Good morning, St. Louis. Today’s top story covers ongoing frustrations over delayed tornado relief funds and the city’s plan for distributing millions from the Rams settlement to impacted neighborhoods.

MAIN STORY

Tornado Relief Funds Delayed

More than two months after an EF3 tornado struck St. Louis, residents are urging city officials to accelerate the release of $18 million in recovery funds from the Rams settlement. At a Board of Aldermen committee meeting Wednesday, residents expressed frustration about the slow rollout and continued storm debris.

City officials outlined a phased plan for releasing the funds, with $2.1 million already launched for supply distribution and $5.75 million for emergency grants to nonprofits starting next week. City Recovery Chief Julian Nicks said additional tranches totaling $10.15 million will be disbursed by September for disaster management, legal aid, mental health, and home repair. The full allocation includes $30 million in accrued interest, but $12 million for housing and debris removal has not been officially committed.

Some residents said the city has failed to deliver on debris removal promises, while others called for monthly public updates. Read more about the latest tornado recovery at this link.

AROUND TOWN

Boeing has issued a revised “final” contract offer to St. Louis-area machinists as a strike looms. After union members overwhelmingly rejected a previous proposal on Sunday, the new offer eliminates alternative workweek schedules, retains a 20% wage increase over four years, and includes a $5,000 ratification bonus that expires Sunday at 11:59 p.m. The proposal impacts over 2,000 defense aircraft employees at local Boeing sites, with negotiations ongoing as the contract’s expiration draws near. Full story here.

Delmar Maker District businesses, which recently reopened after a May EF-2 tornado, are experiencing a slow return of customers. Owners like Danni Eickenhorst report traffic remains about 30% below pre-storm levels, as many regular residents have been displaced by storm damage. Community-led fundraising and over $100,000 in aid have provided short-term relief, but business owners and nonprofits express concern about sustainability if customer traffic does not increase. Local leaders emphasize ongoing rebuilding as critical for long-term recovery. Read more about recovery efforts.

Blues at the Arch celebrates its 10th year August 7-10 near St. Louis’ iconic Gateway Arch. The free event features both local and national blues performers throughout the weekend on the Arch Grounds, continuing a city tradition linked to America’s musical roots. Music fans can learn more and check the schedule at archpark.org, with organizers expecting large crowds drawn by the series’ growing reputation for premier live blues.

ALSO READ

Minority Contracting Future Uncertain

St. Louis officials are considering ending a decades-old program that directed city contracts to minority- and women-owned businesses, following increased federal scrutiny of diversity initiatives under President Donald Trump. The city paused its CertifySTL program, launched in 2023, as leaders weigh a potential shift to “race-neutral” contracting.

A 2022 study found that minority- and women-owned firms received only 29% of city contract dollars from 2016 to 2021, short of the required 43%. City leaders and advocates continue to debate the program’s fate, seeking a legally defensible solution amid national policy changes.

ALSO READ

St. Louis Leaders Receive Improvement Report

St. Louis officials received the Change for STL Transition Advisory Report, which lays out short, mid, and long-term recommendations for improving city services, public safety, and economic development. The report was delivered to Mayor Cara Spencer and her administration this week.

Residents and city workers say challenges include bureaucratic delays and the need to address population decline, education, and business growth. The St. Louis Development Corporation is making increased visits downtown to engage businesses and residents. For more details, read the Change for STL report coverage.

QUICK HITS

Clayton School District will implement Anti-Defamation League anti-hate programming, including required staff antisemitism training and the No Place for Hate® initiative at Wydown Middle School and Clayton High School, beginning in the 2025-26 school year.

St. Louis-area hospital and clinic representatives warned at a roundtable convened by U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell that new Medicaid work requirements and funding caps may cause over 10 million people to lose coverage nationwide, triggering cost increases for Missouri patients.

Kingshighway Boulevard underwent a resurfacing and safety upgrade project funded by federal relief money, resulting in slower traffic. Supporters cited pedestrian safety, while some business owners expressed concerns over curb bump-outs and parking losses.

St. Louis' Black community rapidly mobilized to provide tornado relief after the May 16 storm, raising $350,000 through benefit concerts and assisting thousands of residents, as organizations and individuals continue to lead recovery efforts in north St. Louis.

St. Louis County Police Department safely corralled an alpaca walking along the median of Highway 367 earlier this week after an officer with the North County Precinct spotted the animal.