Good morning, St. Louis. Today, Missouri's insurance chief urges relief for storm-hit homeowners, a court ruling allows abortions to continue, and the Boeing strike delays local jet deliveries. Plus: a new data center decision, big pushback on redistricting, and a sports bar championing women’s athletics in Maplewood.

MAIN STORY

Insurance Director Urges Storm Relief

Missouri’s top insurance regulator on Monday called on insurers to stop canceling policies for homeowners still recovering from spring storms that hit St. Louis and other parts of the state.

Angela Nelson, director of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance, released a bulletin after reports that some companies had terminated coverage for consumers still making repairs months after the storms. The department did not name the insurers involved but said affected policyholders must be given a reasonable time to complete repairs. Insurers are legally allowed to cancel policies but must provide at least 30 days’ notice with a reason. The department’s enforcement powers include revoking an insurer’s license to operate in Missouri.

Homeowners who encounter difficulties are encouraged to contact the state’s consumer hotline or visit insurance.mo.gov. Read more details about policy cancellations and local homeowners in the full story on storm recovery and insurance issues.

AROUND TOWN

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen announced it will not support a tax abatement for a proposed data center near the Armory. At a public meeting on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, board members, residents, and development representatives discussed the project at 500 Prospect Avenue, with the board citing concerns about the use of public incentives. George Stock, with Stock & Associates, addressed community questions. Next steps for the project remain uncertain pending alternative financing or avenues of city support. Read more about the board’s decision.

Opponents of Missouri's congressional redistricting have raised $2.6 million to challenge the new maps. The campaign seeks to place a referendum on the state ballot, aiming to overturn boundaries approved by lawmakers in 2022 after contentious legislative debate. Prominent donors back the initiative, reflecting wider dissatisfaction with the redrawing process. Judge Steven Ohmer said he will review the evidence before issuing a ruling, and the case’s outcome could shape Missouri’s electoral landscape for years.

The Sports Bra, a sports bar dedicated to promoting women’s and girls’ athletics, will open in Maplewood in early 2026. Franchise owners Heather Hill and Sara Pilsner, childhood softball teammates, lead the Pilsner Hill Group LLC in bringing the Oregon-based brand to 7344 Manchester Road. The venue will feature women’s professional, collegiate, and local teams, and partner with women-owned businesses for menu offerings. The bar’s expansion marks its first entry into the St. Louis region.

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Missouri Abortion Ruling

A Missouri appeals court ruled against Attorney General Andrew Bailey, allowing abortions to continue in the state as of Thursday, March 27, 2025. The court sided with abortion providers after Bailey sought access to Planned Parenthood's patient medical records.

The Missouri Supreme Court also unanimously stated Bailey "jumped the gun" in bypassing the Court of Appeals during his latest challenge. Legal disputes over abortion rights in Missouri remain ongoing, with another decision on a ballot measure to repeal abortion rights expected to be appealed. For more, see details on the court’s decision.

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Boeing Strike Delays Jet Deliveries

Unionized Boeing workers in St. Louis have been on strike for 10 weeks, with no new bargaining sessions scheduled. The ongoing labor action is delaying deliveries of F-15EX fighter jets, affecting deliveries to the Portland Air National Guard Base this year and international deliveries in 2026.

Labor experts highlight rising pressure on Boeing, especially after recent scrutiny over the company’s safety record. Despite mounting calls from figures like Sens. Josh Hawley and Bernie Sanders, the St. Louis strike has received less national attention than last year’s Northwest machinists strike. Read more about the strike’s broader implications in this in-depth interview.

QUICK HITS

The Sauce podcast features award-winning baker Lia Holter, owner of Made. by Lia in Florissant, discussing her debut cookbook, business journey since 2012, and holiday baking tips for the current season.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra announced additional artists and special guests for its two-concert Chuck Berry tribute on October 17 and 18 at Powell Hall, as part of the CHUCK100 centennial celebration presented by the Regional Arts Commission.

St. Louis CITY SC expects to install 11 mini-pitches through its CITY Futures program by summer 2026, expanding free soccer access and education for underserved youth ahead of the men's World Cup.

I-44 westbound will close at I-270 this weekend in St. Louis County, according to transportation officials, impacting drivers from Friday night through early Monday for roadwork and improvements.

Betty Wrigley, a 98-year-old Collinsville woman known as a “Rosie the Riveter,” received the Congressional Gold Medal on Monday for her work repairing warships at the Puget Sound Navy Yard from 1943 to 1946.