Today's newsletter covers how a federal funding freeze could impact St. Louis after-school programs, putting critical services at risk for families in several local communities. Stay informed with the latest updates.

MAIN STORY

Federal Funding Freeze Threatens Local After-School Programs

Unleashing Potential, a St. Louis nonprofit offering after-school and summer programs, could lose $900,000 after a federal funding freeze announced June 30. The cut threatens programs for children across University City, Ferguson, Florissant, and the Atlas charter school.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education says the state could lose $64 million, with over $19 million supporting after-school and summer programs now under federal review. The freeze affects six grant programs, which are a primary funding source for educational activities and field trips. Jim Clark of Boys & Girls Clubs of America warned that the loss could force up to 926 club locations to close nationwide, affecting 220,000 children and 5,900 employees. Advocates say reductions could limit teacher pay raises and job growth, as well as strain families relying on child care.

State officials stated that they will continue to monitor the grant statuses and provide updates as the review progresses.

AROUND TOWN

Most Missouri state employees must return to office work after July 4, marking the end of many COVID-era remote arrangements. The Office of Administration, under Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, began phasing out remote work this year. Most staff are scheduled to return following the July 4 weekend, while selected employees will remain remote due to ongoing staff shortages. At the Department of Social Services, the transition has caused issues, including workspace shortages and parking frustrations, at the main Capitol campus. Read more about the office return.

ImageFIRST Healthcare Laundry Specialists will close its St. Louis facility, resulting in 92 job losses. The Philadelphia-based company notified the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development that layoffs at 2030 South Broadway will begin in September and continue through the end of the year. The closure follows BJC HealthCare's decision to move laundry operations in-house through a joint venture with SSM Health, which will employ up to 175 workers. ImageFIRST’s nearby plant at 154 South Trudeau remains operational, according to a company spokesperson. Read more details here.

Construction has begun on a 30-story luxury apartment tower in St. Louis' Central West End. Developer Albion Residential, based in Chicago, announced Tuesday it closed on financing for the Albion West End project at Kingshighway and Lindell Boulevard, next to One Hundred Above the Park. Slated to open in 2027, the $9.7 million-subsidized building will offer 305 apartments and 1,700 square feet of retail space. The site, a former parking lot, is now being prepared ahead of a September groundbreaking. Mayor Cara Spencer welcomed the project, citing its benefits for local housing needs; learn more about the Albion West End development here.

ALSO READ

Shakespeare at the Zoo

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival is staging “Romeo & Zooliet,” a family-friendly adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic, at the St. Louis Zoo through Aug. 17. The play features zoo animals as characters, with actors operating large, custom animal puppets.

Inspired by a 2015 children’s book, the production transforms the love story into a tale of friendship, swapping tragic endings for a more hopeful outcome. Puppets were designed by Michael Curry, known for his work on Broadway’s “The Lion King.” For showtimes and ticket information, visit the St. Louis Zoo’s events page.

QUICK HITS

Steve Ewing discusses how his leadership at Steve’s Hot Dogs has helped foster community connections, expand his restaurant, and highlight the legacy of the St. Louis Dog.

NTL is relocating its Seattle franchise to St. Louis and rebranding as the Nellies, with St. Louis native Nelly taking a significant ownership stake, although financial details were not disclosed.

Jim Suelmann, a longtime city street department director who had briefly called out of retirement, announced his second departure after helping to reduce an 80% pothole backlog and renewing a push to end alley recycling to save costs.

Jewish young adults are increasingly settling within St. Louis city limits, with a new Moishe House pod in Tower Grove South aiming to foster community through Shabbat dinners, spiritual programming, and networking for residents ages 22–39.

An 18-year-old Alton man was charged with first-degree murder after allegedly firing a gun at a group and fatally striking a 17-year-old girl, described as an innocent bystander, inside her home Friday.

GENERATING BUZZ

In South St. Louis, a significant transformation is underway. Avi Khemlani, owner of Fortune Plus LLC, is under contract to purchase a four-story industrial building at 3224 S. Kingshighway Blvd., located near Tower Grove Park. The plan includes demolishing the existing building, which has recently experienced fires, to make way for new retail. The site is attractive due to its high traffic volume, with approximately 39,000 vehicles passing daily. This development reflects broader efforts to revitalize the area with modern retail spaces. Check it out.

HISTORICAL LOCATION

Eads Bridge, completed in 1874, is a pioneering steel arch bridge spanning the Mississippi River. Designed by James B. Eads, it was the world’s first major bridge entirely made of steel and the first to use pneumatic caissons for underwater construction. Today, it stands as a symbol of innovation and engineering achievement in St. Louis. Learn more.