Today: Over $8.5 million paid to St. Louis-area residents exposed to nuclear waste; Missouri History Museum announces Mill Creek Valley exhibit; Jefferson County Salvation Army pantry reopens after fire. Plus, a local restaurant supports EBT users amid the shutdown, court arguments over redistricting, and tips for viewing the northern lights.

MAIN STORY

St. Louis Area Residents Receive Radiation Compensation

Several months after Congress expanded the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) in July, 176 claims totaling $8.57 million have been approved for residents in 21 Missouri ZIP codes impacted by Manhattan Project waste, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The program, which compensates people harmed by radioactive waste from nuclear weapons testing and uranium mining, was revived this summer after expiring in June. Although Missouri residents are receiving payments of up to $50,000, some advocates continue to push for more ZIP codes to be included. St. Charles County and the St. Louis County Library have hosted information sessions, helping thousands document residency and apply. Advocacy groups like Just Moms STL say hundreds more in the region are awaiting approval.

RECA will expire again in 2027 unless reauthorized. Activists hope expanding the law further will benefit more people affected by nuclear contamination. Read more details on who qualifies for RECA and how to apply.

AROUND TOWN

Joe Jo’s Fish & Chicken in St. Louis is offering half-price meals to EBT cardholders during the 2025 government shutdown. Owner Byron Hayes launched the discount on Nov. 12 after hearing about cuts to SNAP funding, aiming to support customers facing sudden reductions in food assistance. SNAP recipient Carol Williams called the gesture “a blessing” as community members lined up for affordable meals. Similar efforts have emerged citywide as residents navigate the immediate impact of the shutdown on food security. Learn more about the program here.

Rare aurora borealis displays are lighting up the skies over Missouri and Illinois due to intense geomagnetic storms. The vibrant pink and green lights, stemming from recent solar coronal mass ejections, were most visible in rural areas Tuesday night but may reappear after sunset Wednesday, though visibility could be limited to cameras. Experts note these storms occasionally disrupt technology, including satellites and power grids. Readers can maximize viewing and photo opportunities by heading away from city lights and following photography tips. For a chance to be featured, submit your best images to [email protected].

Attorneys debated the constitutionality of Missouri’s mid-decade congressional redistricting on Wednesday in Cole County Circuit Court. Representing plaintiffs, attorney Chuck Hatfield argued that the Missouri Constitution requires redistricting after each federal census, criticizing the legislature’s unprecedented action. Solicitor General Louis Capozzi countered, claiming the state can act unless the Constitution expressly prohibits it, framing the issue as political. Judge Christopher Limbaugh did not rule, with appeals widely expected. A related lawsuit challenging the referendum process is set for Thursday. Full details here.

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Mill Creek Valley Exhibit Announced

The Missouri History Museum will open a new exhibit on November 15, 2025, exploring the lost Mill Creek Valley neighborhood, once home to almost 20,000 residents in mid-century St. Louis. The 5,000-square-foot showcase aims to restore Mill Creek’s erased history through stories, images, and artifacts.

Mill Creek Valley, demolished during the 1950s urban renewal, was a hub for Black entrepreneurship, faith, and civic life. The exhibit will feature rarely seen film, oral histories, and personal collections. Museum leaders emphasize community voices and continuity as central themes in telling Mill Creek’s story.

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Salvation Army Pantry Reopens

The Salvation Army of Jefferson County reopened its food pantry Wednesday morning, nearly one year after a fire destroyed the facility on Telegraph Road. Within hours, about 100 people lined up for groceries and essentials.

The rebuilt pantry now offers expanded space and a "client choice " model that lets shoppers select items they can use. The reopening comes amid increased demand, with some first-time clients citing reduced food stamp benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown. The Salvation Army urges ongoing community support as more families seek assistance.

QUICK HITS

NABJ-St. Louis will honor four veteran journalists and media professionals at its annual Living Legends Honors on Saturday, supporting scholarships for metro-area high school students interested in journalism.

Solar storms brought colorful northern lights to St. Louis and other unexpected areas, with forecasts predicting more sighting opportunities in the near future.

High school athletes of the week were recognized for performances in multiple sports across St. Louis-area schools for the week of June 6, according to coach and fan nominations.

Ameren Missouri disconnected more than 129,000 Missouri households in 2023 for nonpayment, highlighting the growing energy affordability crisis and spurring calls for a statewide low-income utility rate to protect vulnerable families.