Medicare open enrollment is underway, with free state assistance available to Missourians. Cori Bush launches a congressional rematch, Bayer faces mounting Roundup costs, and Chef Nick Bognar shares his top restaurant picks. Plus, festival updates, sports highlights, and St. Louis leaders address storm response and housing.

MAIN STORY

Free Medicare Help Offered

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance is urging Medicare-eligible residents to review their coverage options during open enrollment, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Free guidance is available through Missouri’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for individuals and their caregivers considering changes to Part D or Medicare Advantage plans.

Missouri SHIP helps people evaluate plan costs, apply for subsidies, and choose the best options for their needs. In a recent enrollment period, consumers saved an average of $2,000, and more than 98% said they would return for help. Officials warn that scammers often target seniors during open enrollment, so Missourians should never share personal or Medicare information with strangers.

Eligible residents can get unbiased assistance by calling 1-800-390-3330 or visiting Missouri SHIP’s website. Learn more about open enrollment and consumer protections at the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance site.

AROUND TOWN

Chef Nick Bognar names his 10 favorite restaurants in St. Louis for Sauce Magazine’s podcast. The acclaimed chef behind Sado and Indo, Bognar spotlights dining destinations across the metro area, including hot spots like Bar Moro, Menya Rui, and Little Fox. Known as a six-time James Beard semifinalist, Bognar praises dishes from tinned fish at Bar Moro to banh mi at Tiger 88, often highlighting each spot’s unique menu and standout chefs, complete list and details here.

The M. O.-A.M. Media Festival returns to Westport Playhouse December 5–7, 2025, showcasing film, music, and storytelling. Hosted by the Artists United Network, this second annual event encourages creators to submit their work through FilmFreeway for competitions in various genres, with highlights such as “Scares, Gore & Horror” and “Beats, Reels and Rebels.” Ticket sales at $20 will benefit artists and the organizing network, while festival details and submissions remain open ahead of the kickoff events in November.

St. Louis Alderwoman Pam Boyd praised Mayor Cara Spencer’s tornado response but voiced concerns over housing and ward reduction. Boyd, representing the northwest 13th Ward, reported only moderate storm damage compared to the city’s south and east, and pushed for more decisive city action on temporary housing for displaced residents, including forgivable loans for rehabbing vacant buildings. Boyd criticized the 2022 ward reduction, arguing that larger wards hinder constituent relationships and increase costs, and signaled plans to revise nuisance ordinances and address illegal dumping. Read the full interview.

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Bayer Must Pay Roundup Judgment

The Missouri Supreme Court on Sept. 30 declined to review Bayer’s appeal of a $600 million judgment, leaving intact a ruling that found Roundup weedkiller causes cancer. Bayer said it is weighing further appeals, including a potential but unlikely bid to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The case, one of thousands against Bayer, awarded damages to plaintiffs who developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using Roundup. The award has grown to over $700 million with interest. Bayer has settled nearly 100,000 Roundup lawsuits for $11 billion, but faces about 61,000 pending cases as it seeks regulatory approval for a replacement product. Read more.

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Bush Launches Rematch Against Bell

Former U.S. Rep. Cori Bush announced a bid to reclaim her seat in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District, challenging Rep. Wesley Bell after losing to him in the 2024 Democratic primary. Bush made her campaign official last week in an Instagram video.

Bush’s campaign promises a return to grassroots activism, as supporters criticize Bell’s funding from groups like AIPAC. Detractors say Bush focuses too much on international issues, while Bell’s allies tout his record on local investment. The rematch will again test whether St. Louis voters favor progressive outsiders or establishment-backed candidates. Read more at St. Louis American.

QUICK HITS

St. Louis Blues will open the 2025-26 season against the Minnesota Wild at 7 p.m. Thursday at Enterprise Center, unveiling a new rock-themed pregame show and offering special food, activities, and a pregame rally for fans.

The Savannah Bananas announced their return to Busch Stadium for another set of games in 2026, following appearances in St. Louis scheduled for July 18-19, 2025.

Stifel cut nearly 60 jobs from its St. Louis-based IT workforce after completing a "small restructuring" in its technology group, the company confirmed on Monday.

Sista Strut Walk and Pep Rally drew a crowd of survivors, supporters, and performers to downtown St. Louis, raising breast cancer awareness in Black communities and honoring survivors during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

Rolling Rams, the only youth wheelchair basketball team within 250 miles of St. Louis, will play the St. Louis County Police Department in the annual “Cops vs. Kids” charity game next Tuesday to raise money for travel expenses.