Today’s newsletter covers Spire’s approved gas rate hike, updates on the Boeing strike, the aftermath of May’s tornado and its impact on homeowners, and construction plans for a new agricultural education center. Catch up on SIUE’s enrollment news, Metro Transit union developments, and more top St. Louis stories.

MAIN STORY

Spire Gas Rates Rising

Spire Missouri customers will see their natural gas rates rise by about 10% starting October 24, following a decision by the Missouri Public Service Commission on Wednesday. The commission approved Spire’s $210 million rate increase, $79.5 million less than the company’s initial request.

For the average residential customer in eastern Missouri, monthly bills are expected to increase by approximately $8.21 per month. Spire said the rate hike will help cover investments in infrastructure upgrades and maintain safe, reliable service. The original proposal would have raised rates by 15%, but regulators lowered the approved amount after review. Spire noted that falling natural gas prices should moderate the total bill impact compared to last year.

The commission also oversees other local utilities such as Ameren. To learn more about the approved increase, visit the regulatory filing overview.

AROUND TOWN

Construction is set to begin soon on a new agricultural education center in St. Louis. St. Louis Public Schools announced the project, designed to broaden hands-on learning for students interested in agriculture, food, and natural resources. While a groundbreaking date has not been set, officials plan to welcome students by 2025. Funding is provided in part by grants and community partners. The center aims to boost enrollment in agricultural pathways and prepare youth for local workforce needs. Learn more about the project.

The St. Louis Development Corporation's board will vote on Wednesday to revive the North City grants program. Interim agency head Otis Williams said SLDC aims to process all existing applications by November or December, ending a months-long pause that began amid leadership changes following Mayor Cara Spencer taking office. The board will review four proposed grants targeting repairs and business support for the North St. Louis area. Read the full story from KSDK about the North City grants program’s return.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville reported a 7.7% enrollment increase this fall, marking a reversal of four years of decline. SIUE’s 12,813 students mark its first rise since 2019, in contrast to declining national trends. Retention rates from first to second year rose from 75% to 80% over three years, while early college enrollment jumped to 607 students. Despite a 17% drop in international student retention, programs in nursing, engineering, and business showed robust growth. Read more details from SIUE’s enrollment report.

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Boeing Strike Hits Fifth Week

Boeing St. Louis announced Wednesday that operations continue under contingency plans as workers entered the fifth week of a strike over contract negotiations. Nearly 30% of eligible union voters did not participate in the most recent contract vote, according to Boeing.

Company leaders said the current offer remains and should not be compared to deals in other cities, such as Seattle. No new talks with the IAM Union District 837 are scheduled. Striking workers lost their health insurance on Sept. 1, with the union pursuing alternate coverage. The union reiterated calls for better pay and benefits.

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Tornado Aftermath Spurs Speculator Rush

After a mile-wide EF-3 tornado struck St. Louis on May 16, devastating homes in neighborhoods like the West End, homeowners such as DeAmon White quickly faced aggressive offers from real estate speculators seeking to buy damaged properties. The tornado was part of a two-day outbreak, causing at least 26 deaths and damaging hundreds of homes across six states.

Experts warn that property investors often target disaster-stricken communities, especially where many residents lack insurance or legal titles. With federal aid slow to arrive, some St. Louis neighborhoods remain in ruins, leaving residents vulnerable to opportunistic buyers. For more on disaster-driven real estate trends, visit Missouri Independent.

QUICK HITS

Metro Transit workers' union has been taken over by its national parent union following allegations of corruption or financial malpractice, impacting bus drivers, MetroLink operators, and other workers in St. Louis.

Scout’s, the first permanent home for Dinner at the Loft’s communal dining concept, is set to open this fall at 2704 Locust St. in Midtown with New American, Italian-Mediterranean fare and approximately 100 seats.

East St. Louis football star went viral after receiving a call from Michigan coaches while attending an Ohio State game, highlighting ongoing recruiting battles between top Midwest college football programs.

Joy Petalers, a nonprofit that repurposes donated flowers into thousands of bouquets for St. Louis-area healthcare facilities, schools, and seniors, is marking its first anniversary with a fundraiser on Oct. 23 in the Hill neighborhood.

Dr. Fredrick Echols urges early prostate cancer screening and open health conversations, noting Black men face a 70% higher diagnosis risk and double the death rate compared to white men, according to recent medical data.