Tonight’s newsletter spotlights the Education Gala honoring St. Louis educators and students, CDA’s $19.85M investment in neighborhood programs, WashU’s community initiative, Boeing workers’ contract vote, and rising demand at food pantries as SNAP changes approach. Plus, updates on local arts, sports, and city services.

MAIN STORY

Education Gala Honors Local Leaders

The St. Louis American Foundation will host its 38th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala on Saturday, Nov. 1, at America’s Center. The event will honor educators and students and spotlight more than $2.4 million in new scholarships.

Since its inception, the gala has awarded over $19 million to students pursuing higher education at institutions including Harris-Stowe State University, Webster University, and Washington University. Foundation board chairman Michael Holmes emphasized the event’s dual focus on recognizing outstanding educators and supporting student achievement. This year, Dr. Flint W. Fowler will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Mary Elizabeth Grimes is among other honorees. The event is co-chaired by Errin Braddock of Enterprise Mobility and Mark Stallion of UB Greensfelder LLP.

The gala continues a decades-long tradition of championing education equity in St. Louis. More information is available on the St. Louis American Foundation website.

AROUND TOWN

Food pantries across the St. Louis region report increasing demand as a freeze on Missouri SNAP benefits approaches. According to the latest Federal Reserve Beige Book, the St. Louis district, encompassing parts of six states, is seeing more low- and middle-income households relying on pantries and “buy now, pay later” services, alongside rising credit card delinquencies. With 655,000 Missourians relying on SNAP benefits, food banks warn that the coming months will require community support via donations and volunteers. The report also cited worsening agricultural conditions, labor shortages linked to immigration policy, and weakening housing and manufacturing markets as further economic pressures.

Members of the International Association of Machinists will vote Sunday on Boeing’s contract offer to end the St. Louis strike. The proposed labor agreement, if approved, would end the work stoppage at Boeing Defense’s regional operations, which has been ongoing since early September. Voting will occur in Maryland Heights, with coverage and updates available on the local news site. Union representatives said the tentative deal addresses key wage and benefit concerns raised by workers.

St. Louis-based art group Counterpublic debuts its Circus of Life festival this weekend, emphasizing creativity and social change. The three-day event, starting Friday, will feature diverse programming, including performances by Bread & Puppet Theater, conversations between writer Roxane Gay and artist Chloë Bass, and workshops by feminist collective Hilma’s Ghost at the Big Top and on the surrounding grounds. Admission is free; donations are welcome. Organizers hope the festival’s eclectic mix will encourage community dialogue and inspire action. Read more about the festival and Counterpublic’s initiatives.

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St. Louis CDA Allocates $19.85M

The St. Louis Community Development Administration (CDA) has recommended $17.4 million in Community Development Block Grant funds and $2.45 million in HOME funds for fiscal year 2026, with a focus on housing, youth programs, and disaster recovery.

The funding supports affordable housing, economic development, and tornado recovery efforts, particularly in North St. Louis. Investments include youth programs, transitional housing, and employment training. The draft 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan is open for public comment, and residents can provide feedback at a November 6, 2025, public hearing or via written submission. More details are available at the Economic Justice Action Plan site and official announcement.

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WashU Launches Public Exchange

Washington University’s Brown School launched the Public Exchange initiative today, aiming to connect St. Louis nonprofits and communities with university expertise. The effort comes months after spring tornadoes raised urgent public health concerns.

Modeled after a University of Southern California program, the Public Exchange will partner with local groups to provide rapid soil and air toxicity testing in tornado-affected neighborhoods. WashU plans to have four active projects by May 2025. Leaders say this model allows for faster local impact by reducing reliance on federal funding. Learn more about WashU’s Public Exchange efforts.

QUICK HITS

City of St. Louis announced a revamped snow removal plan for the 2025/26 season, including more salt storage, new trucks, and higher on-call pay for drivers following extensive road closures after January 2025’s snowstorm.

Prohibition opens Friday, Oct. 24, as a speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar in the historic Centennial Malt House outside Lafayette Square, featuring classic drinks, 1920s decor, and a tribute to women of the Prohibition era.

St. Louis City2 interim coach John Hackworth earned MLS Next Pro coach of the year after leading his team and overseeing player development at Energizer Park.

Hope House St. Louis operates a transitional housing program in Wells-Goodfellow, providing 49 units, childcare, and case management for women with preschool-aged children, funded through donations and Community Development Block Grants.

Principal Dr. Angela Thompson safely guided students away from a deer that appeared at Ladue Middle School on Wednesday morning, ensuring no injuries occurred and emphasizing student safety as her top priority.