnight.

Urban League CEO Michael McMillan said the need has grown after this year’s tornado, SNAP benefit uncertainties, and economic difficulties. The organization expects to serve 3,500 people this year, including East St. Louis residents. Around 75 tornado victims remain in hotels as cold weather nears.

ALSO READ

St. Louis Legends Games Unveiled

The long-running St. Louis Senior Olympics will relaunch in 2026 as the St. Louis Legends Games, organizers announced this week. The Jewish Community Center (The J) said the rebranding better reflects its focus on active aging for adults 50 and older.

The St. Louis Legends Games will continue to offer traditional and new events, such as ice hockey shootouts, rock climbing, and tai chi, which were popular at the 2025 competition. Surveys of athletes, volunteers, and sponsors led to the updated name and branding that keep the Gateway Arch logo. Find more details about the change at the St. Louis Legends Games page.

QUICK HITS

“Through the Fire” brought vibrant tributes to Chaka Khan at Live! by Loews in Ballpark Village, as St. Louis vocalists Tish Period and Cherise Louis Mason energized a packed ballroom with dynamic performances and creative arrangements.

BOHFS secured a spot in the U.S. Open Cup for the first time in decades after a 3-2 victory over Chicago House AC, highlighting the continued growth of St. Louis' Bosnian-centered soccer community.

Creve Coeur has approved the potential use of eminent domain for a sidewalk project on Fernview Drive, requiring access from nearly 36 homeowners to improve walkability and pedestrian safety.

St. Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery awaits a judge’s ruling on whether he will be removed from office after a bench trial concluded Tuesday, with more than 30 witnesses testifying to allegations of misconduct, financial mismanagement, and time missed while in federal custody.

Lapez Mod Mex will open Dec. 10 at 398 N. Euclid Ave., replacing Session Taco with a new seafood-forward menu and upgraded cocktail offerings from the team behind Mission Taco Joint, Milagro, and Session.