Good morning, St. Louis. Today: city officials propose major school redevelopments, St. Charles County plans a vast new park, and thousands risk losing SNAP benefits. Plus: Max Scherzer’s World Series start, new THC drink rules, Ameren aid for nonprofits, and key updates from local education and community events.

MAIN STORY

SLDC Proposes School Redevelopment

The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) proposed on Monday to purchase and redevelop two long-abandoned school buildings—Cleveland High School and Marshall Elementary—during a Saint Louis Public Schools (SLPS) real estate meeting.

Marshall Elementary has been vacant for 22 years, and Cleveland High for 19 years. SLDC offered $200,000 for Marshall and $300,000 for Cleveland, planning to invest $3 million to turn Marshall into a mixed-use development. Representatives said American Rescue Plan Act funds would support both projects and acknowledged greater redevelopment challenges in Cleveland, including accessibility issues and ongoing security concerns.

The SLPS board has not yet voted on the proposal. SLDC representatives reported receiving verbal support from Alderman Shane Cohn for the Cleveland High purchase. The board will consider the proposal further in future meetings. Read more about the redevelopment proposal.

AROUND TOWN

St. Louis native Max Scherzer will start Game 3 of the 2025 World Series for Toronto. The three-time Cy Young Award winner’s appearance on Monday in Los Angeles places him alongside former Cardinals pitcher John Tudor as one of the few St. Louisans to start a World Series game for multiple teams, according to local coverage. Scherzer, 40, previously pitched in World Series games for Detroit and Washington, extending his already significant postseason legacy.

A new report estimates Missouri could see $75 million in annual THC beverage sales if regulations are established. THC drinks like seltzers are legal but unregulated statewide, with no age restrictions or government oversight, according to Beau Whitney's 2024 industry report. Law enforcement and legislators cite public health concerns, while brands argue for age-gating and clear packaging rules. State lawmakers failed to pass a regulation, and a U.S. Senate debate on a federal ban looms, increasing uncertainty for Missouri producers.

Ameren’s Business Social Services program offers cash incentives to nonprofit organizations for energy efficiency projects through December 2026. The initiative, which began in 2019, has aided more than 330 customers like Peter and Paul Community Services and Mission St. Louis, according to program manager Kenny Blair. Eligible nonprofits must provide social services to low-income Missourians and consent to the submission of applications on their behalf. Ameren says participants have saved $2 million annually since launch. Interested groups can learn more or apply via Ameren’s Business Social Services Incentives page. Read more.

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800 Acres to Become New Park

St. Charles County officials announced plans to turn 800 acres of wetlands into the county’s newest public park. The site, located near the Mississippi River, was acquired earlier this year and will offer outdoor recreation space.

The property is one of the most extensive undeveloped tracts in the area and provides habitat for a variety of wildlife. County leaders say the project will also help protect against flooding. Final plans for amenities and public input sessions are expected in the coming months. Learn more about the park acquisition details here.

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SNAP Benefits at Risk

Thousands of Missouri and Illinois families could lose access to federal food assistance if the government shutdown continues into November, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Without new congressional funding, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be distributed starting November 1.

About 650,000 Missourians and 2 million Illinois residents rely on SNAP, which supports over 40 million people nationwide. With the shutdown entering its fourth week, local food banks and grocers expect rising need. Officials urge residents to donate and volunteer. Food prices have increased 3.2% in the last year, compounding concerns.

QUICK HITS

Parents of Cardinal Ritter College Prep football players are demanding an investigation and threatening legal action after Massillon police pepper-sprayed 23 student-athletes following a game in Ohio, with attorneys citing concerns about racial bias and use of force.

Friends and colleagues of late Post-Dispatch reporter Nick Pistor gathered at St. Louis City Hall last week for the unveiling of the Nicholas J. C. Pistor Memorial Office, commemorating his pursuit of press access, though the space remains exclusive to the daily newspaper.

St. Louis unveiled a historical marker at Lydia D. Buder Park North on October 18, 2025, to commemorate John Buckner’s 1894 lynching, promoting community reflection on racial violence and supporting local reconciliation efforts.

Cole County Circuit Judge Cotton Walker ruled that Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ ballot summary labeling a Missouri constitutional amendment as “limiting parental choice in education” is sufficient, requiring only a minor drafting correction.

General Candy Co., a family-owned business in Tower Grove South, will celebrate 101 years in 2025 by continuing to supply vintage and trending sweets to St. Louis shops and residents.