Business briefs
UMSL launches leadership institute
The University of Missouri-St. Louis is launching a new Leadership Institute aimed at expanding executive education and workforce development efforts across the region.
The institute will serve as a hub for leadership training, social impact initiatives and professional development programs for business, nonprofit and community leaders, according to the university. Existing programs, including the St. Louis Coro Fellows Program and NextGen Leaders Program, will operate under the new structure.
Reggie Hill, UMSL’s vice chancellor for strategic enrollment and career advancement, said the initiative is intended to connect emerging and established leaders with leadership training, networking opportunities and workforce-focused programming tied to regional economic needs.
Racial Healing fund awards tornado grants
Seven St. Louis organizations will receive a combined $70,000 in grants to support ongoing tornado recovery efforts in North St. Louis, leaders of the St. Louis Regional Racial Healing + Justice Fund announced.
The one-time crisis response grants were awarded to 314Oasis, 4theVille, Action St. Louis, Black Healers Collective, Dream Builders for Equity, Chosen For Change and St. James AME Church. Fund leaders said the groups were selected for their work organizing cleanup efforts, distributing resources and supporting residents after the May 16, 2025 tornado that heavily damaged parts of North St. Louis.
The grants are intended to help organizations cover operational costs, expand programs and respond to community needs. The fund, launched in 2020 through a partnership that includes Forward Through Ferguson, supports racial healing and community-led recovery efforts across the St. Louis region.
United Way launches summer volunteer guide
The United Way of Greater St. Louis has launched its annual Summer Volunteer Guide, an online directory connecting residents with volunteer opportunities across the St. Louis region.
The guide includes more than 330 opportunities posted by 96 nonprofit organizations in Missouri and Illinois, ranging from mentoring and tutoring to neighborhood cleanups, food distribution and veteran services. Users can search opportunities by location, age group, interests and skill set.
The volunteer database also includes virtual and do-it-yourself service projects for youths, teens and families throughout the summer months.
Dellwood advances turf field project
Dellwood officials broke ground Tuesday on a new artificial turf football field at Dellwood Park, part of the city’s voter-approved “Dellwood Renaissance” initiative aimed at expanding public recreation amenities.
City leaders said the field will support youth sports, school programs and community events. Officials also said few area municipalities currently offer publicly accessible turf football facilities.
Mayor Reggie Jones described the project as part of Dellwood’s broader effort to continue improving city amenities and recreational infrastructure.
Supporters say the field could expand opportunities for regional athletic events while strengthening the city’s parks and recreation system.
Missouri cuts fresh fruit incentive funds
Missouri lawmakers approved a state budget that eliminates funding for a program designed to help low-income residents buy fresh fruits and vegetables, even as state leaders push new restrictions on using food assistance benefits for soda and candy purchases.
The budget approved last week removes funding for Double Up Food Bucks, which allowed participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to stretch their benefits when purchasing fresh produce at grocery stores and farmers markets.
Supporters said the cuts could reduce access to healthier food options for families already facing rising grocery costs while also affecting farmers and retailers that participated in the program.
The funding reduction is scheduled to take effect July 1.