Washington University cuts jobs amid grant losses; Sheldon Concert Hall unveils $11M renovation; National Weather Service continues forecasts during shutdown; Nathaniel Reid Bakery expands again; Saint Louis Zoo welcomes Komodo dragon; Boeing strike enters week nine; tributes and local updates round out today’s top headlines.

MAIN STORY

WashU Announces Job Cuts

Washington University is cutting staff positions across multiple departments, aiming to save more than $52 million annually as federal research grant funding declines. Chancellor Andrew Martin announced the reductions in a letter to faculty and staff on Tuesday.

Nearly 90% of WashU’s federal grants support medical research, with significant losses at the Medical Campus and the Central Fiscal Unit. Officials say that every $1 million in federal grants typically creates 11 local jobs, meaning the cuts could ripple through St. Louis’s economy. Some local leaders warn that this will affect everything from research progress on diseases such as Alzheimer’s to local businesses that rely on university staff.

University administrators say the staff reductions are now complete, but they will continue to evaluate operations for further cost-saving measures. For more details, visit KSDK’s coverage of the WashU cuts.

AROUND TOWN

Nathaniel Reid Bakery in Kirkwood is expanding for the third time since its 2016 opening. The award-winning French-inspired bakery at 11243 Manchester Road will annex an additional neighboring space to increase production capacity and fuel creative projects, according to chef-owner Nathaniel Reid. Fueled by consistent customer demand, the bakery recently earned a 2025 James Beard Foundation semifinalist nod for Outstanding Bakery. More details about the expansion are available here.

The Saint Louis Zoo unveils a new Komodo dragon habitat this month, featuring 6-year-old Charlie. Arriving from the Bronx Zoo under the Komodo Dragon Species Survival Plan, Charlie is the first of his kind at the zoo in over 12 years, with the Herpetarium undergoing extensive renovations, including a solarium tailored for his needs. Visitors can see Charlie during Boo at the Zoo Oct. 16-18 and regular hours beginning Oct. 20.

Hundreds of Boeing machinists rallied in Hazelwood on Wednesday as their strike entered its ninth week with no settlement. Union and labor leaders, including Seattle’s IAM District 751 and its president Jon Holden, pledged solidarity and financial support as members cheered a proposed $32,000 strike check. Negotiations stalled Monday, with both sides disputing who ended the talks, and no further sessions were scheduled. Boeing claims its proposal offers a 45% average wage increase, but union members say these figures are misleading. Senators Bernie Sanders and Josh Hawley criticized Boeing during a National Labor Relations Board hearing, adding political pressure as both sides remain at an impasse and mediators remain unavailable due to the government shutdown.

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Sheldon Unveils $11M Renovation

The Sheldon Concert Hall and Galleries celebrated the completion of its $11 million renovation with a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday at its Grand Center location. Updates include an illuminated marquee, an improved entrance, a new bar, and a redesigned gallery space.

The renovation, led by Trivers, is the venue’s first major update since the 1990s. The Sheldon hosts over 100 events for nearly 100,000 visitors each year. Leaders say the changes, funded by $9.1 million raised so far, highlight the organization’s role in the neighborhood’s arts scene. Learn more about the renovations and upcoming season.

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Federal Shutdown Impacts Weather Service

Most National Weather Service operations, including daily forecasts and emergency alerts, will continue during the federal government shutdown that began Wednesday. Essential staff remain on duty without pay until the shutdown ends, according to the Department of Commerce.

Nonessential NOAA activities, such as research projects and social media updates, have paused. Earlier staffing cuts mean some forecasting offices are short-staffed and launching fewer weather balloons. The shutdown also stalls hiring for 125 approved positions. The National Flood Insurance Program expired Tuesday, preventing homeowners from securing new or renewed coverage.

QUICK HITS

Eden Theological Seminary dedicated its community garden in Webster Groves as Pat's Place on Tuesday, honoring tornado victim Patricia Penelton and continuing her nearly 40-year legacy of feeding and serving St. Louis neighborhoods.

Francis Howell High School officials identified and had a custodian arrested after he admitted to writing racist graffiti targeting African Americans, prompting calls for more action from the NAACP and local advocacy groups.

Missouri Department of Conservation reported more than 150 invasive "mystery snails" found in Lake Minesa, Marshall, cautioning that the fast-reproducing species can harm native snails, clog water systems, and transmit disease to humans.

William L. Clay Sr., Missouri’s first Black congressman and a longtime civil rights leader, died at 94 after more than 30 years representing St. Louis in the U.S. House.

Iveland Elementary School hosted its annual Hispanic Heritage Festival in Overland, celebrating the diverse backgrounds of its approximately 400 students, 30% of whom come from Spanish-speaking households.