Today’s top news: St. Louis revives minority and women-owned business programs; Dorian Johnson, Michael Brown witness, shot and killed; artists bring hope to tornado-affected Delmar; Missouri faces construction delays from worker shortages; and new EPA food-waste initiative debuts at Scott Air Force Base.

MAIN STORY

City Resumes Minority Contracting

Mayor Cara Spencer announced Friday she will restart St. Louis’ paused minority and women-owned business enterprise (M/WBE) contracting program, following months of suspension amid reported federal threats to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The program resumes under Executive Order #91, which Spencer signed after a press conference.

Officials say the new framework, drafted in collaboration with the Atlanta-based law firm Griffin & Strong, aims to address legal concerns by setting project-specific goals rather than uniform targets citywide. President of the St. Louis Development Corporation, Otis Williams, said this shift strengthens the program’s legal standing. Some, including Aldermanic President Megan Green, initially questioned the pause but now support the revised approach.

The city plans to draft a new M/WBE ordinance with the Board of Aldermen, with the goal of passage by November. For more background, read about the Mayor’s decision to restart minority contracting.

AROUND TOWN

Worker shortages are cited as the primary reason for construction delays in Missouri, according to a new study. An industry survey of construction companies revealed that many firms also face challenges from tariff issues and enhanced immigration law enforcement, compounding project delays across the state. The study highlights ongoing hiring struggles as a barrier to meeting building demand, with industry representatives calling for policy discussions to address workforce gaps and regulatory pressures affecting the construction sector in Missouri.

Scott Air Force Base piloted the new EPA program Feed It Onward, distributing 40,000 pounds of produce. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Frey Farms CEO Sarah Frey launched the national food-waste reduction initiative on Friday, delivering surplus watermelon, sweet corn, and pumpkins to military families. Recipients claimed all produce within 30 minutes. The program aims to combat both food waste and military food insecurity, which affected approximately 25% of active-duty families in 2019.

Missouri lawmakers are considering changes that could make it harder for citizen-led ballot petitions to pass. During a special session next week in Jefferson City, proposed reforms would require initiative petitions to win a majority in every Congressional district, instead of just a statewide majority. Supporters, such as Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, argue that this would protect the Constitution from frequent amendments, while advocacy groups warn that it could disenfranchise voters. If approved, Missouri voters could decide the changes in 2025. Read more details about the ongoing debate and legislative process here.

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Dorian Johnson Shot, Killed

Dorian Johnson, who witnessed Michael Brown’s 2014 death in Ferguson, was shot and killed Sunday morning near the site of the original incident, Ferguson police said. The shooting happened around 8:30 a.m. on Abaco Court.

Police confirmed one suspect is in custody and that false rumors about police involvement have circulated. Johnson had remained a public figure since witnessing Brown’s killing by officer Darren Wilson, including speaking at last year’s 10th anniversary memorial. Johnson sued over the 2014 stop and shooting, but an appeals court dismissed the case in 2019. The current homicide investigation is ongoing.

Read more about the investigation

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Artists Bring Color to Tornado-Hit Delmar

Dozens of local artists gathered on Saturday in the Delmar Maker District to paint boarded-up businesses that are still reeling from the May 16 tornado. Their “Paint the Way Home” event aimed to inject new hope and vibrancy into Legacy Plaza East.

Lisa Potts of Delmar Main Street said the nonprofit has raised $100,000 to aid the area’s recovery, but more support is needed. Twenty-nine artists are transforming 20 storm-damaged boards with images of hope and resilience. Residents and visitors are encouraged to support local businesses and stay informed about recovery developments through local news coverage.

QUICK HITS

Legacy of Patriots hosted the Miles of Memories 5K on Saturday in St. Louis to honor fallen service members and support grieving military families.

St. Louis County residents remain concerned about potential gas leaks after a North County explosion injured several people and damaged more than 24 homes, despite recent incidents being resolved within hours by Spire.

Florissant Valley Fire Protection District firefighters camped on a rooftop in Old Town Florissant this week to raise $1,500 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, with donations supporting research, therapy, and community programs.

A Great Gospel Musical by Joel P. E. King, featuring local vocalists and dancers, will be performed live at The Grandel Theatre in St. Louis on September 27 at 3 p.m.