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🌱 Patch AM: When and where SSM’s next free food distribution will happen

And on the St. Louis Patch calendar - MOONY'S WILLIAM TRIMTOE TOUR

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What's up St. Louis! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • When and where SSM's next free food distribution will happen
  • Why iconic St. Louis pub O'Connell's is planning its final farewell
  • How St. Louis moved 168 residents and what housing cuts mean next

Also on today's calendar: Third Degree Glass Pumpkin Patch and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What day of the year is trucker's day? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A p.m. t-storm in spots, with a high of 94 and low of 70 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Hot, temps: high: 95, low: 69.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, warm and humid, with a high of 86 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. SSM hosts food distribution in South City amid rising food insecurity (firstalert4.com) — A free SSM Health food distribution in south St. Louis just served more than 200 households and highlighted how many local families are still struggling to afford groceries. With about one in six Missourians facing food insecurity, SSM plans four more distributions this year, including one Nov. 19 at St. Mary's Hospital in nearby Richmond Heights.
   

2. Another St. Louis institution is closing: Why O'Connell's Pub is saying goodbye (firstalert4.com) — O'Connell's Pub, a 65-year St. Louis favorite on Shaw Avenue, is preparing to close as rising costs and changing dining habits make the business unsustainable. Owner John Parker hopes to stay open through St. Patrick's Day 2027, inviting longtime customers to visit and say goodbye while he can still keep the doors open.
   

3. St. Louis leaders call Mark Twain relocation a model for future housing crises (kmov.com) — St. Louis officials and nonprofits have successfully relocated 168 former Mark Twain Hotel residents into new housing, avoiding a mass displacement downtown. Leaders now warn of looming federal housing cuts, rising rents, and the need for more affordable units, while planning a public town hall next month on local housing and winter shelter solutions.
   

4. South Grand CID retracts letter asking businesses not to give water to homeless people (kmov.com) — South Grand businesses in St. Louis are rethinking how they respond to homelessness after the local Community Improvement District retracted a controversial letter discouraging them from giving food or water to unhoused people. Following public backlash, advocates and an alderwoman gathered outside the CID office, pushing for more compassionate responses and a broader city plan to address safety, sanitation, and public health needs.
   

5. Position announcement: Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (lcms.org) — Concordia Seminary in St. Louis is recruiting a new faculty member to lead evangelism formation and help oversee vicarages and internships, with applications preferred by Oct. 5. The role is open to ordained pastors in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod or partner bodies who have significant outreach experience and at least five years in a congregation.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Tilsen Turns a Real-Life Breakup Into Bittersweet Alt-Pop Catharsis —Lauren Sanchez Read on Patch

Ok St. Louis! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: 10-4, good buddy! (Thank you Jean H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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