Today’s top story: Missouri may lose billions in Medicaid funding under a proposed federal bill, potentially impacting care for thousands across the state. Get the details and what’s at stake for local health services.

MAIN STORY

Missouri Faces Big Medicaid Cuts

Missouri could lose up to $3.9 billion in Medicaid funding each year due to the “One Big Beautiful Bill”. Health care providers warn this reduction could disrupt care for children, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families across the state.

Hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home care agencies rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursements for their operations. Cuts may result in mass discharges from long-term care, reduce access to vital services, and lead to job losses, particularly in rural areas. Critics point out that programs such as Home and Community-Based Services and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, both of which are at risk, are essential for patient well-being and oversight. Approximately 70% of Americans will require long-term care at some point in their lives.

To learn more about potential impacts, visit this overview of the Medicaid cut proposal.

AROUND TOWN

Lawsuits have been filed against St. Louis City and County, challenging the limits on senior property tax freezes. Two class action suits allege that local senior tax freeze programs illegally exclude portions of tax bills, providing less relief than the state law intends. County Executive Sam Page argues the programs follow existing statutes, while advocates say a judge's ruling could impact similar programs in at least 60 Missouri counties. St. Louis extended its senior freeze deadline to July 31; the county received more than 82,000 applications. Learn more about the lawsuits.

Missouri’s largest educators’ union is suing over $51 million in new private school vouchers. The Missouri National Educators Association filed the lawsuit this week against Gov. Mike Kehoe, Attorney General Andrew Bailey, and State Treasurer Vivek Malik, arguing the budget item violates the state constitution because it changes the law via appropriations. The lawsuit arrives as the governor also trims the public education budget, deepening the debate on school funding and choice. No court date is set.

Dogtown residents in St. Louis remain without water two days after multiple water main breaks hit the area. Over the weekend, a large sinkhole and brown, flooding water disrupted service along Oakland Avenue, leaving many homes without running water and frustrating residents who say outages have become increasingly common. The St. Louis Water Division is repairing a 12-inch main but has set no firm timeline for full restoration, as reported on the city’s outage tracker. Last year, a nearby main break caused similar issues, intensifying concerns about aging infrastructure.

ALSO READ

Fried Chicken Favorites

More than 600 St. Louisans shared their picks for the best fried chicken in the region on St. Louis on the Air’s “Chicken Fight” special, aired Thursday. Reporter Chad Davis and food writer Cheryl Baehr highlighted local favorites and debated everything from preferred cuts to whether sauce is essential.

Krispy Krunchy, a gas station staple, emerged as an audience favorite alongside Castelli’s Moonlight Restaurant in Alton, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken in Maplewood, and Porter’s Fried Chicken in St. Louis. Listen to the full discussion and see more regional favorites on St. Louis on the Air.

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Rachael Sage to Perform in St. Louis

Singer-songwriter Rachael Sage will perform at Riviera STL on July 8, marking her first St. Louis show in more than a decade. Sage, a Billboard-charting artist, will co-headline the “Joy = Resistance Tour” with indie musician Kristen Ford.

Sage’s performance will feature new music from her upcoming album “Canopy,” which weaves Jewish symbolism, connection, and resilience into alt-pop storytelling. The event aims to foster community and catharsis through music. For ticket details and artist background, visit this concert preview and interview.

QUICK HITS

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis began its Food Truck Saturdays event this weekend, providing up to 1,000 hot meals each Saturday to May 16 tornado victims at its Regional Headquarters through July 19.

Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital and The Boone Center are partnering to address St. Louis’ healthcare workforce shortages by providing jobs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, offering both steady employment and critical support for hospital operations.

The St. Louis Cardinals suffered an 11-0 shutout loss to the Chicago Cubs, managing only three hits and going 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position Sunday at Wrigley Field.

Celebrate St. Louis featured a Superman-themed drone show at the Gateway Arch before the Fourth of July fireworks on July 4, 2025, with aerial footage capturing the superhero flying through the monument.

Billy Hunter, the last living member of the St. Louis Browns and a 1953 All-Star, died Thursday at age 97, ending a direct link to the city’s former American League franchise.

GENERATING BUZZ

A recent community conversation centered on photos taken at Forest Park, highlighting the park’s varied landscapes and photogenic spots. Participants shared images capturing the park’s natural beauty, historic architecture, and seasonal blooms. The discussion referenced tips from local photographers on how to find unique angles, use framing techniques, and shoot during less crowded times to enhance photography. Forest Park, spanning 1,300 acres, is a prominent location for family, anniversary, and engagement photos, known for its gardens, bridges, and monuments. The vibrant community interest underscores the park’s ongoing role as a visual and cultural landmark. Check it out.

PERSON OF INTEREST

Born in England but later residing in St. Louis, Eadweard Muybridge was a pioneering photographer best known for his work in photographic studies of motion and early motion-picture projection. In 1887, he exhibited his innovative motion studies at the St. Louis Exposition, captivating both scientists and artists with his stop-motion photography that contributed to the development of cinema. Learn more.