Today’s top stories: Hundreds rally in East St. Louis against the federal shutdown; Bernie Sanders urges Boeing to end the St. Louis union strike; Tim Wiggins names must-visit local bars; a public health alert for Coldwater Creek; and updates on school closures, recreation events, and St. Louis developments.

MAIN STORY

Shutdown Protest in East St. Louis

Workers from the American Federation of Government Employees, joined by U.S. Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-Springfield) and Wesley Bell (D-St. Louis County) rallied Thursday outside East St. Louis’ federal courthouse, urging an end to the government shutdown that began Wednesday. They called for guaranteed pay and continued services for the more than 25,000 federal employees in the St. Louis area.

The shutdown, the first since 2018, started after Congress failed to pass a spending agreement. Congressional Republicans are seeking a short-term funding resolution, while Democrats are demanding an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits, warning that without such measures, health care premiums will increase next year. Federal workers from departments such as the VA, Social Security, and TSA emphasized the shutdown’s hardship on employees and their communities.

Negotiations in Congress continue, with no clear end in sight. Read more on the shutdown’s local impact.

AROUND TOWN

A towboat guided barges up the Mississippi River between Alton and Grafton, showcasing vibrant fall foliage. The scene unfolded on Friday, October 27, 2023, along the iconic Great River Road, as the bluffs' autumn colors drew sightseers and photographers. This stretch is popular for its seasonal scenery and supports critical river commerce; barges routinely transport agricultural products and goods throughout the Midwest. River conditions and visibility remain favorable, according to the latest navigation updates.

The American Federation of Teachers Local 420 criticized a proposal to close 37 St. Louis Public Schools at a Wednesday summit. Fewer than 100 people attended the meeting at Vashon High School, where union leaders and speakers from Chicago argued for investing in neighborhood schools instead of shuttering them. The closures stem from financial pressures, including declining enrollment, costly repairs, and damage from tornadoes. For more context, see the district closure proposal details.

St. Louis County issued a Public Health Alert on Thursday regarding higher cancer risks associated with Coldwater Creek. The Department of Public Health warned that people who lived, worked, or spent time in designated North St. Louis County, St. Louis City (ZIP 63147), and St. Charles County (ZIPs 63304, 63341, 63368, 63367) areas face increased lung, kidney, colon, and breast cancer risk due to past radiation exposure. Eligible residents may be entitled to free screenings and potential compensation under the recently expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. Health officials urge the public to stay informed and utilize available resources; read more about the health alert and compensation eligibility here.

ALSO READ

Sanders Urges Boeing to End Strike

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders called on Boeing to resolve the ongoing strike with the International Association of Machinists (IAM) District 837 in St. Louis. Sanders issued a letter on Wednesday to Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, urging the company to provide fair terms to union members.

The strike began on August 4 and has continued for months, as negotiations with a federal mediator continue. Sanders highlighted differences between the St. Louis contract and those secured in Washington state, and he criticized Boeing for terminating health insurance for striking workers. IAM leaders say they are ready to reach a fair agreement. Read more about Sanders’ letter and union negotiations.

ALSO READ

Tim Wiggins Highlights Top St. Louis Bars

St. Louis cocktail expert Tim Wiggins, co-owner of several local bars and founder of Bangers Only consulting, has shared his 10 favorite drinking spots across the city in a new spotlight released this week. His picks range from established icons like Planters’ House to new neighborhood favorites such as Stew’s Food & Liquor.

Wiggins, who consults with many St. Louis restaurants, says each bar brings unique energy and style to the local scene. To view his full list and insights, readers can explore his top bar recommendations published this June."

QUICK HITS

St. Louis Recreation Centers will host free family-friendly activities on October 7, 2025, as part of National Night Out, including swimming, dance parties, and an outdoor movie night across participating city sites.

CBC senior running back Vic Williams has rushed for 722 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, helping the Cadets to a 5-0 start after recovering from an ACL injury sustained as a freshman.

The Ely Walker Lofts sidewalk hole on Washington Avenue in downtown St. Louis has remained unfilled for 8 years due to disputes over responsibility. Still, property owners now say repairs are scheduled soon after lengthy negotiations.

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins must revise the proposed ballot language for a constitutional amendment to ban most abortions after a Cole County judge ruled his summary fails to clearly inform voters about repealing existing abortion rights.