Federal compensation for north St. Louis County radiation exposure is closer to reality as Congress considers expanding RECA eligibility. Today’s newsletter tracks this legislative development and its potential impact on local families.

MAIN STORY

Radiation Aid for North County Nears

Federal compensation for residents exposed to radioactive contamination in north St. Louis County is closer than ever, following its inclusion in a comprehensive Congressional budget bill this March. The move, led by U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, would extend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to Missouri, covering sites like Coldwater Creek, the West Lake Landfill, and Weldon Spring.

Previously, similar measures passed the Senate but failed in the House. Hawley says the current approach—embedding RECA expansion within a must-pass budget bill—makes rejection less likely. If passed, the change could provide financial help to Missourians suffering from cancer or other illnesses linked to nuclear waste from federal weapons projects. Advocates such as Just Moms STL co-founder Dawn Chapman remain wary but optimistic, citing support from groups in multiple states.

Next, the budget bill must clear the Senate and gain final approval in the House. See more on RECA and local cleanup efforts.

AROUND TOWN

Nippon Steel’s purchase of U.S. Steel will not change Granite City operations for two years, but union leaders remain uneasy. As announced on Wednesday, Tokyo-based Nippon Steel Corporation acquired U.S. Steel, promising no capacity reductions at Granite City Works until at least 2026. United Steelworkers Local 1899’s Craig McKey noted that neither blast furnace is active, and union contracts expire in September, fueling worker anxiety. Elected officials seek at least $500 million in future investment at the 128-year-old plant, which employs 850 workers but has suffered recent layoffs. SunCoke Energy is still pursuing a potential blast furnace purchase, while community leaders warn that mill instability threatens the wider Metro East economy. Read more about the Nippon Steel acquisition and local impact here.

McBride Homes paid over $10 million to Builder’s Bloc, resolving liens but continuing legal disputes. The St. Louis County homebuilder acted Wednesday after a court declined its request to prevent the contractor from filing liens against its homeowners, aiming to shield buyers from further legal entanglements. Though payment clears liens, McBride emphasized the action does not settle ongoing allegations of fraud and unpaid work, with both sides maintaining lawsuits. See details and ongoing updates.

The Argentinian tragicomedy “Most People Die on Sundays” spotlights the steep financial costs of death for middle-class families. The film, directed by Iair Said, plays at the Webster Film Series June 21-22. It explores a Jewish-Argentinian family’s grief and money worries as they handle two overlapping losses. Through dark humor and dry wit, the movie follows David, a drifting expat, as he reconnects with his family and gradually shoulders emotional and practical burdens.

Tornado

Northside Tornado Fund

Invest STL plans to distribute $3,000 checks to at least 1,300 north St. Louis households after a tornado on May 16 severely damaged about 1,350 buildings. The Northside Resilience Fund has raised more than $2 million toward a $4 million goal for direct cash aid.

The group’s effort targets residents whose homes received “red tags” for severe damage. With FEMA rebuilding aid capped at $43,600, and city and state aid still pending, Invest STL leaders say flexible cash is vital for recovery. The Ville neighborhood and nearby areas will receive special focus. Read more about the aid effort.

JUNETEENTH

Juneteenth Parade Unites Ferguson, Dellwood

Hundreds celebrated African American history and culture during the Juneteenth parade from Ferguson to Dellwood on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The event featured dance teams, a marching band, cheerleaders, and local organizations.

Notable participants included boxing champion Evander Holyfield as grand marshal and city officials like Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones and County Council Member Rita Heard Days. The parade ended with festivities at the Dellwood Recreation Center, highlighting community pride and tradition. See photos and highlights from the parade for more.

QUICK HITS

St. Louis Cardinals secured an 8-6 victory in extra innings over the Chicago White Sox on Thursday, completing a doubleheader sweep with key contributions from Nolan Arenado, Lars Nootbaar, and Willson Contreras.

Sumner High School has boosted enrollment by 60 percent and raised its graduation rate for African American students to 92 percent in recent years. However, it now faces a temporary closure due to tornado damage, and district leaders are emphasizing a commitment to reopening.

On Wednesday, Brentwood officials coordinated with federal agencies to round up 19 Canada geese from Brentwood Park, citing health, safety, and environmental concerns related to an increased goose population.

FreightWeekSTL 2025 brought together Illinois and Missouri transportation leaders to highlight record infrastructure investments, cross-border collaboration, and shared priorities advancing the St. Louis region’s growing role in national freight movement.

Clayton opened Remembrance Park downtown on June 18, 2025, to honor contributions from its historic Black community and other groups whose impact has historically been overlooked in city history.

GENERATING BUZZ

The St. Louis community is buzzing about Atlanta-based Zaxby's plans to expand into the region with up to 20 new locations, introducing fans to their signature Chicken Fingerz™ and a variety of sauces. Locals discuss the potential impact on the local food scene and competition with existing chicken spots. Some express excitement over the brand’s arrival, while others debate how it might shape St. Louis’s dining landscape. See what your neighbors think about Zaxby’s big move if you missed out on this flavorful conversation. Check it out. 

ON THIS DAY

First Large-Scale Community Picnic at Forest Park. On June 20, 1875, just weeks after Forest Park officially opened, St. Louis citizens organized one of the city's first large-scale community picnics in the new park. Hundreds gathered for games, music, and communal meals, helping establish Forest Park as a central hub for public gatherings—a tradition that would shape the city's social life for generations.