State leaders are debating a possible redistricting of Missouri’s congressional map. Today’s newsletter covers perspectives from both parties and what a special session might mean for the state’s political future.

MAIN STORY

Missouri Considers Redrawing Congressional Map

Missouri state leaders are considering a new congressional redistricting push, following recent calls from the White House. Gov. Mike Kehoe confirmed Tuesday he has discussed possible changes with Missouri’s congressional delegation but provided no timeline for a special session.

Missouri’s current map, drawn in 2022, features six Republican-leaning and two Democratic-leaning districts. Dissenting voices have emerged as state and federal leaders debate the move. Republican officials, including Lt. Gov. David Wassinger and Senate leader Cindy O’Laughlin, argue a redrawn map would ensure conservative representation. Democratic officials, such as Congressman Emanuel Cleaver and Rep. David Tyson Smith, warn against dividing urban areas and increasing gerrymandering.

If state leaders call a special legislative session, Missouri could become one of the first to redraw its map before the 2030 census. Ongoing debate will likely intensify ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

AROUND TOWN

Boeing machinists in St. Louis voted to reject a revised contract, prompting a strike set for midnight. The union, representing thousands of local aerospace workers, turned down Boeing’s latest offer Sunday after negotiations fell short. By early Monday, dozens of machinists rallied outside offices near the airport, citing concerns over pay, job security, and benefits. Boeing has faced labor unrest in past years; the current strike could disrupt defense production timelines. Talks between the company and the union continue. Read more about the Boeing strike.

Nearly 5 acres of vacant land on Manchester Road is now back on the market in Ballwin. The property, previously the city’s government center, is being offered for sale again, potentially attracting commercial or municipal buyers interested in developing within this growing corridor. City officials have not disclosed an asking price, and the property's listing draws renewed attention to ongoing changes in Ballwin’s civic landscape. For more details, visit the official listing.

Saint Louis Public Schools will host its Back-to-School Block Party on Tuesday to support families ahead of the new academic year. The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside the district's Central Office at 801 N. 11th St., offering on-site school enrollment, transportation registration, and tornado relief kits following recent school closures and storms. Students and families can also access medical, dental, and vision screenings, free supplies, and entertainment; RSVPs are encouraged online.

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Sauce Magazine Faces Lawsuit

Sauce Magazine’s recent acquisition sparked legal action, as former owner Allyson Mace filed suit against current owner Chris Keating on July 28. Mace claims Keating still owes her $168,333, plus interest and attorney’s fees, from the late 2023 sale.

The lawsuit comes amid continued changes in St. Louis’ restaurant scene, including closures of El Burro Loco and Bootleggin’ Tavern and relocations for Pho Long. New openings include Fordo’s Killer Pizza and Bel Air Social. For more details and a roundup of restaurant changes, visit the list of July 2025 St. Louis openings and closings."

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Anita Jackson Celebrates New Album in Kirkwood

Anita Jackson performed at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood, MO, treating fans to selections from her new CD, “Life Is Beautiful,” during a morning event held this week. Attendees enjoyed live soulful renditions and picked up copies of the artist’s latest album.

Jackson, a St. Louis native with an acclaimed recording and touring career, included classic covers such as “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” and “As.” “Life Is Beautiful” is available on digital platforms and at Vintage Vinyl, offering listeners both original songs and timeless favorites.

QUICK HITS

Forest ReLeaf is working with community partners and residents in north St. Louis to rebuild trust and restore tree canopy after the May 16 tornado destroyed thousands of trees, deepening longstanding disparities in green spaces.

St. Louis County plans to add extra signage, speed bumps, and laser height-detection devices after repeated truck collisions with a low-clearance BNSF railroad bridge over Trampe Avenue in Spanish Lake.

Short-term rental property in Carondelet became the scene of a shooting early Sunday morning, leaving a 17-year-old girl injured and renewing debate over regulation as a new city law remains stalled in court.

Clayton Police Department is investigating a fire that damaged three vehicles and included antisemitic graffiti on Westmoreland Avenue around 3 a.m. Tuesday, as a hate crime, with assistance from the FBI and local Jewish organizations condemning the act.

Michael Staenberg redirected $800,000 of his $1.8 million gift from the Jewish Community Center naming rights to create new scholarship opportunities at Camp Sabra, supporting campers with financial need through rising 10th grade.