Hope everybody had a great Labor Day weekend! Let’s dive in…

In today’s newsletter: Tower Grove Farmers Market marks its 20th season, health experts highlight prostate cancer disparities, and a Labor Day rally protests Missouri redistricting plans. Plus, Lufthansa adds more Frankfurt flights, Wildwood debates tax incentives, Rosh Hashanah honey cakes, a Maplewood fire, community updates, and Cardinals news.

MAIN STORY

Tower Grove Farmers Market Turns 20

The Tower Grove Farmers Market in St. Louis marked its 20th season this year, with vendors and shoppers gathering every Saturday at Tower Grove Park. Organizers celebrated two decades during the annual Harvest Festival.

Since its inception, the market has evolved into a weekly tradition, providing a platform for local farmers and producers to connect with their neighbors. Market manager Chris Geden said many shoppers return each week, forming strong bonds with vendors, who often stay for years. Vendors like Autumn Sij described the market as a place where customers and sellers become “more like family,” emphasizing the event’s community focus.

Organizers plan to continue the market rain or shine and aim for further growth in future seasons. For more information about upcoming events and market hours, visit the Tower Grove Farmers Market website.

AROUND TOWN

Lufthansa will expand its nonstop St. Louis–Frankfurt flights to five times per week from June 2026. St. Louis Lambert International Airport announced a seasonal increase, running from June 1 to October 20, following a 94% summer 2024 load factor since the flight launched in 2022. No flights run in February due to seasonal aircraft rotation, and Lambert had not offered nonstop European service since 2003 before Lufthansa's service.

Wildwood officials are considering their first-ever tax incentives for a new apartment and retail project in Town Center. The proposed development, led by Lux Living and partnered with Asprient Properties and STL CityWide, includes 188 rental units and commercial space on Main Street. City council members debated whether the tax breaks would spur growth or challenge Wildwood’s no-incentive history. Public hearings and a council vote are expected later in 2024, amid heightened scrutiny over future urban development. Read more about the debate and project details.

A St. Louis honey cake campaign is connecting the community just in time for Rosh Hashanah 2025. Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 17, volunteers with Women’s Philanthropy, Jewish Family Service, and the Jewish Community Center will deliver “bags of love” — honey cake and holiday treats — to homebound seniors and care facility residents. The initiative, which includes participation from adults with developmental disabilities, emphasizes tradition, support, and inclusion rather than just baking, organizers say. Registration for volunteers remains open.

ALSO READ

Prostate Cancer Rates Show Stark Racial Gap

Black men in St. Louis are dying from prostate cancer at more than twice the rate of white men, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Despite falling national rates, Missouri’s Black male residents continue to face high diagnosis and mortality rates.

Recent attention on links between alcohol and cancer highlights the need for awareness, but experts urge St. Louisans to address existing racial health disparities. Local researchers and advocates are urging the community to seek information, consult with healthcare providers, and advocate for equity. Learn more about local efforts to reduce the gap.

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Labor Day Protest Targets Redistricting

Hundreds of protesters and labor unions marched through Clayton on Labor Day, opposing President Trump's support for a mid-decade redrawing of Missouri's congressional maps. Demonstrators rallied in Shaw Park following Governor Mike Kehoe's call for a rare redistricting special session.

Estimates placed turnout between 300 and 1,000 people. Critics warned the effort could split Democratic strongholds, especially Congressman Emanuel Cleaver’s Kansas City district, which opposed Trump by 23 points in 2020. Labor groups and Democrats argue the move sidesteps the usual 10-year census cycle and endangers recent worker protections. Learn more about the redistricting protest."

QUICK HITS

St. Louis County NAACP condemned Governor Kehoe's call for a special legislative session, opposing proposed Missouri congressional redistricting and ballot initiative changes that the organization says threaten voter representation and majority rule ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Cardinals starter Sonny Gray described his frustration after Monday’s game, saying he “felt good” physically but was disappointed by the results on the mound.

Marine Villa Neighborhood Association restored a long-dry fountain at Jefferson, Chippewa, and Broadway after five years, while continuing beautification projects and planning a new community garden to open near South Broadway by September.

Vito Adamo, a 91-year-old usher at Busch Stadium, has served for decades as the beloved guardian for MLB umpires during St. Louis Cardinals games.

Asador Del Sur restaurant in Maplewood saw customers and staff evacuate safely around 10 p.m. Saturday when a fire prompted a multi-city emergency response and caused part of the second floor to collapse, but no injuries.