Federal judges order SNAP payments to continue amid shutdown fears, averting hardship for 655,000 Missourians. Also: Northside Movement Center set to open, local pumpkin composting drive, Blues face tough NHL stretch, Billikens soccer advances, Cardinals weigh pitching options, and outstanding community moments.

MAIN STORY

Judges Order SNAP Payments Continue

Two federal judges on Friday ordered the Trump administration to use emergency funds to keep Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments flowing, despite stalled federal funding and a looming government shutdown. The move averts a sudden loss of aid for tens of millions nationally, including 655,000 Missourians and over 47,000 St. Louis County households.

SNAP, which serves roughly 1 in 8 Americans and averages $186 per person per month, faces a funding gap, as typical costs run about $8 billion per month. Judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts ruled that emergency reserves must be tapped, but federal officials said those funds may not fully cover all payments, and distribution could be delayed. The administration continues to argue it lacks clear legal authority for such action without congressional approval.

The court orders prevent an immediate cutoff of benefits but do not resolve funding uncertainty. Officials must now detail their plans and update the courts on how to ensure continued aid. Read more on the court rulings and local impacts.

AROUND TOWN

The St. Louis Blues face mounting pressure after a sixth straight loss and a slow season start. The Blues, now 3-6-2 and ranked 30th in the NHL with a minus-16 goal differential, will meet a surging Columbus Blue Jackets team Saturday. Despite marginal improvement and a recent shootout point, critics and fans question management’s approach and playoff potential, with analytics giving the Blues just a 22.1 percent chance to reach the postseason, per MoneyPuck. The franchise’s long-term strategy centers on development as they navigate upcoming road games and ongoing roster scrutiny. For more analysis and fan mailbag responses, see the full article.

St. Louis University defeated Loyola Chicago 6-0 to reach the Atlantic 10 women’s soccer semifinals. The Billikens dominated at Hermann Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, avenging a tie from the previous week. Standout performances included a penalty goal by Julia Simon and strong defense anchored by goalkeeper Emma Parker. SLU advances to face No. 4 seed Rhode Island in the semifinals on Wednesday at 7 p.m., again at Hermann Stadium. More details and match photos are available online.

The Cardinals are evaluating five free-agent pitchers to address their rotation needs this offseason. Analysis in the latest Write Fielder newsletter outlines several potential signings for St. Louis, highlighting factors like durability, recent performance, and salary expectations as top considerations. The Cardinals front office, reacting to 2024’s pitching struggles, may target both veteran arms and younger talents. Fans can track updates on the club’s offseason strategy via team reports and upcoming press availabilities.

ALSO READ

Northside Movement Center Opens

ArchCity Defenders and Action St. Louis will open the Northside Movement Center in January in the North Pointe neighborhood, providing legal, social, and advocacy services under one roof. The facility aims to serve residents in north St. Louis who have faced years of disinvestment.

The newly renovated center on Goodfellow Boulevard will employ about 65 people and serve as a hub for services such as legal aid, tenant assistance, and emergency coordination. Leaders say this investment addresses urgent needs in Black neighborhoods impacted by poverty and overpolicing. Read more at the Northside Movement Center coverage.

ALSO READ

St. Louis Offers Pumpkin Composting

St. Louis nonprofit Earthday 365 is offering free pumpkin composting drop-off through December 6 to help divert pumpkins from local landfills after Halloween. Citizens can bring their cleaned pumpkins, without decorations, to city collection stations.

The EPA reports that food waste, including pumpkins, accounts for 24.1% of landfill content in the U.S., with only 5% composted. When dumped in landfills, pumpkins emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Residents can find composting locations and more details about Earthday 365’s pumpkin composting effort.

QUICK HITS

Chesterfield High School basketball coach Tim Bowdern used CPR training to help save two overdose victims at a local convenience store, with police later administering naloxone to both individuals.

St. Louis Public Schools faced renewed calls from parents and educators for transparency and stable leadership after the school board voted Oct. 24 to fire Superintendent Millicent Borishade, marking the fifth leadership change since 2022.

Barge transportation remains one of the most efficient modes of transporting grain and other agricultural products, providing cost savings and environmental benefits across Midwest waterways, according to recent industry insights.

Two St. Louis boys received Good Samaritan Awards from Mayor Cara Spencer after stopping a break-in at Aunt Jamie's ice cream shop on South Broadway.

John Burroughs field hockey team won its second Missouri State Field Hockey Tournament championship in three seasons with a 5-0 victory over St. Joseph's, utilizing three consecutive penalty corner goals at Sport Port in Maryland Heights.