Today’s top stories: SNAP food benefits halt for over 650,000 Missourians amid a federal shutdown; St. Louis Realtors unveil plans to close the Black homeownership gap; Gateway Arch’s 60th anniversary festivities; area schools vote on local tax and governance; plus Metro East’s construction career expo draws students.

MAIN STORY

SNAP Benefits Halted

About 650,000 Missourians will not receive November SNAP benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Missouri Department of Social Services said Monday. Missouri distributes Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits exclusively with federal funds.

The October payments went out as scheduled, but no funds remain for November. House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, D-Kansas City, and Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, R-Shelbina, agree the pause will harm families, but differ on the political solution. SNAP served 655,000 Missourians in fiscal 2024, with an average household benefit of $397, according to the Missouri Budget Project.

The state’s health department says it will continue processing applications and plans a rapid restoration of benefits after the shutdown. Officials recommend seeking local food resources during the delay. For more on the shutdown’s local impact, visit the government and politics update.

AROUND TOWN

Several St. Louis-area municipalities will hold local ballot elections on Nov. 4 to address taxes and governance. Bellefontaine Neighbors residents will vote on a 3% retail marijuana tax, while Clayton’s ballot includes changing the Board of Aldermen name and adopting gender-neutral language. Creve Coeur, Ladue, and Festus voters will consider local use taxes supporting city services. Vinita Park proposes a 0.25% sales tax, with operating levy votes in the Rockwood and Mehlville school districts. Sample ballots are available for St. Louis County and Jefferson County, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

More than 650,000 Missourians will lose food stamp benefits next month if the federal government shuts down. The looming closure could affect over 320,000 Missouri households, intensifying financial pressures on families already relying on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. State officials urge recipients to monitor updates through official portals as negotiations in Washington stall. If a prolonged shutdown occurs, Missouri hunger relief organizations anticipate increased demand, while advocates stress the need for congressional action to prevent widespread hardship. Read about the local impact of potential cuts.

More than 1,200 Metro East students attended the 25th annual Metro Construction Career Expo on Tuesday. The event, held at the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds through Thursday, allowed students from 37 schools—including Cahokia, Freeburg, Dupo, and Granite City—to observe hands-on demonstrations by carpenters, electricians, and sheet metal workers. Southern Illinois contractors highlighted a growing need for young talent due to retirements in skilled trades, emphasizing the sector’s urgent demand for new workers more info.

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St. Louis Targets Black Homeownership Gap

St. Louis Realtors released Reimagining St. Louis: Increasing Black Homeownership this week, outlining steps to address decades-long inequities in the city’s housing market and broaden access for Black residents. The report follows the group’s 2022 apology for discriminatory housing practices.

National data show Black homeownership rates have dropped to 43.9% in 2025, compared to 74% for white homeowners, mirroring persistent gaps across St. Louis. The new report urges investment in education, partnerships with financial institutions, and more transparent practices to build generational wealth. Read more about local efforts to close the gap.

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Gateway Arch Marks 60 Years

St. Louis’s Gateway Arch will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a series of public events starting Saturday, Oct. 25, despite a federal government shutdown.

Community groups raised funds to reopen the Arch for the festivities temporarily. Activities include a builders’ tribute, fireworks, and performances, with the main celebration on Tuesday, Oct. 28. The Arch, completed in 1965, remains a key symbol of the “Gateway to the West.” Event details and ticket information are available online.

QUICK HITS

U.S. Figure Skating Championships will bring elite skaters, including Olympian Jason Brown, to Enterprise Center in St. Louis January 5-11, 2025, as the city hosts the nationally televised event.

Mayor Cara Spencer announced that the STLRecovers Outreach Center, now open at 4401 Natural Bridge Ave., will connect May 16 tornado victims with in-person support, home repairs, and debris removal services.

Clark-Fox Family Foundation launched the Trick or Tree campaign, inviting St. Louis children to collect donations for replanting trees after May's tornado, with funds supporting Forest ReLeaf's citywide reforestation efforts.

The Sauce podcast features Neon Greens owner Josh Smith, who discusses growing three acres’ worth of hydroponic lettuce in 800 square feet, farm-to-table innovation, and the Grove salad spot’s design-focused, community-driven approach.

First Ladies of St. Louis will host the Fifth Annual Health Empowerment Seminar on Nov. 1, 2025, at Greater Grace Church in Ferguson, offering free screenings, vaccinations, and health resources for area residents.