Today: SLDC board votes on North City grants, C2N Diagnostics announces major St. Louis expansion, and education leaders warn of potential school funding shortfalls. Plus: Scout’s restaurant opens in Midtown, health care contract impacts Missouri patients, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville reports enrollment gains.

MAIN STORY

SLDC Board to Vote on North City Grants

The St. Louis Development Corp.'s board will vote on Wednesday to revive the North City grants program, its first round since interim head Otis Williams took charge earlier this year.

Williams said Tuesday the agency is reviewing all previously submitted applications and expects to resolve the backlog by November or December. The board could approve four grants this week, aimed at repairs, capacity building, and business growth in St. Louis' most underinvested communities.

The program’s future drew scrutiny after Mayor Cara Spencer replaced former SLDC head Neal Richardson, citing concerns about the agency's vetting process. Read more details about the board's vote and the program's history in this full report.

AROUND TOWN

Dinner at the Loft, known for its communal supper club events, will open Scout’s this fall in Midtown. The permanent restaurant at 2704 Locust St., formerly Nexus, marks an evolution for co-owners Brandon Panosh and Elliott Brown, who also operate The Biscuit Joint nearby. Scout’s, spanning 1,800 square feet, will seat about 100 and feature New American cuisine with Italian-Mediterranean influences, a robust non-alcoholic beverage menu, and several distinct dining areas; pop-up events will precede a late October or early November launch. More details are available through Scout’s restaurant announcement.

“Tape it at 3” became a St. Louis television staple thanks to Show Me St. Louis. Executive producer Jordan Palmer’s phrase encouraged families in the pre-DVR era to record the program, which highlighted local people and stories since its 1994 launch. Viewers are invited to the 30th Anniversary Special September 5, airing at 10:00 a.m. on KSDK with the second half available on the 5+ app. Readers can subscribe to the Show Me newsletter for local lifestyle updates.

Thousands of Missouri patients faced out-of-network care after contract talks failed between MU Health Care and Anthem. Approximately 90,000 central Missouri residents, including Amy and Allen Frank, faced disrupted access and confusing paperwork after the health system and insurer failed to renew their contract in April. The months-long impasse reflected broader national trends in hospital-insurer disputes fueled by rising costs and consolidation, often leaving patients in limbo until lawmakers intervened and a deal was reached retroactive to April 1. Read more at Missouri Independent.

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C2N Diagnostics Expands in St. Louis

C2N Diagnostics plans a major expansion in St. Louis, investing millions, relocating its headquarters, and tripling its operational size to meet rising global demand for Alzheimer’s diagnostics. The move to the Cortex Innovation District is scheduled to begin in late 2026.

The company will occupy 82,451 square feet at Catalyst, Powered by WashU, and expects significant job growth. C2N’s expansion benefits from the Missouri Works program and ongoing collaboration with Washington University. Learn more about the expansion and economic impact, and visit c2n.com for company details.

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School Funding at Risk

Education leaders in St. Charles and Jefferson counties warn that a new Missouri law could threaten a significant source of public school funding. The law, recently enacted, is raising concerns among officials about potential budget shortfalls in their districts.

The impact could affect classroom resources, staffing, and program offerings for thousands of students. Districts are evaluating the law’s effect while preparing contingency plans. To see more on the debate and possible implications, visit the article on school funding threats in Missouri.

QUICK HITS

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville reported a 7.7% enrollment increase this semester to 12,813 students, reversing a years-long decline and outpacing national higher education trends.

Metro Transit workers' union has been placed under external control due to "corruption or financial malpractice," according to recent developments involving union oversight.

Dr. Fredrick Echols urges early prostate cancer screening and candid health discussions, citing that Black men face a 70% higher diagnosis rate and twice the mortality risk compared to white men.

St. Louis City SC conceded three early goals and was unable to recover, falling 3-2 to Houston at Energizer Park for its third consecutive loss.

East St. Louis football star goes viral after Michigan coaches call him during an Ohio State game, drawing national attention ahead of a key recruitment decision.