Good morning, St. Louis. Today’s briefing covers the intensifying debate in Jefferson City over mid-decade redistricting and potential legal challenges, with Black lawmakers vowing to fight proposed changes to Missouri’s congressional map.

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Missouri Lawmakers Spar Over Redistricting

Black leaders in the Missouri legislature said Thursday they will oppose any attempt to redraw the state’s congressional districts, promising to fight in court if necessary. State Rep. Michael Johnson and other Legislative Black Caucus members labeled the move a partisan power grab by Republicans.

Missouri currently has eight U.S. House seats, with six held by Republicans. The effort targets the 5th District, a Democratic stronghold in Kansas City and Clay counties. The Missouri Constitution mandates redistricting after every census, but is silent on mid-decade map changes. Some Republicans disagree with redistricting now, but many are expected to support the initiative.

If lawmakers are called into session by Gov. Mike Kehoe, a legal battle over the constitutionality of new maps is likely. The last mid-census redistricting occurred following the 1964 Supreme Court "one person, one vote" decision. For more detail, see this report on Missouri’s redistricting debate."

AROUND TOWN

The Megan Meier Foundation will open its first permanent space in St. Charles on Aug. 13. The organization, founded after the 2006 suicide of 13-year-old Megan Meier due to cyberbullying, aims to support those impacted by online harassment through counseling and outreach. The new 910 Jefferson St. center offers free in-person and telehealth services, reflecting the foundation’s ongoing mission inspired by Megan’s story, which led to changes in Missouri’s stalking laws regarding electronic communications. Read more about the opening.

St. Louis native Matthew Tkachuk will appear alongside his father, Keith, and brother Brady as cover athletes for EA SPORTS NHL 26. The announcement marks the first time three family members will share the cover of the popular hockey video game, set for release later in 2024. EA SPORTS highlights advanced “ICE-Q 2.0” technology and NHL EDGE data in this edition, aiming to bring more realistic player performance, according to details from the official release.

ALSO READ

Schnucks Plans New Creve Coeur Store

Schnuck Markets will replace its longtime Creve Coeur grocery store with a new, larger location in the Olia Village development, just steps from 10650 Olive Blvd. The St. Louis-based chain announced the plan Thursday.

The new store, at 68,000 square feet, will nearly double the size of the 36,500-square-foot original, which opened in 1967 and is among Schnucks' oldest locations. All current employees will be transferred, and more staff will be hired. The store is part of the redevelopment of the former 96-acre Bayer campus. Read more via local outlet coverage.

QUICK HITS

Cardinals outfielder Victor Scott II shares how navigating the challenges and achievements of his second season has contributed to his ongoing development on the field.

St. Louis child care centers face ongoing staff shortages, financial challenges, and recovery efforts after a May tornado damaged about 40 facilities, impacting care for an estimated 20,000 children in the region.

St. Luke’s Hospital in Des Peres closed after less than eight years of operation, prompting 336 layoffs, with about half of the affected workers finding positions at other St. Luke’s locations, according to a spokeswoman.

City of St. Louis will award up to $3.5 million from Rams Settlement Funds as reimbursement grants for tornado relief expenses incurred by eligible non-profit organizations between May 16 and August 31.